Chapter 14 #2
I suspect the reason they’re both keeping an eye on me now is because of the powder keg of tension in the room. That tends to happen whenever the Greeks and Italians are forced to coexist.
“Men just like the idea of the stage personality.” I turn my attention back to my friends. “The real version is never quite as exciting.”
“She’s right.” Kenzie approaches, bumping her hip against mine. “If he likes you in feathers and sequins but not in leggings and a messy bun, then he doesn’t really like you at all. That’s our motto around here.”
“If that isn’t accurate, I don’t know what is.” Lucia laughs. “You must be Kenzie.”
“That’s me.” She does a performative little bow. “So weird when worlds collide. I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to meet Chantel’s other friends.”
“You should come out to the island sometime,” Abella suggests. “We can make a day of it.”
Kenzie and I exchange a glance, both of us clearly thinking the same thing.
“I would, but I think I fall into the mortal enemy category, since I’m aligned with the Greeks.
” She gestures across the room at Andreas, who’s watching her like he’s her own personal bodyguard.
“I just really have a thing for that scary-looking dude over there. But don’t let him fool you.
He’s actually very sweet when he wants to be. ”
“Oh.” Abella offers her an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I didn’t realize. I mean, I don’t personally have a problem with the Greeks, but—”
“Your husband isn’t exactly neutral,” Kenzie supplies for her.
“Yeah, that part.”
Angelo is the head of the family, and one glance at him confirms his feelings are clear. He knows who Kenzie is dating, and he doesn’t like that we’re all mingling together.
The Greeks and Italians don’t mix, even by association.
It’s a reminder that no matter how trivial they may seem, the boundaries are very real.
The Vitales and Stavroses have been feuding for so long, it’s ingrained in them to hate each other.
They take every opportunity to kick the hornet’s nest, which is why I’m not surprised when Ares strolls toward our little group.
“Ladies.” He dips his head as his lips tilt into a devilish smile. “Always a pleasure to see you. No doctor in the house tonight?”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re obsessed?” Abella sighs. “Mariella’s actually out on a date, if you must know.”
Storm clouds roll through Ares’s eyes. “Well, I hope she’s into necrophilia, because he’ll be a corpse before the night is through.”
“If you say so.” Abella smirks.
“Chantel, you put on a dazzling performance.” Ares glances at Cristian across the room as he leans closer and lowers his voice. “I always knew you’d be a good long-term investment. I just didn’t realize you’d be pure gold.”
“What does that mean?” I frown.
“Nothing for you to worry about.” He winks.
It’s at that moment both of the Vitale brothers appear with murderous intent in their eyes. Ares takes a proactive step back, holding up his hands in a gesture of innocence.
“I was just complimenting Chantel on the show.” He shrugs. “It was all above board. Scout’s honor.”
“The time for flattery is over,” Angelo says.
“So you can fuck off.” Cristian levels Ares with his gaze.
“Gold, indeed.” Ares whistles a happy little tune as he walks off, leaving his wake of destruction behind.
“We should probably get home,” Abella tells her husband. “It’s getting late.”
He nods, and I say a quick goodbye to Kenzie before the rest of us walk out together.
“Is Mariella really on a date?” I ask, surprised that Abella would volunteer that.
“Nope.” She laughs. “I just couldn’t help myself. The thought of Ares trying to hunt down an invisible man was too good an opportunity to pass up.”
“At least it will keep him busy for a while,” I agree.
We enter the parking garage and congregate around Angelo’s car, where the two men discuss business. Cristian still looks immensely displeased from our encounter with Ares, and I suspect I’m in for a chilly ride home.
“Hey.” Lucia elbows me. “You remember that hot guy from Eden After Dark?”
“Yeah?”
“He invited me to meet him there tomorrow. You have the night off, don’t you?”
I nod reluctantly, knowing Cristian won’t be happy with the idea. But then I get annoyed with myself, because when did I let him start dictating my life?
“Can we actually get in?” I ask, focusing on the logistical question.
“Yeah. He’s connected, so he can get us in. But my father said I have to bring a friend if I want to go.”
“Well, in that case, you can count me in.”
“Really?” Her face brightens.
“Yep. There’s only one way to see if he’s worthy of you.”
She gives me a quick hug, but neutralizes her expression when the men glance over at us. That’s probably for the best, because I don’t need Cristian intercepting our plan right now.
“Oh, Chantel.” Abella perks up. “We’re decorating the nursery on Sunday. You want to come out, and we can do brunch after?”
“Sure. Just text me a time, and I’ll be there.”
Angelo observes us with a stormy expression, and I suspect that, thanks to Ares, he’s questioning my presence in their lives. If he thinks for one second that I might start feeding Ares information, that will be the end of all my friendships.
That feeling doesn’t sit well with me, but somehow, I manage a smile as the girls pile into their car.
“Thanks for coming,” I tell them.
“We’ll have to do it again,” Serafina says. “It was fun.”
I nod, and Cristian opens the passenger door for me, but he doesn’t meet my eyes.
Tension lingers between us for the remainder of the silent drive home.
A chilly ride, indeed.