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All the while, I wait patiently for Roisin to acclimatize.
“You… bought out the entire place?” she finally manages to say.
I shrug. “It was the most effective way to ensure anonymity.”
“This is absolutely insane.”
“Thank you,” I smirk back. “Although I preferred it when you were telling me how devilishly handsome I look and how much you appreciate me.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I’ve ever commented on your appearance.”
“And the anticipation is killing me.”
The maître d’ reappears with the champagne, pouring the golden liquid straight into the crystal glasses. I order for us both quickly, watching as Roisin takes the opportunity to look around the room once more.
She’s still staring when the maître d’ disappears again.
“See something you like?”
A pretty blush fills Roisin’s cheeks as she tears her eyes from the decor. “It’s just stunning here.”
“It’s one of the oldest Italians in Manhattan,” I explain. “It’s traded hands a few times, but each has tried to maintain the standard of the original.”
“Did they ever dance here?”
I examine her curiously. There’s a light in her eyes that I haven’t seen since I caught her with Angus redecorating my house. “Would you like to?”
“Not right now,” she replies, picking up her glass and taking a healthy swig. “It’s just been a while. It reminds me of your ballroom, you know. The one with all the portraits?”
I cast my mind back to the day I found her wandering through the house. “I never used it for its intended purpose,” I admit. “But perhaps once the restoration work is complete, you’ll be able to show me how it’s done?”
Roisin’s face practically beams pure, angelic light. “You’re restoring the house?”
“As much as I enjoy showing off to beautiful women by buying out entire restaurants, there are quicker ways to burn through money.” I take a sip of my own champagne to allow Roisin time to register the compliment. “And you were right. It would be nice to redecorate in a way that matches my tastes.”
“I’d love to. Come see the ballroom, I mean.”
Something tugs on my heartstrings a little too painfully. “You’d be welcome any time.”
Her answering smile is just as painful, and as she sits back in her chair happily, I take a moment to manage my breathing. It’s like I’ve been suddenly hit with a wave of anxiety. I take another sip of alcohol to soothe my nerves.
“So what really happened with Eda?” I ask by way of changing the subject.
“She just wanted to apologize for the other day.” Roisin’s face drops with a sigh. “I think… I used to know her.”
My curiosity piqued, I press for more information. “You think?”
“When I overdosed, I lost a lot of my memory from that time.” Roisin offers nonchalantly. “She wants to rekindle whatever relationship we had back then.”
I take a moment to consider her words carefully before responding. “Is that wise? I mean, you said it yourself; it wasn’t exactly a great time in your life.”
“I think she might know something. I know it might sound crazy, but so much of my life has been turned upside down. If she can help me piece back together some of my memories...”
I offer her a reassuring nod. “Hey, it’s okay. It’s natural to want to feel in control of yourself.”
“I just don’t want to be blindsided every time Connor opens his mouth, you know?” Her vulnerability shines through her words.
I understand her desire for clarity and control perhaps better than anyone. “I get it. But maybe give it a few days? Eda can wait for her reunion; you need a minute to relax a bit.”
