chapter SIX
I arrived at The Chapel a little after 10:00 the next night. The DJ played a softer set of music. I hoped to be able to talk to Bryn and learn something about Courtney. As I walked to the bar my spine tingled; Vittorio watched me from the balcony. I smiled, but continued to the bar. Let him come to me.
Bryn fixed a cranberry and tonic when I sat down. “Hi, Elena. You look like you’re breathing easier than when I saw you last.”
“I don’t know what was wrong with me last night.” I shook my head and sighed. The lack of Vittorio’s presence was why I breathed easier.
“Uh huh. Vittorio was your problem, and you know it.” She glanced at the balcony. “He’s been here since we opened at 8:00. Usually he’s not here before ten.”
“He seemed to have been here quite a while already last night when I went to talk to him.”
“That’s because it was his birthday. Tonight, he’s here for you.” She finished mixing a drink and poured it into a glass.
“Did he say that?” He didn’t strike me as the kind of guy to be open with his feelings.
“No, but I know things.”
“How?” Was she part of this supposed coven?
She delivered the drink, then returned to our conversation. “I’m a woman, silly. Don’t you ever just know something by instinct?”
“I guess so.” More often than most people did.
“And you’re here for him.”
“Whatever.” I hated to admit even to myself that she was partially right. I liked my life drama-free. Relationships always brought drama.
“Don’t lie. I see it in your eyes.” She stared at me, hard, daring me to deny it.
“How can it be so obvious when I won’t even admit it to myself?”
“Don’t worry, he won’t know. Unless you tell him. Again, I’m a woman.”
“Well, he can come to me. I’m not chasing him. I can wait all night.” As I said that, the air energized.
“Looks like you won’t have to,” Julia said. She lowered her voice. “You really did a number on him. He never approaches a woman. He doesn’t have to.” She turned away to wash some glasses that looked already clean.
“Elena.” My body tightened at that voice. “I am pleased to see you again so soon. I hope you are well?”
I had been until his voice turned my bones to rubber again. But I would be strong, unattainable. “I am. And you?” There. My voice didn’t shake at all.
He caressed my skin from neck to hand, ending with a gentle kiss on the back of my hand as he had the night before, sending shivers through my body. From the corner of my eye I saw Bryn watching us.
“I am splendid.” His gaze held mine, unwavering.
I took a sip of my drink. “Glad to hear it.” Again, voice even. Points for me.
“Would you give me the pleasure of your company upstairs?”
“Well, I was in the middle of a conversation with Bryn, but I’d be happy to join you in a while.”
I caught a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but it was gone an instant later. “I hope you are not too long, but I wouldn’t dream of tearing you away from girl talk.” He smiled, and any part of me that wasn’t yet rubber melted. He nodded to Bryn, who nodded back curtly, and walked towards the stairs.
I watched him walk away. The crowed parted for him. No joke. I forced my gaze back to Bryn when he disappeared up the stairs. “Ho-ly shit,” I muttered.
“You can say that again,” Bryn agreed, then left me to my thoughts while she helped other customers.
I didn’t want to be left with my X-rated thoughts just then.