Page 42 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
“Whatever,” she laughed, dismissing me with a wave of her hand. “Now, because I still consider you family, I’ll give you the chance to save the company. Meet me at Pasta e Vino along Biltmore Avenue on Friday, by 4pm I’ll have something that’ll… make you a little more cooperative.”
“And if I don’t come?” I asked, leaning forward, daring her to push me further.
“Then you’ll leave me no choice.”
With that, she turned and strode out of the office, her departure leaving a hollow silence behind her. I stared after her, pulse racing, the weight of her threat settling over me like a dark cloud. Whatever game she was playing, I knew one thing: I couldn’t afford to lose.
Chapter Seventeen
Kendra
I stood in front of my closet, scanning the array of dresses and tops, unsure what to wear for my date with Antonio. Tina sat on my bed, sipping champagne and offering unsolicited advice.
“Girl, you need something that screams, ‘I’m interested,’ without saying, ‘I’m desperate,’” Tina said, examining her nails.
I chuckled and held up a red dress. “How about this?”
Tina’s eyes widened. “No way. You’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Plus, Antonio’s already seen that dress.”
I laughed, remembering when Tina and I bumped into him at a charity event in town. “Okay, what’s your expert opinion, then?”
Tina jumped off the bed and began rummaging through my closet. It took about eleven seconds of tossing clothes aside before she finally found something that caught her eye.
“Ah-ha! This one.” She nodded, pulling out a flowy, pale blue dress with a delicate lace trim.
“Perfect,” I said, taking the dress.
“Of course! If it isn’t perfect, then it’s not me…” she beamed, handing me the dress.
As I changed, Tina worked her magic on my hair, curling loose waves that cascaded down my back. She handed me a glass of champagne, and we clinked glasses.
“To a night to remember,” Tina said, smiling.
I took a sip, feeling a mix of excitement and guilt.
“Kendra, what’s Antonio like?” she asked, applying my makeup.
I closed my eyes, letting my mind conjure images of him. “He’s charming, kind, and genuine. And those eyes... oh my world...”
Tina giggled. “I’ve seen those eyes. Many ladies would kill to have him smile at them.”
We both laughed, but Tina’s expression turned serious. “Kendra, we both know why you’re doing this, though. You feel terrible, don’t you?”
I nodded, opening my eyes to meet Tina’s concerned gaze. “How can I not? I’m using him for a story.”
Tina’s voice softened. “You need this break, Kendra. But be careful. Antonio doesn’t seem like someone to trifle with.”
Just then, my phone buzzed. My brother, Tom, was video-calling.
“Hey, sis! Let me see what you’re wearing,” Tom said, his face filling the screen.
I held up the phone, striking a pose.
“Wow, stunning!” Tom exclaimed. Lucinda chimed in from the background.
“You look like a million bucks, love,” Lucinda said, smiling.
“Thanks, Lu…” I set the phone on the table and pulled Tina into the frame. “Tom, Lucinda, meet Tina. Tina, that’s my brother, and that is his beautiful wife.”
