Page 56 of Reckless Desire

I chuckle, grateful for a sister that knows me this well. I look at my wardrobe options and I dial London. Her face appears on the screen.

“You’re freaking out, aren’t you?” She laughs and hands some paperwork to someone. It’s Friday evening and she hasn’t left work. Her assistant must leave, because Lo leans back in her chair and stretches her arms over her head. “Talk to me, sis.”

“You look busy. Is everything okay?” She has that frown we’re all so familiar with.

“I’m just pissed at the world as usual. There is a promising research project I can’t seem to find funding for. Back to you.”

I turn my camera reluctantly, because I know there isn’t much comfort I can offer. I let her examine my clothes and I give her a rundown of my encounter with Dan.

“First, I’m impressed with Dan.”

I switch the camera to the front view again. “Are you kidding me?”

“Show me the dresses again.” She waves my concern away. “All I’m saying is I didn’t think he had it in him to fight. Though his motivations are pathetic. Or practical, I guess.” She chuckles and I sigh.

“What should I wear?” My exasperation makes her laugh again.

“Please remind me to take you shopping on Sunday. Or tomorrow if you’re not too sore to walk.”

I roll my eyes. Fucking London. “Focus!”

“Wear the green wrap dress. You’re going to recreate your first date, so it fits the occasion and you look great in it. Should I save you a seat for two at the gala next month?”

Oh, I forgot about London’s fundraiser. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the pre-Christmas season. Usually I offer to volunteer because I’m the only person in the family who can’t afford the ticket.

“Don’t jump ahead. This is a first date.”

“After three years of yearning. You’ll jump into that relationship so fast you might even tie the knot before Massi and Gina.”

Our eldest stepbrother, Massimo, has recently gotten back together with his teen love and ex-wife. His mother is thrilled, but also now focused on matchmaking the rest of us. My stepmother, Bianca Cassinetti, isn’t too happy about all her children being single.

“Has Bianca called you about a family dinner?” London asks.

“Yeah, what’s up with that? We can barely get everyone together at Thanksgiving or Christmas, and now she insists on a weekend in October?” I wonder out loud.

“We’ll find out, I guess. Are the boys coming?”

“Bianca invited everyone, I assume.”

“Yeah, with a not-so-subtle threat in her voice.” London drops her feet and starts typing with one hand. “I have to take care of something. Get ready, and don’t think tonight. Let go just for one night, Syd.”

I shower and blow dry my hair into loose waves while thinking about London’s advice. Can I let go? Is the carefree woman still accessible? Could I let Hunter see her? Do I even know her anymore?

I put on my dress and apply mascara and a touch of blush. Lo would insist on full makeup, but I don’t feel comfortable with that. Somehow I know Hunter would prefer me natural.

I twirl in front of the mirror by the door, satisfied with the look. Another seed of doubt blooms, and I consider if wearing the same dress as three years ago is a good idea after all. But I don’t get a chance to contemplate that further, or change, because the intercom crackles.

He’s early. I pick up the receiver and buzz Hunter in. “Seventh floor.” I hear the front door open and close.

I touch my lips with gloss and grab my coat as the knock echoes through the apartment. When I open the door, however, I freeze.

“You?” My eyes meet Dan’s. Instinctively I try to close the door, but he leans against it. With one of his hands on the door and the other on the frame, he prevents me from closing it completely, but at least the opening isn’t wide. That might change if he decides to push.

“You look good. Are you going somewhere?”

The stench of alcohol reaches me and sends my nerves into overdrive. Dan has never given me a reason to worry, but right now, anxiety coils at the base of my spine.

“What do you want, Dan?” I pray for Hunter to be late. I need to neutralize Dan and get rid of him before they run into each other.

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