I’d gone to the bathroom for two minutes and come out to my apartment in flames, while Elena stood in front of the TV, oblivious.
She sighed, dropping to the couch in a dramatic fashion. “If I have to have another Isabel in my house, I think I’ll scream.”
I nodded. “Screaming certainly helps in most situations.”
“You’re right, though. I just need to hire someone. It’s not like I have a passion for cooking—”
“Or safety,” I parried.
“Or, apparently, that.”
“You know, this is justice. Women who look like Barbie dolls shouldn’t know how to cook. You’d simply leave the rest of us in the dust.”
“Stop being ridiculous.” She flushed. “By the way, why is your TV in Spanish?”
I sighed. “Insolent housekeepers.”
“Have you seen my cell phone?” she asked, getting to her feet. “I’m sure Nico has texted me by now, and he hates when I don’t text him back. Especially when I’m with you. I think he thinks you’re a bad influence.”
“Oh, I’m glad you reminded me—I almost forgot to drag out the drugs and alcohol.” I winked. “It’s kind of amazing how you ignore him, though. He’s had women fawning over him for far too long.”
“I don’t ignore him on purpose—” She stopped to pick something small off the living room floor. “Hmm . . .” An edge of mischief played in her voice. “When did you start wearing cufflinks, Gianna?”
I kept my expression aloof and went to take it from her hand. “I’m trying out a new look.”
She laughed. “Sure. So . . . when was he over?”
“Who?” I acted innocent, closing the cufflink in my palm. It burned.
“You know who.”
My gaze narrowed on her, though, with a sigh, I gave in. “Last night.”
“I knew it!” Her eyes sparkled. “I knew there was something between you and Christian.”
“If something is sex, sure.”
“I think I would pay money for those details.”
“How much you got on you?” I joked, just as a knock sounded at the door. With a sigh, because I already knew who it was, I went to open it.
Nico stood there, practically glowering at me.
I grinned. “Oh, you made it just in time for the party! I was just about to let the male hooker out of the closet.”
He rolled his eyes and walked past me toward his wife, who stood by the couch looking guilty.
“Been calling you for an hour, Elena.”
She chewed her cheek. “I might have misplaced my phone.”
“Missed you,” he rasped against her hair, pulling her close.
Feeling like I was intruding on something, I went to clean up the kitchen.
“What’s for dinner?” Nico asked a few moments later, while Elena searched the place for her phone.
“Fried towel served with a side of half-cooked pasta.”