Page 55 of Bittersweet Revenge

“You don’t say…” Ben trailed off, eyeing Antoine up and down.

I never thought of Ben as judgmental, but right now I was not particularly keen on how he was looking at my new friend.

“Listen, Ben,” I said. “If you don’t want to, it’s okay. I understand, really. I’m not comfortable either with letting you do this.”

“No, Esme, that’s not it. Really.” He let out a sigh. “It’s fine. I’m going to New York anyway.”

“Okay.” I was still not convinced.

He smiled at me. “I have a present for you in the storeroom though. Come. I’ll show you.”

“Is it your penis?” Antoine asked seriously. “Because I’ve tried that tactic before and the success rate is pretty low.”

Archie snorted and looked at Antoine, sharing a smile of connivance with him. Ah, the friendship was still there. It just needed a common enemy to bring it back. Too bad that had to be sweet Ben Deluca.

I rolled my eyes at them. “Whatever it is, Ben, you can show them. They are my friends.”

He stood up. “One thing for sure, is that I’m pleased you came back to your senses and didn’t bring the sociopath.”

Archie nodded. “Ah, he does know your fiancé pretty well. It’s impressive.”

“Shut up, Archibald,” I snapped.

He raised a questioning eyebrow at me. Didn’t he know I cared for Caleb? He must do.

“We’re not here to talk about Caleb. We’re here to solve a murder. I think it’s time to keep our priorities straight!”

The room turned silent as everyone looked toward me as if I'd grown an extra head. It was the first time I’d really lost my temper, so everyone was giving me varying degrees of wariness. Well, except for Antoine who had a little side smile, seemingly saying, ‘I can see right through you’.

Archie nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Ben sighed. “Sure.” He pointed to the storage door again. “Why don’t you go see your surprise while these guys show me the things I need.”

“Okay…” I trailed off.

“I’m coming with you,” Archie stated in a tone which left no place for argument.

Antoine stepped forward with a cheeky grin promising pain. “I’ll take care of your little boy toy. Go see your surprise.”

My worries vanished as soon as I saw Luke sitting on a stool.

“Esme!” He stood up.

“Dad!” I gasped, running into his arms and holding him tight.

He kissed the top of my head. “Oh, I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” I mumbled, my face still buried in his chest. It was just so good to see him after eight months.

I stayed in his arms a few more minutes just reeling in his warmth, his smell of cheap soap and cologne that even now, after everything, still gave me a sense of security like it had when I was a little girl.

When I finally stepped out of his arms, he turned to Archie with a small smile.

“Archibald, I’m so happy to meet you.” Luke took a step toward him, but Archie took a step back throwing him a chilly look.

“I’d like to say likewise, but…”

“Archie!”

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