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I blow out a breath and shrug to myself. I guess I just left it unlocked. Before we leave I grab my gun and put it back in my purse, double-checking to make sure my door is locked.
* * *
“My feet are killing me,” I whine. We’ve been shopping for almost eight hours straight, besides the short trip to my apartment earlier. “Can’t we just order in?” I plop down on my couch and have no intentions of getting up.
“No.” Syd walks over and stands over me with her hands on her hips. I internally laugh because she’s about the same height as me sitting down. “I want to meet Marco. I know it’s not too far from here so zip it. You’re not getting out of it.”
“Fine.” I sigh. “Let’s go get ready.”
I’m really tempted to wear yoga pants and a T-shirt, but since it’s a Friday night, and the last night that Syd will be here, I decide against it. Instead it’s dark jeans, a black draped top that hangs over one shoulder, and chunky boots. The boots won’t kill my already over-tired feet. I don’t even feel like curling my hair, so tonight it’s bone straight. When I’m satisfied with my modest makeup, I go find Sydney.
The music coming from Syd’s room drowns the clumping noise my boots make on the hardwood floor. I hear our song start to play: “My Church” by Maren Morris. Syd’s walking out of her bathroom as I’m walking in her bedroom. We both start belting out the song.
As the song ends, Syd turns the music off. I sigh. “You leaving sucks.” I dread sending her back to Texas tomorrow. I sit on the bed while she finishes getting ready.
“I know.” Her lips twist. “But hopefully some of my interviews went well this week and I’ll be living here soon,” she quickly says, sitting down beside me on the bed.
“Well, they’d be stupid not to hire you.” I lean my head on her shoulder. We’re silent for a few minutes.
“Come on, Addie. We can’t stay here all night and wish something we have no control over.” She grabs my hand and drags me out the door.
“Holy heavenly smell. It smells so good.” Syd inhales deeply as we walk into the restaurant.
“I know. The food is to die for. And the garlic rolls… Mmm,” I say, remembering the way they melted on my tongue. Garlic and olive oil. My stomach grumbles.
“Beautiful Addison,” I hear Marco yell from across the room. Syd’s eyes widen. I roll mine. I really wish he’d stop saying that.
He struts toward us and tells the hostess something in Italian. “Hi, Marco,” I say. He grabs me in his typical hug, lifting me off the floor.
“Will Aiden be joining you tonight?” he asks. He tries to sound nonchalant, but there’s a little sarcasm in his tone.
I ignore it. “No, not tonight. I’m here with my best friend, Sydney.”
He takes Syd’s hand and kisses it. “So very nice to meet Addison’s best friend. I’m Marco.” He smiles wide as he glances from Syd to me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Syd tilt her head, watching Marco. I fiddle with my purse to break eye contact.
“So I have to ask. Did yo–” My head whips up as I grab Syd by the arm, my eyes wide, silently demanding her to shut up.
“Did I what?” Marco flashes a knowing smile at both of us.
Shit. I don’t want to know if he named his restaurant after me. That’ll make it way too awkward, and if Aiden ever found out… I shake my head just imagining what might happen.
Syd’s mischievous smile stretches across her face. Shit, she’s not going to let this go. She squeezes my arm. I’m not sure if she’s telling me to brace myself or to calm down, but I’m nervous as hell.
“Did you…” she pauses as she licks her lips “…know that Italian is Addison’s favorite food?” She cocks an eyebrow.
Marco laughs out loud. I purse my lips together, shaking my head. I’m going to kill Syd. I narrow my eyes at her.
“Ladies, your table is ready.” Marco chuckles, leading us to our table on the terrace. It has the most magnificent view of the city skyline. We’re only three stories high, but we have an amazing view of the Empire State Building.
“Wow,” Syd says, spinning around.
“Only the best table for my Addison,” Marco says, giving me a sexy grin.
I sigh. “Marco…” I look him in the eyes. I don’t want to be a bitch, but I need him to understand that I’m definitely not his. And I don’t want him to think that there’s a chance. I need to figure out what’s going on between Aiden and me first. I blow out a breath. “You know I’m dating Aiden.” I’ll just go with that; not sure it’s true, but hopefully it’ll work.
He holds his hands up. “You can’t fault a guy for trying.” He winks and smiles wide. “Your waitress will be here shortly. Enjoy the view, ladies.” He turns and walks away. Both Syd and I watch. He is definitely easy on the eyes.
“Oh, my gosh, Addie. You now know, right?” Syd asks.
