Page 42 of Tryst
Grinning, he strode over. “Ah, Eliza, right?”
“You remembered.” I matched his pleasant expression.
“I’d never forget someone so exquisite.” The sparkle in his eye was mesmerizing.
Aiden snorted. “Does that work on women, bro?”
Antonio glowered at Aiden the same way Vincenzo had. “Bro? Ah yes, I’ve heard about y—”
I took a step forward. “Thank you, Antonio.”
His infuriated stare peeled away from Aiden, and he smiled at me as if nothing had happened. “Follow me.”
After a quick elevator ride into the basement of the building, the doors opened.Wow!It was so different from last time. Waitresses in 1920s flapper costumes sped around with trays in their hands, delivering drinks. The room was swarming with people, and every seat was packed as far as I could see.
The stage was crammed with the band. The drummer, a heftier man, sang lyrics into the microphone as the others swayed in unison, playing their instruments. Three women stood huddled toward the back of the platform, belting out perfect harmonies while they snapped their fingers.
Patrons cheered and hollered as they guzzled drinks and clapped along. It was everything I imagined an establishment like this would be. It was an entirely altered reality, and I felt as if I’d stepped into a time machine.
“Lot different right now, isn’t it?” Antonio lightly elbowed me.
Nodding with a wide grin, I turned to him. “It’s beautiful! It’s like a movie in here.”
Just as he was about to respond, Maddie sped up in a red, petite, fringed dress, carrying a tray full of beverages. “Hi guys, find a seat if you can! I’ll be right over.”
Antonio took a step back, raking his entertained gaze over her, and he offered her a wink. “You need help, babe?”
“I got it.” She matched his expression before zipping away, the fabric swaying back and forth.
Antonio slid his hands in his pockets, tilting his head, watching her. Finally, he tore his eyes away, giving us his attention. He jerked his head toward the back. “I actually kicked some people out a little bit ago. You can have their table.”
We followed him through the crowd, coming to a little three top, round table near the mysterious one hidden in the shadows. There was a group of people there, but I hadn’t gotten the nerve to look for Vincenzo. I took a seat in between Isaac and Aiden. Antonio sped away, disappearing into the abyss of patrons.
Eventually, I peeked around Aiden. The men at the table were unquestionably Italian, dressed in expensive suits. A few wore fedoras, and I tried my best to identify any of them, but it was no use. I only knew none of them were Vincenzo. They exchanged pleasant conversation, smoking cigars, and drinking. I scanned the room, trying my best to get a glimpse of anyone who looked like a familiar face.
“Oh God!” I gasped. “Holy shit!”
“What?!” Aiden and Isaac blurted together.
“I see someone I know.”
“Okay?” Aiden laid a hand on my thigh.
I stood. “I’ll be right back.”
I pushed away from the table, picking up my bag, and leaving my confused friends. Weaving through the crowd, I kept my eyes on the door, determined to speak to him. He appeared to be alone.Finally!It had been so long.
I grinned. “Mr. Bernardi?!”
“Eliza!”
11
RETURNED
Shock overcame me and I took a step closer so he could hear me over the loud saxophone solo. “What are you doing here?!”
He leaned next to my ear. “I can’t hear you well! Can we go somewhere else and talk?”