Page 95 of On Ice

“How’s Austin doing?” Isabella addresses Luca. “I saw you talking to him earlier.”

My ears perk up immediately, although I try not to seem interested in their conversation.

Luca shrugs. “He’s great. He just moved back to the city.”

Mama nods. “Did he? Why? I thought he was happy in Chicago.”

“He decided to come home because he broke things off with Vance Greco.”

Isabella bugs her eyes. “Are you serious? They seemed perfect for each other.”

“Apparently not.” Luca takes a sip of his wine. “Vance was cheating on him.”

“What a pig.” Isabella’s eyes glitter with anger. “Vance talked Austin into moving to Chicago and then he cheats on him?” She says a few more angry words in Italian.

Marco grunts. “Austin will be fine. He’ll just find another meal ticket. He’s good at that.”

Is Austin looking to make Luca his new sugar daddy? He was definitely thrilled to see Luca. If Luca is open to that, what does that mean for me and our arrangement? Luca said he’d still protect me even if he tired of me. Was he being truthful? If he decides to replace me with Austin, will I still be safe? I’m rattled because, while I knew Luca would tire of me eventually, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

My jumbled thoughts are interrupted as servers bring out the main course. Platters of thinly sliced veal cutlets layered with prosciutto and fresh sage leaves, sautéed until golden and glistening with a delicate white wine and butter sauce. The aroma of sage perfumes the air as the servers present the dish with garnishes of crispy pancetta and roasted cherry tomatoes still on the vine.

Distracted by my negative thoughts, I just stare at my plate. When I make no move to sample my food, Isabella leans forward. “Evan, why aren’t you eating? Do you not like veal?”

I straighten, my face warming as everyone at the table turns to look at me. “I… I am eating,” I say, hastily picking up my fork. I force myself to take a bite. The meat is so tender it doesn’t even require a knife. The saltiness of the prosciuttoperfectly complements the subtle flavor of the veal. If I weren’t so stressed, I’d really enjoy the meal, but it’s difficult to swallow with my throat tight from anxiety.

Drinking is much easier than forcing down food, so I quickly drain my wine and don’t complain when Tony refills my glass. The day has been incredibly stressful, and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so untethered. I thought I understood where I fit in Luca’s world, albeit temporarily, but now I’m not so sure. I don’t really know Luca. Is he the kind of man who cheats? Or would he not even consider sleeping with Austin cheating, since what we have is just a business arrangement?

I pretend to eat, mostly pushing the food around the plate, hoping it looks like I ate. Every now and then Luca glances over at me. I’m probably not hiding my stress well. All I really want is to leave the wedding and go back to Luca’s house. Will Luca want sex with me tonight? When the day first started, I’d been certain we’d sleep together after the wedding. But maybe he’s decided Austin is more his style? An easier lay? Judging by how Austin was flirting with Luca, he’d be a sure thing.

“More wine?” Isabella offers, breaking into my thoughts. She pours ruby-red Barolo into my glass without waiting for an answer. “The vineyard this wine comes from belongs to a cousin of the bride.”

I take a long sip of the wine, enjoying how the alcohol is numbing my senses. I’m great at handling pressure out on the ice, but when it comes to Luca, I’m easily overwhelmed. Mostly because I’m out of my element and I can’t read him. I never know what he’s thinking. I’m always on edge, and that’s a horrible way to live.

As I set down my glass, I notice Mama watching me. I smile at her and she smiles back, but her gaze remains watchful. I’mrelieved when the plates are cleared from the table and I can stop pretending to eat.

Until the dessert arrives.

Dessert is a towering millefoglie paired with honey grappa. The others ooh and aah over how delicious it looks, but just the sight of it makes me feel physically ill. There’s no way I can force down another bite.

I stand abruptly. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

Leaving the table, I weave through the banquet hall and then the bar area until I finally find the bathrooms. After using the facilities, I wash my hands and glance at my reflection in the mirror. I look tired. My eyes are slightly red, a combination of too much alcohol and too little sleep.

I’d give anything to get the hell out of here. I did my duty. I made a public appearance with Luca, and now I’m over it. I need to go home. I’d love to call an Uber and just escape to my apartment, but Luca would probably be furious with me. That is, if he even noticed I was missing. He now has Austin to entertain him. What does he need me for?

Shouldn’t that make me happy?

I’ve wanted Luca out of my life since I met him. I should be rejoicing that Austin has arrived. I should be happy that Luca might prefer that guy over me. That means I’d regain my freedom. And if Luca keeps his word, then I’d still be safe and free. What could be better? So then, why do I feel so irrationally jealous? It makes no sense.

When the door to the bathroom opens, my heart jolts because it’s Luca. He makes no attempt to use the facilities, hesimply stands with his back against the door, studying me. His eyes are dark and his expression wary.

“Are you sick?” he asks. “You’re drinking a lot.”

“It’s been a rough day.” I toss the paper towel I’m holding into the trash receptacle. “How much longer do we have to stay?”

He shrugs. “We can leave now if you want. I told my family we’d probably take off because I thought you might not be feeling well.”

Relief ripples through me. “Really? We can go now if we want?”

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