Page 69 of More Than Nothing
A kaleidoscope of images and sensations assaulted her, none of which Elenie could share. Even if she wanted to.
Roman. The serious version, the tortured version, the sexy, smiling, stunning version. Every different Roman there was. The press of his body, the band of his arms. The desperation in his kisses. The laughter in his parents’ home. His mother’s hug. Thea’s kindness. Summer and Caitlyn’s friendship and all the fun it brought with it.
Elenie’s heart squeezed so hard she almost doubled over.
Love. She’d choose love every time. And Roman Martinez.
“Good question.” She took a sip of her drink because her throat felt raw. It bought her a little time to think. “Cowgirl or trapeze artist, maybe. It’s hard to choose between them.”
Owen chuckled.
“Did you know you can scoop up water in a Stetson hat?” Elenie reached for a random fact. “They’re designed to keep out the weather, but with the side benefit of being able to water your horse as well.”
The conversation confused Craig. “I didn’t know you could ride.”
“Well, no. I can’t exactly. I’ve never had a chance to try.”
“So maybe the trapeze artist might be a better fit?” June suggested.
“Possibly. It might not make me rich, but what a buzz.”
“Money isn’t as important as following your dreams.” June was laughing. “You wouldn’t get me on a trapeze, but I’ll come and watch the show if you make it to the big time.”
Craig couldn’t hide his impatience. “Luckily, money does make me happy. And it makes me even happier when I’m making it for other people, too.” He waved a waiter over with a commanding gesture. “More wine, June? Owen?”
“Actually, if you’ll excuse me a moment, I need to go to the restroom and then I think it might be time for us to call it a night.” June gave Owen one of those looks true couples had perfected. And Elenie missed Roman even more.
“I’ll come too.” She pushed away from the table.
“Women, huh?” Craig rolled his eyes at Owen. “Terrified of a little alone time, even when they need to pee.” When he laughed, he laughed on his own.
Fortunately, they turned out to be the only two people in the restroom.
“So, how long have you known Craig?” June’s question was polite but her eyes were shrewd.
Acutely aware there was only limited time, Elenie rinsed her hands in one of the washbasins and chose to leap straight in. “Look, Craig’s a dick. I know it and I think you know it. Please don’t give him any of your money and please, please don’t tell him I asked you not to.” She drew in a deep breath.
The mirror reflected June’s surprise. “Well, I did not expect that.”
“I think you did, maybe just a little?”
“You seem an unlikely couple.”
Elenie made a face. “We’re not really a couple. Not a proper one like you and Owen.” She smiled tentatively at June. “I really like you both. And I’d hate it if you got caught up in something I had the knowledge to save you from.”
June tipped her head to one side. “And you? Are you caught up in this, too?”
“Right now I am. Unfortunately. But I have people looking out for me, like I want to look out for you. This business deal Craig’s offering isn’t genuine. Please save your money and don’t get involved with him.”
“OK, I believe you.” June didn’t take long to think about it. “I wasn’t getting a good feeling from Mr. Perry. I would have looked into his project in a lot more depth before deciding but he isn’t someone I’d be keen to invest with. I’d be surprised if Owen doesn’t think the same.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.”
“I take it you can’t give me more details?”
“I don’t think I should right now. And we’d better not be too much longer. Although I’d rather chat with you than go back to the table.”
June studied her face. She seemed to be weighing up everything Elenie had said, plus everything she hadn’t.
