Page 17 of Raging Inferno

“Like I told Mrs. Liconti, Gabriella is a smart girl,” she says, lifting her gaze to me. “I’m happy to help.”

Hearing her mention Lisa’s name forces the smile to disappear from my face.

“You spoke to Lisa?”

“Yes, she called my office to see how Gabriella was doing,” she pauses, cocking her head to the side. “Judging by our conversation, I take it she hasn’t had much involvement?”

“No,” I reply, shaking my head. “Neither of us have spoken with her,” I add, shrugging my shoulders. “It’s good to know she called the school and showed some kind of interest.”

“I guess there is still tension,” she comments.

“What gave it away?” I ask dryly.

“Divorce is tough.”

“Yeah, it is,” I agree, drawing in a deep breath. “What about you?”

“What about me?” The moment the question leaves her lips she looks away.

“You married?” I press, already knowing the answer but desperate to keep her talking.

“No,” she whispers, lifting her eyes back to mine. “I was never married.”

There’s nothing wrong with not getting married. Knowing what I know now, I personally don’t know if I would do it again. I can’t say I regret it because of the girls but, I’m not sure I would take the plunge another time. However, there is a sadness to Melissa when she shares her marital status, one filled with regret. A sadness that speaks of broken promises and loss. I’m about to try to make light of it when I hear Frankie call out to me.

“We’re ready to roll out of here, Casale.”

Melissa looks over my shoulder and the sadness that filled her eyes a moment ago fades as she smiles at Frankie. Of course, the hound takes it as an invitation to join us. Glaring at him, I watch his eyes travel the length of Melissa. A hum of approval escapes him as he keeps his eyes on her.

“Looks like the produce department is where it’s at,” he says with a grin. “I’m Frankie and you are?”

“Melissa,” she replies, taking the hand, he offers.

“What’s a gorgeous girl like yourself doing talking to this guy?”

“Well,” she starts.

“Frankie,” I warn.

“He picked me out an eggplant,” she blurts, causing Frankie to chuckle.

“An eggplant, huh?”

“Here, take this shit and go to the checkout counter,” I order, pushing the cart in front of him.

“Looks like you’re trying to get rid of me, Casale,” Frankie taunts.

“I am,” I agree, clenching my jaw.

“Such a temperamental bitch,” he teases, turning back to Melissa. “He gets like that when he’s hungry.”

“I bet,” she murmurs. Meeting my gaze, her eyes shine as she bites the inside of her cheek and fights a smile.

“How about you give me your number and we’ll continue this conversation without the hungry beast growling between us.”

“No,” I grind out. Keeping my eyes pinned to hers, I watch Melissa raise an eyebrow.

“No?” she asks.

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