Page 19 of Christmas with the Mafia
“What way?”
I ask, and she gasps, “Nicholas Ravera is the owner of Viper Holdings. Reggie, you just hit the jackpot.”
She scrolls through Aston’s phone at speed. “Oh my God, you should see him in images.”
She holds up the phone to the screen, and I note Nico reclining on a yacht, looking impossibly hot, and not in a temperature kind of way. His dark shades only make him appear sexier, and I cross my legs as I imagine that man anywhere near me.
“That’s him.”
“And you’re in the restroom chatting with us. Get back there, Cinderella, and secure Prince Charming in a chokehold and never let go.”
Quincy’s smile almost disappears offthe screen.
“Way to go, girl. Keep me informed and get pictures.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
I salute her, my smug smile refusing to be contained because she’s right. I am winning at life because Nicholas Ravera is the kind of guy who passes by once in a lifetime, and he was stroking my neck. Yes, he had his hand in mine and bought me a dress, a drink and a bowl of soup. All he wants is my company, so I should give him what he wished for.
“Okay, I’ll just film a video for my vlog before I head back there. Over and out, comrades, speak soon, love you.”
After I finish up in the restroom, another video firmly in the bag after demonstrating a makeup tutorial at an event, I head outside into the ballroom.
As I wander through the crowds, I am seriously loving the venue. The entire room resembles an ice castle. Projected images flicker on the walls, and the chandeliers sparkle overhead. The music is classical, almost like being in Vienna, or how I imagine it, anyway. I film the entire experience, trying to remain incognito, and as I pan the camera around, a familiar face captures my attention.
“Connor!”
My heart stutters as I note his hands locked around another woman. She is resting her head on his shoulder, and he is kissing her hair. They are dancing to the music, and I’m amazed at that. Connor can’t dance. He told me often enough, which is why we never went anywhere near a dance floor. Something tugs on my heart, and I’m relieved to find it’s not pain. More like anger and resentment, and I waste no time in pushing through the crowds toward them.
As I reach them, they are so wrapped up in one anotherthey don’t notice me at all, and I wonder how I can get their attention.
To be honest, I am seriously in the way because couples are twirling around me like they’re auditioning for Dancing With The Stars.
It’s only when the girl, Jessica, I think her name is, notices me and whispers something to Connor. As he turns, his expression is almost comical as he gasps, “Reggie—what—how?”
He pulls away from Jessica, whose expression changes to one of concern as he pushes his way toward me and grasps hold of my arm.
‘’Why are you here?”
“Why areyouhere, you mean?” I shrug off his hand and glare at him with fury. “You told me you had COVID you cheating liar.”
“Cheating? Wait, what are you talking about?”
Jessica joins the conversation and hurls her accusatory gaze toward him, and Connor has the grace to blush.
“It’s nothing.” He tells her, reaching for her hand. “Reggie is a friend, nothing more.”
“A friend with benefits more like, bordering on soon to be fiancée.”
Jessica gasps, and then I see it. A huge pear-shaped diamond sparkling on her finger. The exact one I pointed out to Connor a few months ago, telling him it would be my dream engagement ring.
Tears blind me as I stare at the rock on her finger, and I whisper, “Is that what I think it is?”
Connor nods. “Jessica and I are engaged.”
“Since when?”
It’s as if the wind has been knocked out of my sails, and Jessica hisses, “We have been dating for two years, and Connor proposed in July. I said yes, but now I want answers. Who is this woman, Connor, and what is she to you?”
