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After Sebastian leaves—inanother, drier bespoke suit—I luxuriate under the water for a while longer, Taking my time, slowly coming back down to earth, and trying to focus on my day ahead.
Whatever James is playing at, I need to figure him out.
Yesterday, I would have been certain I could charm the truth out of him, but now, I don’t know how much of his earnest behavior was just an act.
Who is he? And more importantly, what does he want with me?
I dress carefully, in a chic, modest navy dress and designer jacket, and take a cab to the restaurant he suggested. I pause outside, surprised by the location. It’s an expensive Italian place—not exactly a natural haunt for a penniless student.
“I’m meeting a friend for lunch?” I tell the hostess. “James Brooks.”
She checks her book. “Ah yes, you’re the first party to arrive. Please, follow me.”
I make my way after her across the dining room. It’s all decked out with blond wood, and white linens, and filled with snooty looking people.
Yeah, James isn’t selling the post-grad researcher anymore.
I take a seat, feeling a tremor of nerves. I hate walking into a situation like this at a disadvantage, but I’m not sure what else to do. Not with the specter of those photographs hanging over me, and somebody clearly stalking my every move.
Sebastian trusts me—for now. But if he discovers that I’ve been lying to him…
“Ah, good, you’re here.”
My head jerks up at the voice, and I find myself staring at a familiar face. But it’s not James sitting down opposite me.
It’s Sebastian’s uncle.
Richard Wolfe.
11
AVERY
I’m stunned.Of all the things I expected from this lunch, he definitely wasn’t on the list.
What the hell is going on?
My eyes dart around the restaurant for a moment, looking for James as I try to figure out what’s going on. Or Sebastian, about to come marching in to confront me. But they’re not there. It’s just Richard, who looks amused as he settles in his seat and gestures the waitress over, ordering wine and food for us both.
“… and the gnocchi, is it the black truffle in season. You like truffle, don’t you?” he asks, glancing over at me with a smug grin.
He’s putting on a show, I realize. Displaying just how casual and in control he is of this situation.
“The truffle sounds lovely,” I reply, just as casual, even as my heart races in my chest.
Focus, I remind myself, sipping my water, trying to figure him out.
Whatever game Richard is playing, I need to be one step ahead.
“Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” I tell him with a bland smile, as the waitress leaves us.
Richard gives a chuckle. “I’ll bet it is. Sorry yourfriendcouldn’t join us, but he’s served his purpose, don’t you think?”
So James was a plant, after all… But I didn’t see the whole picture. Richard was behind him, pulling the strings.
“And what purpose was that?” I ask brightly. “Providing some charming conversation? Setting up a few little photographs? I’m not sure what you were hoping for, but it’s hardly a torrid scandal. Will this take long?” I add. “I’m due at the salon at two.”
I see a flash of annoyance on Richard’s face.Aha. Hewashoping for more—that I would fall for James’ charms, and do something incriminating.
