Page 36 of Dearly Betrayed

“You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want.”

“It’s no secret. I got hit by a car while running.” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal. My hands come to my mouth, unable to believe it. “Adler saved my life, actually. Got me to the hospital.”

“That’s how you met?”

“Sort of. I don’t really remember the accident. We rekindled things years later.”

“That’s kind of amazing, right?”

“I don’t know. He was stalking me so I think he planned on marrying me sooner or later.” She laughs lightly as if that’s a totally normal thing to say.

I feel a chill down into my core. “Are all the Costa men somewhat… unhinged?”

“Oh, yeah,” she says, nodding away, shoving pancakes into her mouth like it’s no big deal. “Totally nuts.”

I stare down at my plate, feeling sick. “Should I be worried?”

“They’re well-meaning psychos, if that helps at all.”

“It doesn’t really.”

“Don’t worry. Jayson might seem like he hates you, but I’m pretty sure he’s into you. I saw the way you two kissed at the wedding. I’ve noticed him looking.”

I shake my head. This is not the turn I wanted for this conversation. “No, you’re wrong. He’s just playing the role, that’s all.”

“Maybe,” she says but her knowing smile suggests she’s not buying it. “Either way, you don’t have to worry. You’ll be fine. They’re all a bunch of possessive teddy bears. They’d never let their wife get hurt, even if they actually hate her.”

“That’s not all that reassuring, but okay, thank you.”

She laughs and I change the subject back to less intense ground: American pop culture. We talk about movies and shows, at least the stuff I’ve seen, and she asks about Irish media. Once we finish eating, we get up and walk out together, and I feel more comfortable than I have in a long while.

“That was nice. We should make a routine of it, but next time I might bring the kids if that’s okay.”

“Please do, I’d love to meet them.”

“Great.” She gives me a quick side hug. “You good from here? You can get back to your room or whatever?”

“Totally fine.” She moves to leave, but I call her back. “Quick question, sorry. Is there a business center or something around here?”

“Why do you need that? Plan on making some spreadsheets?”

“Thought I might send some emails to folks back home. I don’t have any devices yet.”

She sighs, shaking her head. “God, they can be so stupid sometimes. Okay, I’m pretty sure there’s a place on the second floor over near the chapel. Ask around, you’ll find it.”

“Thanks so much.”

“Sure thing.” She hurries off and I watch her go.

Around the corner from the chapel. I turn back toward the apartment, feeling sick, breakfast like a weight in my guts.

If there’s a copier in this casino, it’ll be in that business center.

Chapter16

Jayson

“Iwant every detail.” I lean back in my chair, stuck on the phone with my second in command Max Vincetti. “Everything you’ve done since I’ve been home.”

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