“After I left the bar, I called to tell Mona Lisa, and she was more concerned about her husband than me. I was so mad; I went for a drive to clear my head.”
“Well, I was worried sick about my husband, so I don’t blame her.”
“Sorry, baby. My cell phone died, and I didn’t have a charger.”
She gave him a stern look. She was forever replacing his chargers. “What happened to the charger I put in your SUV?”
He faked an innocent look. “I took it into the office and forgot.”
Bianca didn’t bother to reply as she stepped back into the kitchen, and London followed.
“How was the auction?”
“It was a success. Better than a success. It was a record-breaking year.” They talked while she refilled her wine and then poured London a glass. Taking his hand, she led him into the family room.
“How did Remy do?”
Bianca gave another playful eye roll, and while they curled onto the sofa together, she gave him a detailed account of his performance that caused London to bark with laughter.
“My dude!” he shouted with so much pride.
She groaned. “You sound just like the rest of the family.”
“I hate that I missed it.”
She gave a rude snort. “Remy hired his film crew, so I am sure it is already on YouTube somewhere with a few hundred thousand likes.”
London gave a soft chuckle. “Hey, he’s good for business.”
“Yes, he is. Remy always brings the party,” she said, her eyebrows dancing. “I’m just glad it’s over.”
He studied her. “How about we leave town for a few days?”
“Sure, and go where?”
“How about my great-aunt’s house in Baytown. It’s the off-season, and everything is frozen this time of the year, but who cares.”
She loved the charm of Baytown. “I don’t care as long as we are together.”
Reaching up, he gently stroked the back of his hand along her face. “The way this new year has been, we both could use the time away. How about we leave tomorrow right after the ball? I’m sure my managers can handle things until I get back.”
“Yes, I’d like that. We need some time to unwind and talk.”
His brow rose, holding her gaze. “Is everything okay? Is there something we need to talk about right now?”
She looked away from him. They needed to talk. But not tonight. Not after all the drama with his family. “Everything is fine with me. Why do you ask?”
“Because something has been different with you over the last few weeks.” London trailed a finger down her cheek. Bianca saw the way London studied her. Mentally, she squared her shoulder and forced an amusing look.
“Different can be a good thing.”
“You know what I mean.”
Bianca sighed and sipped her wine. “I know, but things are starting to get better. Tonight, Sheyna was almost her usual bossy self.” Bianca laughed.
London rubbed the back of his neck. “And what about you?”
She shifted, tucking one leg underneath her. “I’m almost there,” she said, hating the tremor she heard.