Page 36 of Lordes

“That makes me feel special.”

“You are special.” I reassured her as she smiled at me.

“How long have you guys known each other?” She asked.

“That’s a really good question.” Nicco stared at me. “How long has it been Lord?”

Now it was time to lie. “Since college.”

“Right, Boston.” Nicco caught on and helped me out. “What a place. Labria where did you met Lord?”

“At a bookstore in a shopping mall.” She said.

“It’s a long story.” I interjected.

“Labria, that’s code for he doesn’t want to talk about it. Labria, do you mind if I ask you what you do for a living. I’m guessing you’re a model.”

“No, I don’t mind. But now I’m curious.” She countered. “Does Lord normally date a lot of models?”

“You answered my question with a question. But like you, I have never met any of Lord’s friends. You are the only one.”

“Nicco, enough, stop harassing my girlfriend.” I hit the table with my possessive title but it was more for him than her. She probably already knew we were exclusive.

“Lord, I’m not harassing Labria. We’re having a little conversation. She’s Black. I think she can handle me.”

“Nicco!” Did he just call her that— Black? “Why did you say she’s Black?”

Nicco looked at me and I looked at him and then we both looked at Bria.

“Lord, I am Black.”

“When did being called Black become offensive? I’m just saying you’re tough just like Italians and my little questions mean nothing to you. Blacks and Italians get along great. Everyone knows this.”

“He’s right. Lord, you can exhale.”

“Yes, please. Labria is lovely. I’ll be quiet and ask no more questions.”

“Wait.” Bria tapped her nails on the table. “Nicco, I wanted to ask you about the hotel business. Lord said you own hotels.”

“I do.”

“Is there a lot of liability involved. Do you get sued a lot?”

“Ah, I have an entire legal department for that. I don’t see the small things.”

“Oh.”

“Bria is a lawyer. She always has legal questions.”

“No shit. You’re a lawyer. Lord, your girl is a lawyer.”

“I no longer practice.”

“But you went to law school?” Nicco was noticeably shocked and excited. Why?

“Yes.”

“You passed the BAR?”

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