Page 44 of Red

“I can be patient,” she said, enjoying her dinner. The flavoring of the pot roast she’d ordered reminded her of Grams’ home cooking, and the easy banter between Nico and Ian relaxed her.

“I’ll be sure to test that theory.” Erik rejoined them and winked at her as he pulled his napkin from the table.

“I think you probably already have,” Ian mumbled and shoved a forkful of steak into his mouth.

“Important call?” she asked.

He ran his tongue over his teeth and shook his head. “Nothing to worry about.”

She left it at that, not wanting to sour the atmosphere with hostility. This was her life now. Good or bad, this was it, and she needed to find a way to fit into it without feeling like a size-eight foot squeezing into a size-six shoe.

Melinda finished her entree and then the champagne. She sipped the first wine Erik had ordered while Ian and Nico argued over the rules of blackjack. She couldn’t help but laugh at the little quips flying between the two, but in the end, Erik won out. He pulled up the rules on his phone and plunked it onto the table.

“There.” He pointed at the lit screen. “Ian’s right.”

Nico picked up the phone and scowled as he read. “Fine. Whatever.”

“Whatever, nothing.” Ian turned to Erik. “He’s not working on the floor.”

Erik huffed. “He can manage the waitresses.”

“I’m good with that.” Nico flashed a wide grin and returned his phone.

Melinda had never felt as though she was missing out on having siblings. Her parents were always attentive, and her grandparents had been the same way. She had friends in school, and she always enjoyed her books. But watching them and listening to their banter, she wished she had a sister. Someone who could help her navigate her future.

“The check’s been taken care of already, Mr. Rawling.” The waiter stood at his left side with his gloved hands clasped together and a slight bow at his waist.

Erik glanced at Ian and Nico. Both shook their heads.

“Mr. Bertucci called and took care of the bill. He said to pass on his congratulations over your nuptials. He regrets not being able to express them in person this evening.”

Melinda watched Erik’s expression harden more and more with every word the waiter said.

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to convey my appreciation.” Erik waved off the waiter.

Nico and Ian’s casual smiles faltered. Their expressions slipped into severe masks that matched Erik’s. Beneath the table, in the privacy of her lap, Melinda twisted her napkin into a knot.

“We should go.” Ian was the first to stand after the messenger left their table.

“I’ll take Melinda home. Ash Titon has something for me. The two of you go and pick it up.” Erik helped ease her chair from the table and cupped her elbow while giving his instructions.

Ian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue.

“Do we let on about Bertucci?” Nico asked, buttoning his jacket.

“No. Leave him out of this. We are staying clear of all of that. We don’t bring them into the fold unless it’s absolutely necessary.” Erik helped Melinda into her coat. A gentlemanly action, slipping her sleeves up her arms and fixing her collar for her. While ordering his brothers around, he still made sure she was taken care of.

“Got it.” Nico inclined his head toward Melinda. “See you at home. And congratulations on the book. Oh. And marrying this big lug.”

Ian grunted.

“I’m sure congratulations aren’t want she wants—a divorce is more likely the best wedding gift Erik could give her.” Ian downed the last of his drink and shuffled his coat on.

“Brotherly love.” Erik narrowed his eyelids, targeting Ian with his disapproval.

Melinda stepped closer to Erik. “I think people are waiting for the table.” She motioned to the crowd below.

“They can wait.” Erik kept his gaze on Ian.

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