After drying off, diffusing my hair with the blow dryer so my curls don't drip down my back, and applying minimal makeup—eyeliner, blush, and lip gloss—I stare into my closet. I am definitely a sweats and sneakers kinda girl, but this feels like a dress and heels night. I will end up being the one complaining, at least in my head, about my feet, but it might be worth it. I decide on a navy wrap dress and navy heels with a peep-toe. He hasn't seen me in this one because Ma bought it for me when I moved back to South Shore Beach last month. It was after the charges were dismissed against Izzie and after I almost died. Ma took us shopping and bought each of us a dress. I assume Ma thought I'd wear it to Sunday dinner, but I haven't yet. It feels too special for just dinner under the aging chandelier.
I slip into the dress, figure out how to wrap it around correctly, and my cell rings. It's Carly. "Hello?"
"Hi, Gianna. I really enjoyed our double date the other night. I was wondering what you and Julian are up to tonight?"
I hesitate, not sure what to say. I had a great time too, and I want to do it again, but I'm extra fancy tonight, and I kinda just want it to be the two of us. But we did have fun. It wouldn't be so bad to have another couple with us. I guess.
"Actually, Julian and I are going out. We're headed to Sparks for dinner. Why don't you and Enzo join us?" I push my feet into the heels.
"Oh, we don't want to intrude if you already have plans. Besides, I was thinking we could all have dinner at Enzo's. I'm not really in the mood for anything fancy."
I glance at myself in the full-length mirror hanging on my closet door.
"We can do it another night," she says. "We'll make plans ahead of time."
"Sounds great. I'll call you."
I hang up, grab my purse, and hurry out the door. I'm on the last step when I get a text from Julian saying he's here. Perfect timing.
* * *
The club is packed when we get there. Most of the tables are filled, as are the barstools. Four servers are running around, and the speakers softly play jazz music. It's such a different vibe now from the other times I've been here. There's a buzz that seems to have filled the room. The chatter is lively but not too loud, the servers smile as they approach each table, and there's laughter, like everyone is just happy to be here and enjoying the food. I hope it's not too busy for me to get a chance to speak with Serena.
I grab a menu at the hostess station and glance at it. Why hadn't I checked out the menu before? Food is an important part of my life, and it seems I've been missing out on the fried ravioli and portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab and white wine. In fact, all of the items are appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. My kind of place.
The man who sat beside Natalia during my audition steps up. He's wearing a white suit and looks as annoyed as he did that day. No—more like constipated.
"Two?" he asks while grabbing a menu and eyeing the one already in my hand. He doesn't seem to recognize me, which tells me he isn't aware I'm now officially an employee.
"Yes," Julian says, and we follow the man in white to a table in the middle of the room but directly across from the stage.
He holds out one of the chairs for me. How nice. I take a seat, and he places the other menu in front of Julian. "Someone will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal."
I look around the room, hoping to catch sight of Serena. And there she is, taking an order at a table closer to the stage.
She smiles at the older couple, and she looks carefree. I'd never guess all the trouble she's going through by her clean, organized appearance. Her hair is pulled back into a slick bun. Her black blouse and pants are pressed, and she looks relaxed but professional.
After she makes a note on her pad, she takes their menus, and starts to walk away. She looks up, and we lock stares. Instantly her smile fades just enough that I can see the pain and sorrow in her eyes.
I nod at her. She does the same and heads to the kitchen.
"This is a nice place," Julian says, glancing around. "Is it new? You never mentioned it all those times you talked about your hometown."
"Yeah. It wasn't here the last time I lived here. I don't remember what this building held, but it couldn't be important."
Zoe approaches our table and smiles wide when she sees me. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Showing the boyfriend my new place of employment," I say and immediately realize I referred to Julian as my boyfriend.
He smirks and says hi to Zoe.
"Very cute," she whispers to me, but he totally hears because his smirk grows. Then she asks, "What can I get you this evening?"
I want to ask for a quiet moment to talk to her, to pick her brain about her friend, but instead I order the stuffed mushrooms, a grilled shrimp salad, and a seltzer with lime. I'm not in a drinking mood.
Julian gets the sliced steak, grilled onions and mushrooms, and melted Swiss on garlic bread with fries and a beer on tap.
The man in white seats a young couple at the table behind me.
Zoe gives them a quick smile then rushes off. She doesn't have time to talk. Today may end up being a bust for me after all.
As it turns out, it really doesn't matter. The food is divine and the company even better. I slide a mushroom onto Julian's plate, and he leans toward me, holding his sandwich so I can take a bite. It would be easier for him to cut a piece off for me, but I think he just wants me to have to lean, so he can get a better look down the top of my dress. It's totally worth it because the caramelized onions are to die for.
I'm halfway through my 'shrooms when the man in white approaches our table.
"We need you," he says in a panicked tone.
"Excuse me?" I choke down a lump of crab stuffing.
"You are the new hire, G-something, right? Natalia said table seven."
How does Natalia know I'm here? I didn't see her. Then again I have been concentrating on my plate and Julian. I glance to the doorframe leading to the back, but it's empty.
