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And then . . .
To: Chari Atwood
From: Enzo DeLuca
Subject: How are you?
Hey, Chari. Sorry we didn’t get to talk more this weekend. Devon said your mom is doing
better. Glad to hear it. I hope it’s OK to email you. I didn’t have your cell and wasn’t sure Devon would appreciate me asking for it. Talk soon?
Enzo
My heart slams out of my chest. Or at least it feels that way. I put the phone down by my side, take a deep breath, and read it again. Yep. Same message.
From Enzo.
I hit reply but then stop. It’s from an hour ago, and I don’t want to look too eager. So I close my email and pretend to watch whatever cop show Devon found. He sits there without a care in the world, eating the rest of my chicken and broccoli with no idea one of his oldest friends just sent me an email. I know they still talk a lot, even given Enzo’s crazy schedule. They’ve communicated since Saturday, obviously, since Enzo knows about Mom.
Would he care if Enzo emailed me?
Yes.
He would. And even though I’m a grown-ass woman, I can’t ignore the fact that Enzo was Devon’s friend before my . . . whatever this is.
But plenty of people date their siblings’ friends. Is it really such a crazy idea?
Reminding myself Enzo and I are not dating, that this is just one simple email, and an innocent one at that, I grab my phone. An hour and five minutes. Yep, enough time has passed.
To: Enzo DeLuca
From: Chari Atwood
Subject: Great!
Hi Enzo. Mom is doing better, thanks. So sorry we had to leave early Saturday night. The
restaurant is amazing. Tris got some great press on Sunday, so it looks like DeLuca’s II will be a hit.
“You look pretty intent.”
I glance up. Devon is watching me.
“Just a parent,” I lie, hating it. I can’t think of the last time I lied to my brother. We share just about everything. “You know how much I love cop shows.” Which is true.
He turns back to the TV, but now I feel like crap. Thankfully, the feeling passes pretty quickly when I remember Enzo actually emailed me. I really didn’t think he’d get back in touch.
And I agree, Devon would definitely wonder if you asked for my number. It’s totally fine to email me, but feel free to text if you want. Number is 555-710-8314.
Chari
Probably an understatement, but I suspect Lisa was right, that Enzo didn’t make a move because of my brother. No need to spook him.
“So,” I say, shifting my attention to Devon. “What’s the deal with Doctor Karim?” I try to sound casual, but he knows me too well.
Devon makes a rude sound. “Colleen? Nothing.”
I’m not convinced.
