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As soon as I walked in through the front door, Arman appeared as if he’d sensed my arrival.
He had an amused look on his face, a drink in one hand. “You’re late. Complications?”
“Let’s just say his girlfriend was difficult.”
“Mmm…” He walked closer, glancing at the scratches remaining on my face. “I can see that. You have a way with the women, my friend.”
“You’ve turned into quite the comedian.”
Laughing, he grabbed the bottle of champagne from my hand. “Zoe is in the music room. The concert I asked her to performis about over. Why don’t you take her the flowers when she’s finished?”
“I thought you were planning on doing that yourself.”
There was something disconcerting about the way he glanced in the other direction. “Unfortunately, I have a phone call to make.”
“Business, tonight? I’m surprised after all the fuss you made.”
He clapped me on the arm. “The fuss? I never make a fuss.”
While he laughed, I sensed there was something else going on. “Yeah, you do when it comes to your wife or children.”
“Okay. Guilty as charged, my friend,” he said, trying to act nonchalant. “However, as you well know, owning a business is a pain in the ass. The call is a necessity and one I can’t get out of. And the call might take some time. Make certain everything goes as planned. This party is important and I want Zoe to feel at home.”
“What’s going on, Arman? First, you had me take out…”
“Nothing. Stop worrying.”
“Uh-huh. Do you need me?” Important. He’d all but insisted Zoe come home for the summer or longer. I didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to know he was concerned she’d be made a target. However, he was keeping things close to the vest and that pissed me off.
“No. Assholes I can handle easily. Now, go be with my daughter. Make certain she’s okay. Just don’t leave her side. Do you understand?” The concern on his face was palpable.
“No problem. I won’t,” I told him, concerned given I had no clue about whoever he was having a conversation with. Heusually told me everything, bouncing off ideas and concerns. That he wasn’t now meant he felt he didn’t have a handle on the situation, something that he couldn’t stand. “Did something else happen you’re not telling me about?”
“Let’s just say that I refuse to be caught in a weak moment. Go. I can handle this bullshit.” He continued scanning the front door as if anticipating trouble would walk straight in.
I glanced over my shoulder, bristling. “Understood, Arman. I’ll make certain no riffraff bothers her.”
He lifted his glass in appreciation. “You’re a good friend.”
“Something for you to keep in mind,” I said, grinning, trying to lighten the mood even though I remained on edge.
“Very funny.”
“Have Francois and Louie arrived?”
“Unfortunately, Louie is locked in a tedious surgery, both kids sick with the croup, so Sara is stuck at home as well. Francois is here with Delaney and Edmee is without Zane, who couldn’t get a flight out of Paris where he’s conducting business due to a horrific weather system.”
“Still, it’s a full house.” The Thibodeaux family was my family as well, but there was something as odd as the night air about the way he’d mentioned who was here.
He grinned. “Only the best for Zoe. Everybody missed her. I’m thinking you included. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
My jaw was clenched tighter than ever. I watched him walk away, noticing Tony out of the corner of my eye. He headed toward me, his jaw as tight as mine as if he’d had an altercation.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as he approached.
“Reporters. There’s one that refuses to leave. I made the mistake of pushing her. It’s that Sandra something chick.”
“Let me guess. The folks Ms. Wells is working with caught your disagreement on camera.”
