Page 100 of With Wine Comes War

“Not to piss you off, but I didn’t hold back much on her so if y'all get in a fight, I’m betting on the girl.” If we get in a fight like that, things have taken a turn for the worst between us.

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be sure not to piss her off.”

He laughed, reaching out his hand to me in a gesture of peace it seemed. I reluctantly shook it thinking he might sucker punch me or something, but he said good luck and went back over to the group of people around Alex. Next thing I know she’s running out the door with tears streaming down her face.

“Alex. Hold up baby.” I grabbed her hand, and she spun around, launching herself at me, burying her face in my chest.

“Hey, what happened?”

She took a deep breath and looked up at me and said, “I did it.”

“Did what?”

“I conquered my fears.”

I was confused. What fears was she talking about?

“I don’t understand.”

She stood there catching her breath before she stammered out, “I was so scared of this court hearing on Tuesday. It was consuming me. I was afraid of Tanner coming after me again. Now, I’m not.”

“So why are you crying?”

“I'm overwhelmed with joy. This whole place has my back. I have so much support behind me there’s no way I can lose.”

I hugged her, hoping that this was the plan she didn’t think I’d like, because I definitely didn’t like this.

“Can we go out and celebrate tonight? I just want to be normal and go out to dinner and not be worried and looking over my shoulder.”

She seemed relieved.Awesome. This I feel good about.

“Absolutely. Are we dressing up or down, your choice?”

“Let’s dress up.”

On the ride back to the penthouse, I called one of my new favorite restaurants and made a reservation. You usually need at least a couple months ahead to get a reservation for this place, but knowing the owner has its perks. When we arrived at the penthouse, Alex headed in to take a shower and I got a text.

GRANT: “You’ll get the best table in the house tonight.”

ME: “Does she know you own a restaurant?”

GRANT: “You know, I don’t think she does.”

ME: “Is that a secret, too?”

GRANT: “No, I just own a lot of things.” Then the phone started ringing and I picked up.

“Hello Grant.”

“Hey, Roman. I feel like you might be feeling more at ease with me since you’ve decided to bring her to my restaurant.”

Nope, not really.

“Yeah, or I was trying to impress her by getting a reservation at the only restaurant in town that has a two-month long waiting list.” I don’t know if I’ll ever feel comfortable around him again actually.

“I hear your meeting and dinner with the Santoros was a good one.”

“It would’ve been better had I not known what I know.”

---