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“I will park the SUV. Call if you need anything, Ms. O’Brien.” He says as I close the door.
“Thank you.”
“Come on.” Tina pulls me.
The place is beautiful. This is the kind of place I would never be able to afford on my own. It isn’t crowded. I wonder if it’s why Viktor approved. He has been so particular with everything I do since he claimed me. Well, more than usual.
“Welcome to Lockhart, do you have a reservation?” The hostess asks.
“Tina Manarch.”
“Ms. Manarch, are all your guests with you?” Guests?
“Not yet. It will be another fifteen minutes.”
“Let me check if your table is ready.” She leaves.
“Guests?” I ask.
“I told you a few friends are coming.”
“You certainly did not.” There is a rising panic. Viktor only knows about Tina and me having lunch. I think that’s the only reason he agreed.
“I am sure I did. It’s just a few friends. Harmless.”
“Your table is ready. If you will follow me.” We get to a table. It has a dozen chairs. “Your waiter will come shortly. Enjoy lunch.”
“Tina, this is more than just a few friends.”
“Relax. It’s just lunch.” She adds as we sit. But I know better and things are good with Viktor. I decide to text him.
Ava: We made it to the restaurant.
Viktor: Thank you for the update. Enjoy your time with Tina. But not too much. I expect you home at a reasonable time
I debate if I should tell him but if I don’t Marco is sure to tell him. Better if it comes from me.
Ava: I should mention Tina has a few friends joining us. Last minute change she sprung on me
Bubbles appear and then nothing. I put my phone away. A few minutes later I see Marco walking in our direction. I am not surprised since I know he is Viktor’s spy. The waiter comes and Tina orders a pitcher of mimosa. She continues her conversation. I am really just half-listening. Twenty minutes later a group of people enter the restaurant and are directed to our table. It’s a mixture of men and women. This is not good. Definitely not good. Viktor is going to be pissed.
“Tina, I can’t stay.” I whisper.
“What do you mean?”
“He doesn’t like for me to be around men when he isn’t present. Especially if he doesn’t know them.” I whisper.
“They are just friends. Relax. Have a drink.”
They sit as Tina greets them. I am so uncomfortable. I can’t stop thinking of what Viktor would think if he knew. But I don’t have time to dwell since they dive into conversation. Appetizers are brought out. But it doesn’t deter the conversation. It only makes them talk louder as they eat.
“Ava, you are marrying the most eligible bachelor. How does it feel?” One of the women asks.
“It’s great.” I take a sip of my mimosa.
“I really thought he was going to marry Fiona. They were so in love.” I am transported back to the picture I saw in his home office when I first moved in. He was marrying her?
“How’s your boy toy, Nicki?” Tina asks.