"Yeah, I'm Gianna."
He looks only slightly relieved. "Good. Our other singer called. He's going to be late and will miss his first song. You have to go on in his place."
"Me? I'm not ready. I haven't practiced yet."
He frowns and sighs. "Do you want the job? Then get on stage. Now." He walks off.
I stare at Julian. "He's serious."
"He doesn't look like the kind of man who plays practical jokes."
No, he does not. Damn. That means I either need to get up there again or lose my gig. I place my napkin on the table and stand up. Okay, you can do this, Gianna. I glance to the kitchen doorway. The man in white is standing near it on his phone. Then I glance to the pianist, who is looking at me. He offers a smile. It's the same guy from the audition. That's good. I take one final look at Julian.
He smiles. "You can do this. Imagine everyone naked. I know I've been doing that all night."
I chuckle, and my face heats up. That doesn't help.
I make my way over to the piano. "Hi, I don't have anything planned. Can you play…" I glance back to my table and stare at Julian's eager expression. Gosh, I hope I don't humiliate myself.
I tell the pianist my song choice and get up on stage. No one pays much attention to me, other than Julian and the man in white, who is now off his phone and staring at me. I look away from him because he's making my nervous stomach jump.
The opening chords play. I can't look at the same area as last time since there are people sitting there, so I look at my empty chair. I open my mouth and start singing, "All of Me" by John Legend. Considering this is interrupting a date, a lovey-dovey song seems to be in order.
I catch movement from the corner of my eye and glance over. I don't know why this is any different than the servers coming and going from the kitchen, but I look just the same. It's Natalia. She's standing beside the man in white, nodding and smiling at me. She must approve. She's in a hot-pink pencil skirt and white blouse, looking professional and stylish. When I look back to my s
eat, I realize there's a lull in the crowd, and everyone is watching me. Oh my!
I shut my eyes for a moment and listen to the beat. It's the only thing that doesn't upset my digested mushrooms.
The song line about how hard it is risking your heart for love hits home, and I stare at Julian. That's what all of this is about. Whether or not I want to risk my heart to be with him. All of him.
When I sing my last note, I take a step back from the microphone and think about risk.
The audience applauds, and I'm taken aback for a moment. I momentarily forgot there were so many people here. I smile, and a man in a red top and black pants walks onto the stage. He's in his mid-thirties with blond hair and light blue eyes.
"Hey, thanks for covering for me," he says. "I'm Alan."
"Gianna." I smile my thanks to the pianist and step off the stage.
Natalia walks over to me. "I was right. You're good."
The man in white looks slightly less pinched than earlier.
I go back to my table as Alan says, "Everyone, that was Gianna. She'll be back another night."
I slip into my seat and want to hide under the table. I'm not used to this kind of attention.
Julian grabs my hand and squeezes my fingers. "You were amazing. I'd like to say that every time that song plays on the radio, I'm going to think of you, but I already do. It's kinda ironic you sang it."
Not irony. Fate.
It's a beautiful song about love. How can I not sing it to him? And knowing he thinks of me makes my chest swell.
* * *
I don't bother trying to get Serena alone. There's more time for that. Not much more. I want this case solved, and I want to help Frank move on, but for tonight, I want to be ghost-free.
Julian pulls into the parking lot behind the deli. "I had a great time."
So did I, and now I don't want it to end. I know if I invite him up there's a good chance it'll become romantic, and I suddenly look forward to that.
"Do you want some coffee?"
His grin is sincere and not too eager. "I'd love some."
He parks his truck, and we head up. One night of tenderness and love, and I'll get back to Serena and Frank first thing in the morning. Upstairs, I start a pot of coffee, but I don't plan on actually drinking any.
I turn to him and step so close, the knot of his tie brushes against the tip of my nose. "Thanks for dinner."
"Thanks for the entertainment." His voice is low and gravely. Good. That means tonight is affecting him as much as it is me.
I look up into his eyes and tilt my head back as seductively as I know how. It must work because Julian leans down and presses his mouth against mine.
I close my eyes and breathe in his scent. His lips are soft and warm, his tongue tastes salty. I lean into him, and his hands mold my back, my hips, and my butt.
I moan softly and hear, "Excuse me."
I open my eyes, frown, and wonder when Julian became a ventriloquist. But then he frowns too, and I realize he didn't speak. I pull away and see Frank standing in the center of the living room. For crying out loud!
"We should talk," Frank says. "But I can come back."
If that was the case, why didn't he just leave and not interrupt us? The fact that he feels we should talk makes it sound super important.
"What's wrong?" Julian asks.
I sigh and step out of his embrace. "I'm sorry, but we have company."
He looks around as if he can actually see the departed. Silly man. Then his chest puffs up, and he slowly exhales. He gets it. "Oh. Should I leave?"
I hope I don't regret this. "Actually, yeah. You're welcome to stay, but I think it'll be easier to chat if I don't have to relay everything he's saying. I'm really sorry. I want to be with you, but tracking this guy down has not been easy."
Julian's expression goes from confused to frustrated. Boy, do I understand. He kisses my forehead. "I get it. I don't like it, but duty calls. I understand. And you'll call me tomorrow?"
