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I shook my head. “I think I just need a night alone.”
“I disagree.”
I set my glass down and slid my purse under my arm. “I know.” I squeezed her arm and left, ignoring her protests.
I pushed open the doors to the chapel and slipped back inside. Everyone had gone, and it felt so peaceful. Candles were lit on a little table; they flickered in a sudden draft.
My heels clicked loudly on the wooden floor as I made my way up the aisle. The cross above me grew larger as I approached the altar. The evening sun shone through the pieces of stained glass and created shapes against the wall. It was lovely, and I felt a calmness come over me as I slowly lowered myself onto the polished wooden pew.
A sudden tap on my shoulder sent my nerves firing. To my horror, Sonny Conti asked me to move over. His appearance was shocking. It looked like he’d been through a bar fight. Then it hit me like a bag of rocks. Grim’s battered knuckles.
“Yeah, your boyfriend’s handiwork.” He read my mind.
My back went up. “He’s not my boyfriend,” I corrected.
“Right. Well, all this,” he waved a finger around his face, “was his doing. For no reason.”
“Pfft, if he did it, I’m sure he had a good reason,” I shot back without thinking, and his expression went hard. I swallowed. I needed to be careful.
He smelled like cigarettes and alcohol, and I turned my face away. I wanted to run, to scream, to God knew what, anything but sit there like a stone and let him fill me with fear. I realized my effort to be alone had left me vulnerable.
“Funny how people turn to the church for solace whenever anything bad happens. And what is this place but a building filled with things that bring some people comfort? Just a house, really. The only difference between this and a house is that someone stands up there,” he pointed to the pulpit, “in front of two crossed sticks and tells us how we should be good people.” My hands shook in my lap, and I wondered if I should try to call Minnie for help. “Are you good people, Kenna?” He put a hand heavily across my shoulders. I refused to flinch. I wouldn’t give him the pleasure of knowing the depth of my fear.
“Are you?” I countered.
“No.” He shrugged. “But the difference between you and me is that I’m honest with myself.”
“Just because you admit you’re bad doesn’t justify the behavior.” I shirked out from under his arm and leaned forward against the other pew.
“Maybe not, but at least I sleep at night.” He turned to look at me, and I knew he saw my exhaustion. “You worried about dear old dad?” I locked my face in place. This was a test. I knew it was. He wanted to know if I knew the truth.
“Why?” I shook my head and acted like I didn’t follow. “What happened to Dad?” I went for my purse like I was going to call him. Sonny’s cold hand slammed down on mine, and he leaned close, so his swollen-ugly face was only inches from mine.
“We all have sins, Kenna, and it’s only a matter of time before we have to deal with the consequences.” He squeezed my thigh hard, then, as fast as he’d appeared, he got up and left.
Grim
Dad beamed at me. “You did an amazing job, son.” It was the first time since we’d left for New Orleans that I’d seen him smile. “We’ve been through so much this last while, but your mother and I are very proud of you, and Leo would be, too.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I looked around the beautiful lobby of Secrets that was now filled with potential guests, new guests, and press. As much as the fire had set me back, it also had brought the hotel twice the amount of attention. I was very pleased with the grand opening so far.
I glanced around and spotted some staff from Indulge and noted Jayden and his father Walter Wallace were in conversation. To my surprise, Victor Conti had made an appearance. Thankfully, his son hadn’t dared show his battered face.
Salazar lifted a glass to me with a nod as he caught my eye from across the room, I tilted mine back at him as a thank youfor coming. It had been an excellent turnout, and I felt confident that Secrets would be a success. I went back to scanning the lobby. Several other guests either waved or smiled, and a sense of accomplishment filled me. Perhaps we’d get through this thing without any trouble, after all. I scanned the lobby again.
“She’ll be here.” My father patted my shoulder.
“I was just checking out the guests.” It was partially true.
“Uh huh.” He smiled.
It had been ten days since we laid my brother to rest, and ten days since I’d seen Kenna. She had disappeared right after the funeral and apparently only let Dad know where she’d gone.
“If you’d only told me where she went, I could settle.” I held my glass up to my mouth as I spoke.
Dad tucked a hand in his pocket and made an effort to look relaxed, as many were watching us. “Like I explained, I’m honoring her wishes. I understand why she left,” he gave me a look, “but I need you to make things right.” He pressed his lips together when Minnie appeared at my side.
“Is she here yet?”
