Chapter 49 #2
“Perhaps just let the girl wander, Miss Autumn already got her revenge, darling,” Isaac says, smoothing his hand down her arm. “From spilling a latte on her to marrying Leo and being happy.”
“I love you, but not good enough,” Leanne rebukes and Isaac snorts laughter. I chuckle with him.
After the past year or so, Bailey was the least of my concerns. I am happy, even with hiccups here or there. Life was different and I had to move about the world differently, figuratively and literally, but I am happy where I ended up.
Chiari suddenly appears, and says, “Trix is about to give her speech.”
Right then, Trix and the event organizer get on the small stage, bringing conversations to a hush.
We all sit quietly as Trix talks, thanking everyone for attending and those who’ve donated to the center in hopes of its success.
Someone else talks about the future of the center, my mind blanking out at times as I blink and drink some water to help focus.
Except I can feel a migraine forming and a pinch up my spine.
I whisper, “Michael?”
Michael leans down next to my ear. “Yes, ma’am?”
“You have my medication?”
“Pain forming?” I nod, and he steps back to grab it.
“You, okay?” Leanne asks.
“Normal stuff, just something to help,” I whisper as another speaker comes to the microphone. Michael returns, putting some pills in my hand as I grab my water.
“Proud of you for not being as scared of medications to help you,” she murmurs, flicking her gaze to the front.
I give her a small smile, before knocking back the pills. A smidge of pain trickles over my spine, almost making the forming headache worse as I take another sip of water. I blame the noise and chaos. I’m here longer than I was at the gala, so maybe I’ve found my limit.
Trix comes back to speak again, smiling as she finishes and looks in my direction, “And lastly, I should fully thank the one for making this center happen.” Oh, shit.
“They’re the one who funded this entire project, who wanted to relieve stress for those who are less fortunate and to give people that chance.
” Oh, crud muffins. My entire body stiffens, knowing what’s coming as Leanne and Isaac snap their gazes to me.
“Not to mention, there are twenty new scholarships for students in the arts, history, and writing.”
“Or maybe this could be sweet revenge,” Leanne murmurs under her breath.
Trix gestures towards me. “Please help me give thanks to Mrs. Autumn Luciano.”
The crowd gives applause, people turning towards our table as Leanne and Isaac join in.
I remain seated, already hating this as I give a little wave.
Worry tightens over my skin, not wanting eyes on me as my chest constricts as I force a grin.
Chesty and Michael step a touch closer, and in the corner of my eye I see Mila moving towards the entrance.
I know Trix wanted to make sure I got the recognition for helping this place happen, but it doesn’t mean I don’t like the fanfare that comes with it.
A photographer comes by, snapping photos.
Someone else starts to approach, along with another to come over to greet me or likely ask about donations for their own projects.
I’ve heard about this song and dance with Leo.
An older gentleman tries to approach, and Chesty steps between with a short shake of his head.
“No conversations at this time,” he says.
“Oh, please, I’m one of the—”
“Mrs. Luciano, pleasure to have you—”
“Mrs. Luciano.”
I think I’m gonna black out. This is a nightmare come to life as my smile almost slips. My eyes swing to the front, and I see worry on Trix’s face.
Can I go back to being chased by mobsters? I’m allowed to hit them with skillets.
Trix starts to head back to the microphone, likely to pull attention back to her as worry gnaws at my stomach. My heart pounds, darkness edging around my vision. I look over my shoulder at Michael, who meets my gaze as I give a singular nod.
“I’m sorry,” he says, coming closer and helping me grab my crutches. “But Mrs. Luciano cannot answer any questions if you—”
There’s a sudden screech from the microphone, feedback splitting the noise. Everyone stops and there’s a hush as their attention is now on the stage again.
My heart almost stops when I see him standing there, relaxed in his usual black business attire.
His hands are loose in his pockets, expression neutral with a slight furrow in his brows.
Trix stands off to the side, relief on her face as Leo instantly takes command of the room.
His face becomes a hint stricter as all attention is given to the reclusive hotel mogul.
“My wife and I are humbled by your response,” he says in that collected tone of his.
“Her work in providing better and safer spaces for students is important to her, and myself. Education should be more readily available to those less privileged. My wife has a degree, but I do not. Learning comes in many forms, and for those looking for it at colleges such as this one should be given the ability to do so without fear. Without looking over their shoulders. Without worrying where to sleep or eat.”