"Absolutely."
I walk him downstairs, lock the door behind him, and run back up. Frank is still in the same spot. I walk over to the Mr. Coffee and pour myself a cup. Guess I'll be drinking it after all.
"So, spill," I say.
"You're mad."
Is he seriously concerned about my feelings?
"Yeah, 'cause I'm tired of the runaround and the lies. If you were honest from the get go… Never mind, just tell me what you want to say." And it better be good.
His brows draw together. "You have to convince Serena to not go back to her old job."
Too late, buddy. "She's already waiting tables. And why?"
He bows his head. "She deserves better, and I can't stand to know she's with them."
I feel like I just walked into the middle of a conversation. I don't know what's going on or even who the players are. "With who?"
He turns and glides over to the front windows. "When I first met Serena, it was at a party."
"Yeah, you told me. You were out with your mother's latest con."
"Yeah, well, I didn't mention that Serena was at the party working."
I shrug. "Okay, so she was one of the servers?"
He looks at me. "No, one of the escorts."
"Excuse me?"
"She was there with a man who hires women to go to parties and events with him. Among other things." He bows his head again.
Like sex? Oh my God!
"In fact, the man I was with, my mother's latest con, and I also had escorts for the evening."
I gasp and leave my mouth hanging open. I'm certainly not a prude, but I'm surprised. I've heard about the whole business obviously. I'm not living under a rock. But I never knew anyone who worked as an escort or hired one. Then again, I don't usually run around in circles with friends who can afford one.
I take my cup of joe to the sofa and sit cross-legged. "Tell me everything."
He blinks. "You're not offended?"
"Pfft. Why would I be? In fact, I'm curious." Plus, this totally makes sense as to where Serena's extra income comes from.
"Okay, well, Don, my mother's latest con…"
I chuckle at the rhyme.
Frank smirks. "He said he had dates for us for the charity event. All of the proceeds were going to cancer research."
How nice.
"Don introduced me to Serena's date—a friend of his. Some old geezer who looked like he was in his eighties. I could tell that all of the women, Serena, my date, Kit, and Don's date all knew one another. I didn't think much of it until the next day when Don told me that his date and Kit were escorts."
I sip my coffee and make encouraging sounds to let him know I'm listening, and he should continue.
"When I ran into Serena again, we hit it off immediately. We started dating, and she stopped working as an escort. Money was tight, and she couldn't afford to quit, but she did it for me. And she thought I was loaded, so I could help her out."
This doesn't make Serena look any less suspicious.
"Why didn't you just tell me all of this when we first met?"
"I was afraid that if you knew the truth you'd think less of Serena and maybe not help us."
I set my cup down on a side table, untangle my legs, and walk over to the kitchen. "Dude, that's not me. I don't care what you or Serena do on the side. I need all the facts to do my job."
He nods. "I get it."
I return to my seat with a small note pad and pen. The pad used to belong to Ma until I borrowed it. "Now that I have more information, I can widen the suspect pool. I hope. So it's possible that the bomb was placed by an ex-client?"
He shrugs and scrunches up his face, obviously not liking the memory that his true love had clients. "I guess it's possible."
That's not encouraging, but I'll take it. I write Ex-Clients at the top of the page.
"What's the name of the guy she was with when you first met?"
"Um, Charles Warren."
I jot down his name. "What
about her other clients. Know any of their names?"
He shakes his head. "No. I didn't ask."
I'm sure he doesn't want to know. "That's okay. I can ask Serena."
He looks stricken.
"Dude, I have to talk to her about this. It's a missing piece, and whoever planted that bomb may have done so because of it."
"I guess." He doesn't look pleased.
A thought strikes me. "Oooh, any chance one of her clients was pissed she was quitting?"
"I don't know, but wouldn't planting a bomb be extreme?"
"Yeah, probably." But people kill for the stupidest reasons. Just ask Ma. She has a basement full of their artifacts. Speaking of which… "Any chance I can get a souvenir of our time together?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know. Where are your belongings? Did you live at Thomas's all the time?"
He nods. "I moved into his place after Serena and I got engaged. Most of my things are with my mother or in storage."
That must be a hard way to live.
"We can deal with that later. What else do you know about her escort job? Wait. You said she's going back to it."
He grimaces. "Unfortunately."
"So she could still be in danger."
He widens his eyes, and the realization hits him. "You have to protect her."
I roll my eyes. What exactly do I look like? A SWAT team? A personal bodyguard? I'm not Kevin Costner, and she's not Whitney Houston. "I'll do what I can."
Which means I'll find information, process it, and pass it along to the proper authorities. I heard Ma this morning. She's worried I'm dealing with another murder. I'm concerned as well. The last one almost didn't end well for me. So I have no desire to play hero or place myself in the path of a bomb. But uncovering the details surrounding someone's death is exciting. Who knew?
And the first place I'll start with is this escort service. Pen poised, I ask, "Where is their office?"
"Office? You mean the escorts?"
Two Ghosts & a Love Song (Dead by the Numbers Mysteries Book 2) Page 16
