“Yep! Dinner. I’ll pick you up at eight, then we’ll go get the girls together. See you in a couple days, buddy!” he says, tugging open the sauna door as he practically runs out, no doubt so I can’t change my mind.
“Wonderful,” I mutter to myself as the door shuts.
Sitting back on the bench, I kick my legs out in frontof me, crossing my feet at my ankles. My hands come to rest behind my head, elbows sprawled as I lean back and once again allow my eyes to close.
Only this time when I close them, I see piercing gray-blue eyes, dark hair, and a gorgeous, angelic face.
A face that belongs to my enemy.
Chapter 10
Vinnie
“Are you sure you can’t come today?” I ask Cecilia through the reflection of my vanity mirror as I put on my diamond stud earrings.
She’s behind me, fluffing the pillows on my bed, even though I’ve told her countless times she doesn’t need to do the typical tasks of a maid. Just helping me around the apartment is more than enough, but I’ve stopped arguing. She never listens anyway.
She stops mid-fluff to give me a pointed look. “Vinnie, you know I’d rather cut off my left tit than go to anagricultureluncheon. It’s a glorified homeowners' association meeting.”
“Essentially, yes. But at least there’ll be tea sandwiches and macarons.”
“Served with a side of drama,” she muses, taking a seat at the edge of my bed. “You’ll have to fill me in on it later.”
“Of course I will.” Turning in my chair to face her, I ask, “So, what am I wearing?”
Cecilia’s lips purse as she thinks about what’s in my closet. “It’s supposed to be warm and sunny today.”
“Yes, but the luncheon is on the rooftop terrace of Chez Quatre. It might be cool up there.”
“Still, you don’t want anything too stuffy. Oh, wait! I know!” She shuffles off my bed and rushes to my closet.
The metal hooks of the hangers scrape across the rod as she moves things around, and I take the spot she just occupied on my bed while I wait. Seconds later, she appears with three garments hung over her arm, and my brand new nude peep-toe Louboutin’s looped through her fingers.
She hands me my shoes as I stand to let her lay each piece of clothing down on the bed. Light pink cropped cigarette pants, a loose fitting three-quarter sleeved navy and cream button-up, and my navy blue fitted blazer.
It’s a little more business casual than I’d prefer, but I know I’ll be comfortable in it. It’s one of my power outfits—I can command a room and lead in this outfit.
Not that I’ll need to today, but at least I’ll feel confident, regardless of what this luncheon throws my way.
“Good choice,” I commend Cecilia, running my hand along the pants. “It’s been a while since I’ve worn these. I forgot I had them.”
“They’ll look lovely with the Louboutin’s.”
“Yes, they will. Thank you, Lia.”
I slip my robe down my shoulders while she returns to my closet, then dress myself. By the time she returns,I’m sliding my feet into my heels. Wordlessly, she walks out of the room while I finish getting myself put together.
Grabbing my phone off my vanity, I click the side button and see Raina has texted me.
Raina
See you soon?
In about an hour,I type, then push send. By the time Ross stops to pick up my mother, it’ll be about that long.
Leighton Paladino is notoriously late. She takes her time getting ready, wanting to present herself as picture perfect one-hundred percent of the time. Which isn’t a rarity for Manhattan women, but my mother has no regard for the clock.
Sending a quick text to Ross, I let him know I’ll be downstairs in a few minutes, and step out of my bedroom. Cecilia is finishing switching my handbags, putting everything in my powder blue Dior clutch.
