Page 47 of Omega in Hiding

Sully must see something in my expression because he says, “Connor, stop worrying so much. Let’s just get to know each other. I know the score.”

“Okay,” I say quietly.

“I’m looking forward to spending some time with you, but I expect nothing but friendship.” He smiles slyly. “For now.”

I laugh gruffly. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as candid as you, Sully.”

He shrugs. “What’s the point of playing games? If you want something, you should go after it.”

“If only life were that easy.”

“I think it can be, but you have to take risks, right?” His eyes are warm and sincere. “Don’t overthink things. Just go with the flow.”

“I’ll try, Sully.” I tuck my order pad in my apron pocket. “I’ll just go get your iced tea and put the order in.”

“Thanks.”

I leave him and as I near the register, I stop in my tracks. Enzo is standing near the register, paying his check. I haven’t seen him since the day he drove Paolo and I to the park that fateful day, but there’s no mistaking him. As our eyes meet my heart begins to pound against my ribs. At first, his mustard yellow eyes hold no recognition. Then his blank expression slowly changes.

“Connor?” he says, frowning.

My throat is tight as I force myself to say, “Hey, Enzo.” While I feel panic at seeing him and my instinct is to run, there’s no actual danger. As far as I know, no one in Dario and Alessio’s household know I’m related to the Murphy Clan. I ran before my true identity could be discovered. But it’s still incredibly awkward because of how I left.

Enzo tosses cash down toward the cashier, and moves toward me. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Casper the ghost.”

My face warms and I’m not sure how to respond.

He shakes his head. “You left the bosses in a lurch, kid, just disappearing like that. What gives? Why the vanishing act?”

“Well, I… I just needed to move on.” My voice is stilted and I realize my excuse is incredibly lame. I hoped by moving to Beacon Hill, a small city a few hours from Los Demonios, I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew. I guess I miscalculated.

“Most people give notice.” He smirks. “They don’t just sneak out in the night.”

“I know… I uh… I just needed to go.”

“Why? What was the rush?”

I shift uneasily. “I… I had my reasons, Enzo. But they’re personal.”

His gaze flickers and he looks displeased with my response, but he glances around the restaurant and says, “I thought you were a manny. Why are you waiting tables?”

“I was tired of being a manny,” I lie. “I needed a change.”

“Just like that?” He narrows his eyes. “Why?”

I drop my gaze, cheeks hot. “It’s hard work taking care of other people’s kids.”

“And slinging hash is a piece of cake?” He quirks one dark brow.

I need to come up with a better excuse because he’s not buying what I’m selling. I clear my throat. “Look, if you must know, the shooting in the park scared me. I don’t want to be around violence.”

He rubs his chin. “Okay, but there are other families that aren’t?” He glances around and lowers his voice. “Connected to the mob.”

Very true.

“I was rattled after what happened. I needed to try something new for a while.” I do my best to sound calm, but inside, I’m freaking out. Is he’s going to go home and immediately tell Dario and Alessio that he ran into me? I don’t know if Paolo is still living with them, but odds are the story will reach him too.

Enzo rocks back on his heels, studying me. “You were rattled? You didn’t seem rattled. You handled yourself like a pro that day. Paolo, nowhewas rattled.”

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