Page 100 of Absinthe Minded

“No. She seemed, awkward. Not the kind of woman Rebecca would have befriended.”

“Be careful. Your name’s been in the paper and you can learn a lot about a person online. I hate to say it, but the bar brings out the crazies. It’s not a good idea to let bar patrons into your personal life. Including shopping trips.”

Maggie nodded and looked away.

“The harassing calls you’ve been getting… I had someone in IT security put a tracker on your phone.”

Her mouth fell open. “What? How?”

“I borrowed it one morning while you were writing. I don’t pretend to know how it all works, but the guy was able to trace the calls. Do you know anyone who works at the Hilton on St. Charles Avenue?”

“No.”

Pleasantly surprised she hadn’t taken my head off for stealing her phone, I eased forward and drew her hand. “We’ve contacted the general manager for a list of employees. We’ll find out who’s doing this and put an end to it.”

“Thank you. Between the calls, the woman at the bar, and dress shopping, I’m a wreck.” She pulled away and pushed her food around on her plate. “What else did you do today? Besides get one step closer to keeping Ella forever?”

“I visited my father and went over some contracts. Though my mind wasn’t in it.” I took a bite, but while delicious, the buttery crab hit my stomach hard. I needed to steer the conversation to happier topics quick or I’d blow the entire night.

“What were you thinking about? Ella?”

“You. Tonight. Us.”

The waiters returned with fresh glasses and a new bottle of wine. I lifted my glass, swirled it, smelled it, and took a sip, before nodding to the sommelier. He filled Maggie’s glass, and another staff person served the main course of broccoli agnolotti and striped bass with braised Cipollini onions.

Maggie sipped her wine and smiled. “Are you feeling better about the job?”

“Yes and no. It’s not as much fun as the bar, but the hours are good, and it forces me to use my brain.”

“So, you’re not just a pretty face?” She laughed and took a bite of her fish.

“I’ve been told I’m pretty good in the sack, too.” I met her gaze and neither of us looked away. The staring contest ended with Maggie lowering her eyes and me chuckling. I loved this woman.

Maggie cleared her throat. “Why not let Jessie take over? She’s more than capable.”

“If it were up to me, I’d make her managing partner and keep a piece for myself. Unfortunately, that isn’t how my father does business.”

“Your father’s retiring.”

“And when he does, things will change. Until then, I’ll deal.” I pulled a second envelope from my pocket. “For you.”

She unfolded the handwritten letter and pressed her hand to her chest. “Is this legal?”

“Santiago filed it along with a motion to dismiss my parents’ case against you.”

She blinked back tears. “Your mother wrote this…about me? Did you ask her to?”

Evelyn Marchionni hated two things, protestants and admitting she was wrong, but she’d done just that. “It was her idea. She’s impressed with the way you accepted Ella as if she were your own. Not to mention, she’s thrilled you civilized me.”

Maggie started to speak, but my phone interrupted her. “You should answer.”

I turned the sound off and slid it back into my pocket. “Not tonight.”

I managed to get a couple of bites of my fish down before my cell vibrated again.

She raised a brow.

“Ignore it. Please, enjoy your dinner.”

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