AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"So, let's think about this. Tristano's a businessman. Have you tried to talk with him?"
I shake my head, thinking about his offer to work for him. His offer felt like more than managing the hotel. It felt… Heat burns my cheeks.
"Why are you bushing?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing, my ass. You like him." She pops up from the chair and sits beside me. "What are younottelling me?"
"He sort of…hit on me."
"What the fuck! That man is fine as fuckandowns half of New York City."
"He's Jeff’s 'friend.'" I air quote because I still think their friendship is sketchy. Jeff once called Tristano his confidant.
"Please tell me you’re part human.” Her teasing face makes me roll my eyes. “Do you know how many women would jump at the chance to acceptwhateverhe’s offering?”
"I'm not one of them.” The fact that I'm lying makes my skin crawl. I can't admit he lives in my dreams or that I've always had a crush on him.
Tristano isn’t a man you easily forget, wealth aside, he has a dark and looming presence that makes it impossible to forget.
"There's something about a bad boy." Casey sits back with a smile on her face. "What if this is your chance to do your own thing?"
I twist, looking at her. "What do you mean?"
Casey sits forward and grabs my hands. "You've always had to manage your folks. You went from college to running the hotel. You never had a regular life. Now you do."
"But without a job."
"No, without the responsibility of a freaking hotel. Go back, get your job, and figure it out like the rest of us."
Casey stands and smoothes out her skirt, and I notice something on her finger.
"What's that?" I point to the massive rock on her finger.
"Oh...this little thing." She holds up her hand, letting the light hit it.
"Damn, blind me, why don't you."
Casey laughs, and I pull her back down to the couch. I hug my cousin and best friend. "Wow, I'm so happy for you. When? How? Tell me everything."
"I'll tell you over dinner. But now it's your turn, Aurora."
"Time for what?"
"It's time to stop babysitting your dad.” She laughs. “No, for real. It’s time to think about yourself and what you really want now that the hotel’s gone."
"I'll try. But let's get out of here. I'm hungry, and I want to know all the juicy details."
"Let me go get my purse, and we can leave."
I nod, smiling as she leaves me alone with a lot to think about. My mind strays to Tristano again. I can't tell when it all started, but somehow, I'm attracted to him, but at the same time, I hate his guts. And I need my job back.
Looks like I'm taking Casey's advice, and I'll keep my eyes open for an opportunity to get the hotel back. This situation is so fucked up.Buta girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do.
3
TRISTANO
