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“Of course. Just let me know what day next week works for you, and we’ll get together again. As long as you have the time?”
“If I don’t have it, I’ll make it.” I kiss her on the forehead.
“And you’d better get your shit together, too,” Maria says as she pulls me into a hug. “I wanna meet Wren soon.”
“As soon as she’s ready,” I promise. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.” With a peck on my cheek, she pulls away.
I watch them weave through the tables and exit out the front doors. For the most part, my mom and Maria seem carefree and happy. I always planned on finding a way to make their lives easier, and I was determined to become a famous pianist to ensure it happened.
Most likely, I was delusional, but my heart was in the right place. And while I wasn’t able to provide for them financially on my own, Elliot jumped on the idea to help them.
With a sigh, I gather my things and head for the front of the restaurant. My focus is on not puking until I find the bathroom, which is probably why I don’t notice two men enter the dining room from the kitchen and approach me.
“Moore. What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here—especially alone.”
My blood runs cold at the all-too-familiar voice, but when I turn, I keep my smile bright.
Holloway is wearing his signature red leather jacket, and it causes dozens of memories to flash through my mind at once. For years, all we had was that damn name—Redback.His stupid jacket always reminds me of how long it took us to uncover his identity.
“Ludo. I could say the same.”
A large man is standing close to Ludo with his hands clasped in front of him. I recognize him immediately by the upside-down cross tattoo on his left temple. His long dark hair is pulled back into a bun, and most of his light skin is covered in other tattoos.
Fuck, I don’t remember his name.
“Not quite, considering I own the place,” Ludo replies.
“Oh! Last I knew, the Williams family owned it.”
He exchanges a glance with the man standing next to him, although I can’t decipher what it means. “You three really research thoroughly, don’t you?”
“One of our specialties.”
“Yes, well, as I’m sure you heard, the Williams family came to a rather unfortunate end a few weeks ago. I’m just doing my part in making sure their businesses stay running and profitable.”
Doing his part.That’s one way to put it.
“How much have you bought up?”
“Most of it,” he says with a greedy smile.
It makes sense. This was Ludo’s plan all along, although I imagine it took a shit ton of money. Unless he had other ways of obtaining the Williams’s properties and businesses.
“Congrats,” I say enthusiastically, even though the little food in my stomach has quickly soured.
“Thank you.” Ludo gestures to the man beside him. “This is Axel Holden, my right-hand man.”
“Pleasure,” Axel says with a tight smile.
Neither of us extend our hands, and I ignore the way he sizes me up. Instead, I say, “Well, Ludo, I wish you the best of luck with your new endeavors. I’ll see you around?”
“Of course. You’ll be at the wedding?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
After a nod goodbye, I turn on my heel and walk straight into the bathroom. Thankfully, it’s empty in here, so I let my composure fall the second the door shuts behind me.
