Page 11 of Mafioso's Muse

Nigel took a few hurried steps to catch up. ‘Do you have a minute to come backstage? Meet the dancers?’

That was a bad idea. Vaughn picked up his pace. ‘I have to get going.’

‘Miss Hayes will be out shortly. I’m sure she would love the opportunity to say hello.’

Clever man. That would teach him for asking about her.

Vaughn’s feet slowed despite knowing the smart thing to do was to get out of the theatre as fast as he could. He stopped and looked around. ‘Fine. I’ll be in the foyer for the next fifteen minutes.’ He was unable to keep the irritation out of his voice. Though it wasn’t irritation at Nigel but at himself for taking the bait.

The director hurried off in the other direction, and Vaughn made his way to the foyer to wait. He loitered near the exit, sending a text to Finn saying that he would be outside in fifteen. More email checking to pass the time. Eventually, the lift doors opened, and a group of dancers filed out. He looked up from his phone, but Willow wasn’t among them. They looked curiously in his direction as they exited the foyer. Vaughn glanced at his watch and was considering leaving when the lift doors opened again and Willow stepped out this time. The sight of her had his hand going slack around his phone. He slid it into his pocket.

She was wearing leggings and a cropped T-shirt. His gaze dropped to the sliver of skin that flashed as she walked towards him before shifting to Lili, who was flanking her. Her expression suggested she was ready to take his head off if need be. Behind them was a man Vaughn guessed to be in his early thirties. Average height with a dancer’s body. He had the audacity to give Vaughn a judgemental look while wearing skinny jeans.

Willow came to a stop in front of him, her mouth stretching into a smile. ‘We meet again, Mr Gallo.’

He tried not to look at that mouth for too long. ‘We do.’

Harrison pushed forwards and extended a hand to him. ‘Harrison Walsh, creative director.’

The fact that Willow had to take a step to the side to accommodate him did not sit well with Vaughn. He took the man’s hand briefly, noting the hostile body language despite the friendly tone.

‘We appreciate you coming along,’ Harrison said. ‘What did you think?’

‘The performance was impressive.’ His gaze went to Willow. ‘You danced beautifully.’ Then, looking at Lili, he added, ‘You both did.’

Lili only narrowed her eyes at him, saying nothing.

‘We would love to chat with you about some ideas we have if you have the time,’ Harrison said, drawing the attention back to him.

Vaughn shook his head and pulled his cigarettes from his pocket, putting one between his lips in preparation for his exit. ‘Not today.’

Lili crossed her arms. ‘Did you know that every packet of cigarettes you smoke shortens your lifespan by twenty-eight minutes?’

He blinked. ‘So does stress. You should relax.’ He looked to Willow. ‘What do you think of the lighting in here?’

She looked around. ‘I think they’re doing their job. Nobody is stumbling about in the dark.’

Why did he get the feeling she was rarely critical of anything—or anyone, for that matter? She was likely the type who looked for the best in people, while he immediately searched for the worst.

‘They’re energy efficient,’ Harrison said with a slight frown.

Vaughn stared at him. ‘Is that right?’

‘We’re about to grab some food if you’d like to join us,’ Willow said, prompting an elbow to the ribs from Lili. She glanced at her friend before adding, ‘There’s a pho place with very uncomfortable stools not far from here.’

Vaughn took the cigarette from his lips. ‘Fan of the pho?’

‘I am.’

He liked knowing that small detail about her.

‘It’s $12 a bowl,’ Willow continued, ‘and you get all the garnishes your heart desires.’

He found himself greedy for more information, like exactly which garnishes she preferred. The thing was, he didn’t eat in restaurants unless he knew the owner or, at the very least, knew their food safety standards were up to par. Yet hewastempted by the offer, if only to sit across a much-too-small table and watch Willow select condiments for her soup.

‘I’m sure Mr Gallo has better things to do,’ Harrison said. Smiling, he added, ‘Willow here grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. She’s a work in progress.’

Vaughn returned the cigarette to his mouth as he studied Harrison. ‘Meaning?’