Page 91 of Love Redesigned
She shot me a weird look, but it didn’t last. She was clearly happy to be free of the unwanted obligation. “Thanks. She’s in the master suite upstairs.”
“On it,” I said.
Halfway up the stairs, I paused. “You still there?” I said to Dani.
“Yep,” she whispered. “Coming to meet you. You gotta work on sounding more casual.”
“What? All I did was ask where Alicio was.”
“But your voice sounded like you were elbow-deep in the cookie jar.”
“Weareelbow-deep in the cookie jar.”
I found her at the top of the stairs; she smiled and reached up to end our phone call. “This is perfect,” she said, taking the coffee and muffins from me. “I’ve been hiding in the hallway, trying to muster up the nerve to knock on Sasha’s door.”
“And you sayIneed to be more casual? When you’re hiding in an upstairs hallway?”
She grinned. “No one saw me; it’s fine. And now—” She held up Sasha’s breakfast. “I have an excuse to be here.”
“Be careful,” I warned her again. “And stay in touch.”
She nodded, then disappeared down the hallway one more time.
I quickly headed back to the pool house to retrieve the folder of evidence I’d prepared for Alicio, which was, gratefully, still in my suitcase. I dropped off the bag, as well as Dani’s, in my car—we likely wouldn’t have time to retrieve them on our way out—then went to Alicio’s study, settling into one of the leather wingback chairs to wait for his return. I hadn’t had a conversation with Alicio since I’d walked out of his New York office, not unless you counted our brief encounter on Christmas Eve.
I half wondered if he’d even give me the chance to show him what I’d discovered. It was possible he’d shut me down before I began, especially if Victor was with him when the conversation took place. It would be better if the two of us were alone, but how could I guarantee that would happen? I could always ask to speak to him privately, but would he allow it?
If he didn’t, or if I couldn’t manage the conversation before Dani was ready to leave, would I be willing to walk away? I could always send the information to the authorities without confronting Alicio directly. In a follow-up email full of additional implicating evidence, Angelica had offered to do just that. But my pride had made me say no.
I wanted to see Alicio’s face when I showed him the truth, when he saw that I had been right all along. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew it probably wouldn’t make me feel better. It wouldn’t fill the gaping hole left by my lack of family. It wouldn’t make the LeFrancs the kind of people I evenwantedas my family. But I still had to try.
Chapter Thirty-One
Dani
The door to Sasha’s room was slightly open, so I pushed it with my knee, stepping into the lavish bedroom and trying to look like I belonged there. “Good morning,” I said, my voice light. “I ran into Elaine downstairs and she asked me to bring this up to you.”
Sasha looked up from where she lounged by the fireplace wearing a silk robe. “Dani? Oh, thank God you’re here. I’ve been completely surrounded by idiots all morning.”
An older woman wearing glasses and a tight smile sat across from Sasha. “I’m actually still sitting right here, Sasha. I can hear what you’re saying.”
I placed the muffins and coffee on the small table next to her. “Well, I don’t mind sticking around a little while if you need some extra help.” I looked at the woman wearing glasses. “I’m Dani. I used to work with Sasha.”
“Katrina,” she said. “I remember you. I’m Alicio’s assistant.”
“Oh. Right. Sorry.”
“No omelet?” Sasha said, rubbing her fingernails across the silk of her robe. “I asked Elaine for an omelet.”
I froze. “The kitchen is pretty busy with all the wedding food prep; I’m sure this is the best Elaine could manage.”
“That’s right. I’d forgotten.” She eyed my figure and picked at the corner of one of the muffins. “You’re one of those women who think carbs are an acceptable choice.”
Think of Paige. Think of Paige. Think of Paige.“The coffee’s still hot,” I said, nudging the mug toward her.
“When are you coming back to New York?” Sasha asked, finally picking up the coffee.
I swallowed. “Um, I’m not sure exactly.”
