Page 113 of The Don’s Omega

Why did he call me so early?

It’s not even 7:00 p.m. yet.

Was that so he’d have his night free?

“You sure you’re staying in tonight?” I ask.

He laughs. “Yes. I just told you that.”

“And you’re still in Philadelphia?”

He looks confused. “Why would I be in a hotel if I wasn’t?”

I shrug. “You’re staying at the Blue Lotus, right?”

He frowns. “Yes.”

“What room are you in?”

“590.” He frowns. “Pretty sure I told you that when I checked in. You do remember I called you when I got here, don’t you?”

“Oh, yeah.” Actually, I’d forgotten he told me the room number already. I clear my throat. “So, if I called that hotel and asked for your room number, they’d connect me to your room?”

He hesitates. “I assume so. But why would you call the hotel when you can call my cell?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I want to send you flowers.”

He laughs. “You want to send me flowers?”

“Maybe. Who knows?”

He narrows his eyes. “Is everything okay, Elio? You seem a little tense.”

“Everything is great,” I lie.

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

He studies me through the phone, looking unconvinced. “Promise me everything is okay?”

I nod. “Of course. What could be wrong?”

“I’m not sure. You just seem… off,” he says.

“No, I had a perfectly good day.”

“Did you?” He frowns. “Even without me there with you?”

I smile. “Yes. Believe it or not, I can function without you, Marcello.”

“I don’t like hearing that,” he grumbles.

“I’m not saying I like it when you’re not here,” I admit softly. “I miss you.”

His eyes darken. “Wish I was there with you. I thought about you a lot today.”

“Did you?” I can’t help the way my pulse races at the heat in his voice.