Chapter 17 #2
We head for the elevators, and I glance at the clock. “Weird that therapy was later than usual,” I comment.
“Prefer early afternoon, instead of later?”
I hum. “Maybe just used to it.”
“Odd given you’re not entirely a morning person, depending on the day. And if you’ve had enough coffee.”
I give a playful smirk as the elevators come into view. The doors to the private elevator opens, and we both stop as Trix, Leo, Jameson and Carrie walk out. Isaac and I exchange a surprised look.
I start to ask, “Did you know…?”
“No.”
The most surprising thing is seeing Jameson and Carrie not arguing.
Trix smiles with Carrie as they talk, Leo being the only one who appears normal—furrowed brow with a stern expression. If he walked out grinning, I’d run back to catch Dr. Maxwell for another twenty minutes.
Trix beams when she sees me, touching Carrie’s arm before heading straight for me.
We hug as I slowly come out of my shock.
I peek over her shoulder to Carrie, who gives a pleasant, but business-y smile.
Her curly blonde hair cascades down, accenting her pale blue business suit complete with tight pencil skirt and black stilettos.
Stepping back, I notice even Trix is wearing her business attire of slacks and a fancy blouse.
Her braids have been pulled back into a bun.
“Didn’t know you were here today,” I say to Trix.
“Thought to surprise you, but Leo said you were in therapy. You just get back?”
“Uh, yeah.” She doesn’t need to know I have therapy in the hotel.
“Afternoon, Isaac. Heard your date went well,” Trix greets, smiling playfully while waggling her eyebrows. She’s in a great mood. Is the elevator magic?
Isaac clears his throat, blushing slightly. I hold back my smirk, seeing his light shyness around the subject. He answers, “Yes, it did.”
“Hi, Carrie,” I finally greet, waving my fingers.
“Hello, Miss Watson, hope you’re well.”
“You’ve met?” Trix asks, stepping back as Carrie steps forward. I forgot how much taller she is than me, not just because of the heels.
“We did when uh… the engagement happened.” Words feel stuck in my throat. I want to ask how Trix knows her, and how are they getting along?
I look to Leo for answers. Anything as to why I feel like I’m in a Twilight Zone episode. There’s someone on the plane!
Jameson speaks abruptly. “Yes, the last time Carrie spoke with Autumn, which were few words, it was her suggesting using their engagement like a reality show entertainment.”
Ah, there’s the Jameson I know and love.
Trix scrunches her face, glancing between me and Leo who’s now moving towards me. His hand is placed protectively upon my lower back as Carrie scrutinizes Jameson.
“I was suggesting how best to move forward in the public eye,” she counters.
“Just as I’ve done my best regarding Patricia’s ideas for the centers and combining it with the hotel for the greatest amount of success.
Or I could hand over the publicity to you for the promotional launch of the Golden Laurel. ”
“Golden Laurel?” I ask.
“The hotel opening in Boston,” Carrie answers succinctly. Her tone is borderline patronizing.
“Not my job,” Jameson mutters.
“Yet, you keep trying to do mine.”
“Anyways…” Trix interjects, flicking her gaze over the squabbling pair, “…we were discussing the two centers that the Italian Lily is sponsoring.”
Wait…the hotel is behind funding the centers?
Confusion must come over my face because Trix flicks her gaze to Leo then me.
“I thought you told her,” she says.
“I was, but it seems no matter what surprise I have for my…” his voice softens, the touch of his hand upon my back stilling before finishing, “…fiancé, I never end up being the one to tell her.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“It’s okay,” I say, leaning into his touch as his fingers caress over my shirt. “Just glad things are going well.”
“Yes, they are. Besides, Mr. Luciano is not one for discussing business with those in his personal life,” Carrie comments, beginning to step past me. “Informing you is just out of curtesy.”
A tiny prick hits the back of my neck.
A phone goes off, and Jameson pulls his out to answer. He gives Leo a look, then turns on his heel to get back onto the elevator.
“Intolerable man,” Carrie comments low, glaring at Jameson before turning back to Trix. “Patricia, it was a delight meeting you. I’m looking forward to working together. You’re a breath of fresh air. You could have a career in PR.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you in a week or so.” Trix smiles softly.
“Mr. Luciano, I hope you consider my suggestions. Mr. Morton.” Isaac barely gives her a nod in reply. Carrie walks away as her heels click over the marbled floor.
I’m half tempted to yell ‘bye!’ at her but decide against it.
Leo’s body becomes less rigid. I ask, “Fun meeting?”
“Not quite,” he answers.
“She’s persistent,” Trix comments, shaking her head. “Takes the heat off my back, but does she and Jameson always argue like that?”