His gaze comes over to me, and my heart flutters as I give him a soft smile.
“People should be able to create and learn while thriving, not surviving. We hope this is a start for better lives and futures. Thank you for your support, but all gratitude should be given to Patricia Fuller. It was her idea, ingenuity, resilience, and care that this is a reality. She’s the one who should be given all the praise.
” He nods at Trix, who comes forward. “Now, the crowd invading my wife’s space, step back immediately. ”
They listen, and damn do I wish I had that superpower.
Leo leaves the stage, Trix taking the mic again, but I don’t hear her as I just stare at Leo who expertly navigates the crowd. I notice two more guards at the entrance next to Mila as he approaches, making the rest of the people part from the table.
“We’ll see you, looks like your knight in shining armor arrived,” Leanne whispers, kissing my cheek as she and Isaac step away.
Leo strides over as I smile up at him. He places his hand on the table before me, leaning down to kiss me gently on the lips.
“You weren’t supposed to be here,” I say quietly.
Hazel eyes meet mine. “I couldn’t let you do this alone again.”
“Thank you.” I touch his arm, squeezing gently. “But I am starting to get pain flare-ups and would totally not be against being whisked away in your arms.”
“Very well, dear Watson.” He steps back, giving me room to grab my crutches. He remains close as we start to leave, except we’re stopped once more by people. Leo gives me a side glance, and I give him a small nod I’m alright.
He pauses only for a few conversations, Mila and Chesty staying close. Michael lingers on my other side. Leo’s much smoother at ending conversations than me. We’re close of escaping the masses, when he stops and asks, “Is that who I think it is?”
I follow his gaze to find Bailey and her parents approaching. Bailey almost gawks, but her expression changes when she looks me over. Annnnd now I’d like to punch the smugness from her face.
“Yup,” I grunt.
“Boss, would you like me to derail them?” Mila asks, sliding her narrowed gaze towards them.
“No,” he says low. “I think it’s finally time we have a conversation.”
My eyes go wide, looking over at Chesty who doesn’t look at all perturbed. Mila allows the man and his wife to approach, Bailey lingering behind as she pushes her chest out. I want to roll my eyes. Honestly, thinking she wouldn’t try with a married man was a fickle hope.
Bailey’s father introduces himself, attempting to shake Leo’s hand, but Leo doesn’t take the bait. He then introduces his wife, and then practically hisses at Bailey to come closer.
“Mr. Luciano, I’ve always been—”
“Bailey, do you still work at Blue Java Café?” Leo interrupts.
She blinks, instantly flirting harder with the routine I knew too well. Her smile is plastered on, fingers twirling through her hair, and she angles her body to show off. Good to know not everything changes.
“I do,” she says way too warmly. “I absolutely love getting to know people, and I certainly miss getting to know you.”
She’s fully ignoring me, and I almost want to groan at her.
“I’m not sure how you know each other,” her father says, glancing between them. “But yes, she’ll continue working while going to college for business.”
My brows raise. Business? That’s a plot twist.
Leo ignores him, talking directly to Bailey. “Are you still bullying your coworkers?”
His blunt question makes everyone pause. Michael stiffens, while her parents look aghast. Bailey’s father starts to argue, but Leo over talks him.
“Or harassing customers? Perhaps getting coworkers fired for petty, immature reasons while you fucked others in the back of the shop?”
Totally forgot I told him that, and now I fully remember doing so. And then shock hits me that Leo said ‘fuck’…in public…outside the mob.
Bailey’s face falls, reddening as she starts to glare at me. Her mother gasps, while her father sputters angrily, “Mr. Luciano, that is quite an accusation—”
“Your daughter sexually harassed me when I was a customer at the café,” Leo continues, and I have to concentrate on not staring at him next in shock.
“She also bullied, harmed, and got my wife fired even though she was a diligent barista for almost three years. Surely you would remember because you helped threaten the management to fire her, including not allowing your daughter to be reprimanded after breaking several health code violations by using the kitchen like it was her bedroom. All due to you preserving your name and stock attached to the café.”
I’m realizing now that I may have moved on, but Leo may not have. Then again, he didn’t get to dump coffee on her.