Page 75 of Mafioso's Muse

‘They were never dating,’ Harrison said, visibly agitated by the suggestion. ‘I’m sorry to anyone hoping for a love story’—he looked pointedly at Caroline—‘but it was just a fling that lasted a few days.’

Vaughn turned his head, not to look at Harrison but at Willow. She knew he was thinking the same thing she was. It wasn’t some fling that lasted a few days. It was an obsession that spanned months and continued to consume them both.

‘Is that how you would describe the relationship, Mr Gallo?’ Caroline asked, catching the exchange between him and Willow. ‘As a fling?’

Vaughn looked back at her. ‘Some things are difficult to define, Ms Roche. You’re free to label the relationship however you wish in order to keep things moving.’

Willow could have sworn she saw Caroline suppress a smile as she looked down at her notebook.

They all sat in silence while Mary jotted down a few more notes. Harrison’s foot moved relentlessly under the table the entire time. Willow couldn’t remember ever seeing him so on edge.

Finally, Mary placed her pen down and looked up. ‘So, while Mr Gallo was cleared of any connection with the Chinatown incident, it was his donation that ultimately separated the two of you.’ She looked from Vaughn to Willow.

Vaughn leaned forwards for his glass of water, taking a sip and setting it down again. It seemed he was going to make Willow answer that one.

‘Correct,’ she said, her palms heating in her lap.

What she didn’t say was that the donation was only the beginning of the end. It was the reason they fought but not what broke them. The real damage came later. An incident that would remain between Willow and Vaughn. An incident that was not for the ears in that boardroom…

23

April 2024

Harrison insisted on driving Willow home after rehearsals. He was worried that Vaughn would show up at her apartment. But Willow wasn’t afraid of him showing up. If she were being completely honest with herself, she was afraid of him never showing up again. As angry and betrayed as she felt, she understood why he did what he did. He was used to getting what he wanted, and that extended to her. Vaughn had kept the information from her because he knew she would have turned the role down if she was aware.

Of course, that didn’t make it okay.

‘You sure you don’t want me to come in?’ Harrison said as they pulled up outside her apartment building. ‘I’m happy to keep you company for a while. We could order dinner.’

She gave him an appreciative smile. ‘Lili’s coming over.’ Not entirely true, but she hadplannedto invite her over.

‘Okay.’ He reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘You call me if you need anything.’

Thanking him, Willow climbed out and waved goodbye before heading inside. As she reached the lift, Lili phoned, as if summoned by the friendship gods.

‘Hey.’ Willow pressed the lift button.

‘Just making sure you got home okay.’

‘I did.’ The lift door opened, and she stepped in. ‘Harrison offered to stay for dinner, but I told him I already have plans with you. Please tell me you’re free.’

‘Oh, I wish. I have to go to that dinner with Ãyí, remember?’

Willow had forgotten about that.

‘No idea what time I’ll be home,’ Lili added. ‘Want me to swing by after?’

‘You’ll be too tired,’ Willow told her. ‘Get some sleep.’

‘I’m coming over in the morning, then. I’ll bring coffee and those gluten-free croissants that are probably loaded with sugar?—’

‘And we’re both too afraid to ask the cafe owner because then we’ll feel guilty buying them.’

‘Never, ever ask.’

Willow locked the door and went straight over to say hello to Frank. ‘Enjoy your dinner. I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘Will do. Bye.’