“Always,” Leo and Isaac mutter together.
Trix hums, and then looks to me. “Getting the feeling you two don’t get along?”
“Don’t know her well enough to really say,” I reply. Trix folds her arms, nodding.
“I’m impressed with what you’ve done, Trix,” Leo says suddenly, wrapping his arm around my waist to pull me closer.
I lay my head against his shoulder, practically feeling the last of his tension vanish.
“I trust Carrie in what she does, but your ideas are more feasible without taking away from the mission statement you have for these centers. I’ll take them more into consideration going forward. ”
“Thank you.” Her expression sweetens looking between us. “Want to grab some dinner? Non-business like since Autumn’s back from therapy?”
Leo checks his watch, and then looks at Isaac with a frown. “Unfortunately, I have another meeting to attend.”
“This late?”
“Yes,” he answers promptly. “Why don’t you and Autumn enjoy dinner at one of the hotel restaurants? Comped, of course.”
“I’m beginning to think I may never have to pay for my own meals or drinks with you, Leo,” Trix teases, and I blink at how comfortable the two of them seem together. “Not complaining; just an observation.”
“So, I’ve been told,” he murmurs.
I tilt my head, smiling at him as I hear the mirth in his voice even with his face still stern. He meets my gaze, giving a faint smile. I ask, “Will you be late?”
“Hopefully not.” He bends to kiss me briefly upon the lips, humming a moment before pulling away. He gives his farewell to Trix, walking to the elevator with Isaac following in silence.
“Think Isaac left cause he didn’t want more questions about Leanne?” Trix muses once the doors close.
“Maybe,” I murmur, unsure of what kind of meeting it could be. I shake off the unease, turning my attention to Trix. “Where would you like to eat?”
She hooks her arm through mine as we head for the main stairway to go upstairs.
“You choose. I’d melt for this hotel’s food,” she laughs under her breath. “I remember Carrie mentioning she helped hire the best chefs in the city, and after that one dinner, I believe her.”
“I’ll tell Chef Giulia that.”
“Of course, you know their names,” she chuckles. I shrug. “Want to tell me your true thoughts about Carrie?”
“She’s good at what she does,” I say, shrugging. “Even if her ideas seem…well…”
“Uncouth?” I give her a knowing look. Trix sighs, “She knows what media outlets want, unfortunately it’s that. Her and Jameson really don’t get along, huh?”
“Pretty sure Leo would hire someone else, but since she’s not scared of him or Jameson to do anything to promote his businesses, well…not gonna replace her. I’m positive he likes her spine of steel.”
“As a woman, I appreciate that.”
“Carrie’s spine of steel?” I ask as we get to the elaborate stairs of the hotel that lead up to the next level.
“No, Leo. That his ego or pride aren’t fragile enough to be shaken because it’s not a man who brought up an idea.
Or even himself. Another positive side to the meeting today.
She’s ruthless, but he allows her to do her job.
On that note, could you and him continue being my benefactors for other projects? ”
“Don’t tempt me,” I laugh.
We’re halfway up the stairs when she pauses. Those warm brown eyes find mine as she smiles broadly.
“What?” I ask.
“Feels like the old days. You and me going to eat after therapy. It’s just nice. Some changes, but not too much, huh?”
I stare at her, slowly smiling back as I feel a bit of warmth grow within my chest. I nod as we continue up the stairs together.
It’d been a normal business meeting, which meant Leo finished in time to join Trix and I for dessert.
After dinner, Trix went home, and we spent the night at the hotel.
Today, Leo was booked with meetings and I occupied my time shadowing Bobby.
Early evening, Leo found me down in the break room with Bobby, collecting me to go home.
After both men gave each other curt nods, we left.
Leo seemed uneasy as we got to the car, Rudy and Chesty also quiet.
Pulling out of the hotel garage, I squeeze his hand twice.
He raises the divider, and I look at him wearily as he leans back with a long sigh.
“Check in,” I ask, running my hand over his thigh.
“Green. Check in.”
“Green,” I answer as he reaches into his pocket, pulling out his wedding ring and slips it on. I pull mine out from its hiding place and do the same. He holds my hand up, smiling faintly as he kisses above my rings.
“My dear wife.” His tone isn’t sad, but something tugs at me at the wrongness in it.
“Leo?”
“I had a call with Renato today.” My stomach sinks. “He believes Matteo is somewhere in Milan, but I don’t believe him. He refuses to use his own resources to keep watch or look for a ‘stupid, na?ve child’ as he said.”
Is it bad I can’t argue with Renato’s description?