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“Believe me, Luka is the furthest thing from modest.”
“I really don’t deserve this much praise.”
“Take the compliment, Foster.”
Beside me, Charlotte giggles. “You two sound like an old married couple. Tell me, is she as sassy at work as she is at home?”
I chuckle. “It’s non-stop snark from this one.”
“I’m not that bad,” Aurora grumbles, shoveling a forkful of pasta into her mouth.
“Don’t worry. It’s your most endearing quality.”
“Being lippy?”
“Having the courage to say what’s on your mind,” I correct. “There are too many yes men out there. I respect people who tell it like it is. It’s the only way to ensure progress.”
Aurora smiles at this. It’s so sweet I feel my chest tighten.
“You know…” Charlotte begins slowly. “Since you owe her a huge debt and all for being so freaking fantastic, what are the chances of giving her a day off tomorrow? I mean, Mr. Boss man, sir.”
I arch a brow. “You need tomorrow off?”
Aurora shakes her head. “No, she’s just being silly.”
Charlotte huffs. “It’s to celebrate your birthday, dummy. I swear to God, you need to stop being such a workaholic.”
I glance at Aurora. “Your birthday?”
“Tomorrow. But it’s not a big deal.”
“I want to take her out again,” Charlotte explains. “I tried to take her out to this nice lounge downtown, The Red Orchid, butsomeoneditched me early.”
I almost grin. Ah, yes. I remember quite clearly why she left.
“Take tomorrow off,” I tell her. “You’ve earned it.”
She blinks up at me. “Are you serious?”
“When am I ever not?”
Charlotte squeals. “Your boss isamazing. I can’t wait!”
“Just don’t go to The Red Orchid again,” I state firmly.
“Why not?” Charlotte asks.
“Yeah,why not?” Aurora challenges. Even now, she’s still trying to get answers from me.
“I hear they have a rat problem,” I lie easily. “Try going to Velvet, instead.”
“You mean that really fancy club Leonardo Di Caprio was spotted at last week?” Charlotte says with a gasp. “I doubt they’d let us in.”
“Give my name at the door. I know the owner.”
While Charlotte appears thoroughly impressed, there’s nothing but suspicion behind Aurora’s eyes, ever the critical thinker. I like that about her. No pulling the wool over her eyes now that she’s caught a glimpse—overheard, more like—of my past. The more I dwell on the matter, the more I realize it’s going to be impossible to keep her away. Attempting to keep her at arm’s length is as futile as trying to blot out the sun.
We finish dinner shortly thereafter. It’s not exactly a Michelin Star meal, but it’s filling and surprisingly delightful. Aurora sees me to the door, peering up at me with a look I can’t quite decipher.
