Hey, Goldfinches tonight? You ready to leave soon?
I check the time, it’s a little after seven. Damn, I got wrapped up in putting the deal together on the place my client wanted. We found the place a little after three this afternoon. He liked the property but not the price. Since my client is paying cash, it shouldn’t have taken as long in back and forth as it did. The seller only accepted a half hour ago. As I look at the paperwork, I hesitate. I wanted to go home and see Bethany and fight with her again. Never mind, it’s better I don’t have the chance to make an ass of myself.
Yeah, give ten minutes. I’ll meet you downstairs.
This late in the Loop the streets are deserted.
I don’t even have the car door closed before Enzo is talking. “Dude, Che talked to me. What happened? How did Bethany tell you how she feels? How upset was she?”
“She wasn’t upset. She mentioned she felt more accepted by Uncle Tony and Dom. They talked to her, asked her stuff, and remembered it months later. She felt like you were watching her and waiting for her to fuck up, which you were. Then she got all scared I’d hold it against her. I’m sure she’d be pissed off at me for telling you guys. I don’t care though because Che’s over here saying she’s family, but she doesn’t feel like it and that needs to change.”
“Shit, man. I feel bad. She’s a good kid. I thought she kind of hung around Dom a lot. I mentioned it to Che the other night, when Dom left she walked him out. All he did was give her a card with some cash though. There I was wondering if she had a crush on Dom, and it’s because he’s the only guy there who was nice to her.”
I bristle at the idea of Bethany getting cozy with Dom. “She flirt with Dom?”
“No, not really. She looks happy when she talks with him, but now I’m thinking of it, she’s the same with Uncle Tony. Bethany is an easy read. I never got her with Dom. She was just always smiling when she talked to him and Tony, and she didn’t much with me. Now I get it’s because I never gave her a reason to smile.” He sighs. “I’m glad you said something. You’re right it’s shitty of us to talk one way and act another. Fuck, I’m an old miserable asshole.”
“Nah man, you aren’t old.”
“Haha. Whatever. You talk to Bethany a lot? You guys cool?”
I shrug. “For now, yeah.”
“What do you mean for now?”
“It means she takes delight in keeping a person on their toes, so we’ll see who takes the next round.”
Enzo studies me. “Is she the little sister you never knew you wanted?”
Fuck that, no. “She’s my sister-in-law and she lives across the hall from me. I’m just getting to know her.”
“Hmm.”
Seated in the restaurant, we take a look at the menu, even though I’m pretty sure I know what I want already. “Che mentioned you were in the office early today. How you doing?”
“I’m fine. Jesus, what is with the damn third degree?”
“Touchy today, aren’t you? It’s not a third degree. The last time you went into the office early was in neither me or Che can remember. We’re making sure you’re good, that’s all.”
“I’m fine. I got up early. It’s no big deal.” Thankfully the waitress comes to take our order.
***
Bethany
Okay, I found an alert I can set in Cesare’s office to go off when the elevator is engaged for this floor. Rich people tricks, awesome. The alert goes off at almost ten o’clock. It’s stupid I’m disappointed Dante is getting home so late. How rude of me to assume he would come home right after work because of me. Running outside reeks of pathetic, only I’m getting more and more nervous as the seconds tick past.
I’m in the foyer pacing back and forth when I hear the ding of the elevator. Please, knock on the door. Please. I’m holding my breath until I’m ready to pass out, then I hear his front door close. Damn it. I sag against the wall. Loser. You’re a loser, Bethany. Leave him alone, especially when you don’t know what the hell you want from him.
Who am I kidding? I know exactly what I want from him. It would just probably end in agony and tears, and I’m not sure if: 1. It would be worth it and 2. I’m strong enough not to be completely broken when it ends.
I read the paragraph for the third time, but it’s still not taking. With a sigh I toss my tablet away from me. I can’t focus on the supposed good guy making another bad decision because of a beautiful woman. I pick up my cell phone. It’s almost midnight. Is Dante asleep? Is he lying in bed too right now, naked? A finger traces over the letters of his name. When the alert goes off for a text, my heart pounds fast. It’s Dante.
Did you find a therapist today?
I don’t even hesitate, I hit send. He answers before I even hear it ring. “For the record, I hate texting.”
“I’m figuring that out. Texting gives people an out on whether they want to have a conversation or not. Find someone you can complain to about me yelling at you?”