Page 85 of Mafioso's Muse

She felt herself deflate. Why did healwaysdo that? The correction could have been given during studio time.

As they entered the wing, Harrison guided her away from the group. She really wanted to go to the dressing room with the others but was forced to listen to whatever it was he wanted to say instead.

‘I’d like to celebrate this triumph with you tonight,’ he told her. ‘Have dinner with me.’

‘Oh.’ She had not been expecting a dinner invite. ‘You mean, as a group?’

‘No. Just the two of us, like old times.’

The ‘old times’ he was referring to were back when she was a teen. He used to give her a ride home after class when her mother was working and there was no one to pick her up. Sometimes, they would stop and grab sushi, reminding her that a good diet was essential for a professional dancer. He’d been looking out for her for half her life.

‘You deserve a night out after that performance. After everything,’ he said, likely meaning Vaughn. ‘Let me spoil you.’

She didn’t really want to, but she felt a deep obligation to say yes. It wasn’t like she had any other offers. Lili was going for a drink with a new man Ãyí had set her up with, so it would just be Willow at home watching Frank through the glass. ‘All right. That sounds great.’

‘Perfect.’ He clapped his hands together. ‘There’s a new Turkish place not far from here that I’ve been wanting to try. They’re open late and take walk-ins.’

As they began strolling towards the dressing rooms, Willow felt a strange guilt creep in. She knew Vaughn would disapprove of her dinner plans. And if she were being honest with herself, evenshedisapproved of them. The older she got, the less comfortable she felt around Harrison. The big brother role didn’t really work for her anymore. She had outgrown it.

It didn’t help that she had Vaughn’s warning playing on repeat in her mind.

Harrison’s phone rang. ‘I’ll meet you in the foyer when you’re ready,’ he told her before answering.

She nodded and watched him stride away before going to change.

Inside, she found Lili already dressed and preparing to leave.

‘Markets tomorrow?’ Lili asked as she picked her bag up off the floor.

‘Sure. You seem oddly keen for this drink.’

‘I mean, you saw the picture,’ she replied. ‘He’scute.’

The man was a pilot, which made for a refreshing change from the usual doctors, lawyers, and bankers.

Lili kissed the air in her direction. ‘Love ya.’ Then she hurried from the room.

‘Be safe,’ Willow called after her. She then turned to the mirror and began removing her stage make-up. Thankfully, she had some decent clothes in her bag for once.

As she was getting dressed, boredom settled in her stomach. The evening would be a lot of Harrison talking about himself and Willow feigning interest.

She found him in the foyer speaking with Ethan. They said their goodnights when they saw her coming.

‘You didn’t have to dress up for me,’ Harrison said when she reached him.

She looked down at her long-sleeved black top and flowy skirt. ‘This is what I had in my bag.’

He ran his eyes over her. ‘Well, you look beautiful.’

There was that discomfort in her belly again. ‘Thanks.’

They headed out into the cold and walked to the car park. Harrison drove to the restaurant, and they managed to get a spot close to the front door.

The Turkish restaurant had a wooden exterior and vibrant blue shutters. Lanterns hung from the eaves, and strings of multicoloured fairy lights illuminated the steps. Inside were cosy tables and bench seats covered with colourful cushions. The air smelled of spices and grilled meats.

‘My mouth is already watering,’ Willow said as she took a seat. ‘What a great atmosphere.’

Harrison looked around as he removed his coat. ‘Not sure about the colour scheme, but I’ll reserve my judgement for the food.’