Page 70 of More Than Nothing
“Would it help,” June suggested, “if I led Craig to believe I was interested in taking this further? Maybe I could ask him for more information, which might be useful to you in the long run.”
“Oh, God, yes! That would be great, if you could. I know someone you could forward it to. He’s one hundred percent dependable but I can get him to contact you to give you any reassurance you need. He’s in law enforcement.”
“And your face lights up when you talk about him. How interesting!” June smiled and Elenie fidgeted. “Right, here’s my card. Text me or call me so I have your number and let me know how to contact this man of yours. If I can help you, I will.” Elenie took June’s business card and was surprised to be pulled in for a tight hug. “Thanks for the warning. I think it was a brave thing for you to do.” June reached for the door handle. “I don’t like the way he talks to you, Elenie. I hope whatever you’re mixed up in comes to an end soon. Craig Perry is not a good man for you to be around.”
The faintest of frowns tugging at one of Owen’s immaculate eyebrows told Elenie he’d had enough of Craig’s hard sell while they’d been gone. June was smooth and unruffled when she declared that she had a lot to consider but would be in touch shortly. They stood to say their goodbyes.
Imagining a done deal, Craig missed June’s outstretched hand and turned instead to clap Owen on the back, oblivious to the other man’s wince. “Let’s leave the ladies to their shopping or spa dates next time and hit the golf course, shall we? My treat.”
Owen didn’t give him an answer, just a tight smile as he reached for his wife’s hand. “Elenie, it’s been lovely to meet you.” He bent to kiss her on the cheek.
“Likewise,” she told him. “I hope I see you again.”
“I think you will,” June murmured into her ear as they embraced. The couple left the restaurant hand in hand.
“Suckers.” Craig slipped on his jacket and called for the check. He drained the last drops of wine in his glass, shooting Elenie a smug look. “That was a good move. Two couples having dinner together is the perfect cover for a soft sell. Puts a woman more at ease than negotiating in a boardroom.”
Sure. She suppressed a smile as he paid with his card and they got up to leave. She’d bet good money it would take more than a conference table to intimidate June. The fact that Craig couldn’t see it only emphasized his density.
“Elenie?” The crystal-clear call brought her to a halt just shy of the main doors to the restaurant.
Ava and Elias Martinez sat at one end of a buzzing table of six. Gold and black “happy birthday” balloons danced above their heads, an air of celebration surrounding the group they dined with. A delighted smile lighting her face, Ava stood to wrap Elenie’s stiff body in a hug. Elias waved his glass in her direction to excuse not being able to reach her.
“What a surprise to see you out of town! Isn’t this a fabulous place? Our lovely friend at the end of the table has reached a grand old age that shall remain a secret and we are helping him forget.” Ava’s joyous chuckle was echoed by the rest of the group.
“Damn cheek!” A bearded giant of a man shook his head in mock rebuke.
Roman’s mother wore a silky turquoise dress with large diamond teardrops in her ears. She shimmered like a kingfisher, luminous in the muted light of the restaurant.
“What are you doing here?” Ava’s eyes travelled between Elenie and Craig and back again.
Elenie cleared her throat nervously. Beside her, Craig gave an impatient huff as he pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the time. “Um, we had a business meeting. That is, Craig had a business meeting. He’s a friend—”
“Good to meet you, but we were just heading out.” Craig slid an arm around her waist and tugged. He barely looked at Roman’s mother. “Come on, Ellie. Let’s go.”
Afraid Ava would mention Roman’s name, Elenie willed her with her eyes and a tiny shake of her head not to say anything more, her heart racing like a train. A restrained expression drifted across Ava’s face. It made Elenie want to cry.
“Well, it was nice to see you, anyway.” Her voice was noticeably cooler, carrying shades of their first meeting.
“Enjoy your evening.” Elenie forced a smile and allowed herself to be swept onward by Craig, Ava’s eyes following them all the way to the door.
As they stepped out onto the sidewalk, she braced herself for an inquisition.
“Fucking hell, it’s raining,” Craig griped. He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and hunched his shoulders. “Hurry up, babe, or the car seats will be soaked.”
He set off without waiting to see if she followed.
Elenie breathed easier, realizing the moment with Roman’s parents had barely been a blip on his radar. But, picturing the disappointed look on Ava’s face, she felt sick all the way home.
Chapter 32
Roman
A knock on his front door before eight o’clock on a Sunday morning was a rare thing.
Roman pulled a t-shirt from one of his drawers and tugged it over his head as he jogged down the stairs. Flipping the latch on the inside of the door, he gave it a hard pull, making yet another mental note to sort out the swollen frame when he next got some free time. He did a double take when he found Elenie standing on the front porch.
She gave an awkward wave, lips lifting briefly. “Hi.”
