Page 97 of Her Guardian
“I’m getting better at being a host,” I giggle. “Trying lots of new things these days. I even started cooking!”
“And you haven’t set the kitchen on fire yet?” Lea laughs, glancing at the stove.
“Not yet,” I say.
“I’ll take a drink, if it’s not too much trouble,” Cadence says, stacking some things from the charcuterie tray on her plate. “I’ve barely eaten since I started working for the Morandi family again.”
“Don’t like buffets?” I question, walking over and opening the fridge.
“No.” Cadence shakes her head and wrinkles her nose. “Have you seen the guests at Salvalagio? They toucheverything.”
“Yeah, I used to be one of them,” I admit. “Alright, for drinks… I got tea, soda, water, beer… or if you want something stronger.”
“Stronger.” Cadence smiles. “Definitely stronger. And I’ll take Lea’s drink too, since she can’t have anything.”
“Fine by me,” Lea says. “Can’t wait until the baby is born and I’m done nursing. Salvatore sent a crate of the wine they named after me, and I can’t even drink it.”
“Soon, Lea. Soon,” I laugh, walking over to Boyd’s bar area. “Cadence, you prefer vodka, right?”
“Yep,” she confirms. “Don’t even have to pour it. Just hand me the bottle.”
“I’m going to pour it,” I say, turning over a glass. “But I’ll make it a double, since you’re having Lea’s too.”
It’s not my place to question Cadence’s drinking habits, but her asking for the bottle does cause a twinge of concern. Not that I’m one to talk. I used to down drinks pretty fast at Salvalagio when I was counting cards. I fix Cadence’s drink, slide it across the bar, and take a sip of my water before nibbling on a cracker.
“So, any updates?” I ask. “Boyd said there’s nothing going on at all right now.”
“Business as usual, again,” Lea sighs. “Except everyone is on high alert and they’ve turned poor Cadence into their personal slave-hacker.”
Cadence shrugs and takes a drink of her vodka. “I don’t mind, honestly. At least I get paid when I’m doing work for the Morandi family. My freelance coding gig isn’t doing so well lately. AI does a lot of it for free now.”
“I’m guessing you haven’t cashed in your personal favor yet?” I ask, leaning against the bar as I continue nibbling on snacks.
“Nah,” Cadence scoffs. “Doubt I ever will. I wasn’t looking to get anything out of it. I was just helping one of my favorite podcasters. But I won’t complain about all the work it’s brought my way. No offense, Lea, but your husband’s tech team is… um, not the best.”
“No, they aren’t,” Lea admits. “But the Morandi family gets most of their tech from defense contractors, rather than developing it themselves. The tech guys are mainly just there to show people how to use it.”
“More work for me, but more than I can handle right now. I hope Massimo takes my advice and hires the group I told him about. I’m good, but I’m notSolitudegood,” Cadence laughs, taking another drink of her vodka. “Sarah, what are you working on right now? I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to listen to any of your recent podcasts.”
“Nothing much,” I sigh. “Honestly, my heart isn’t in it like I used to be. If Boyd wasn’t pushing me to keep recording new episodes, I probably wouldn’t even bother.”
“Really?” Lea’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You told me once you’d rather cut off your arm than give up your podcast.”
“Priorities change, I suppose,” I say. “Maybe I’m just finally growing up. Had to happen eventually, right?”
“I guess so,” Lea says.
We continue talking. Catching up. Lea shows me the latest ultrasounds of the baby, but they still don’t want to know if it’s a boy or girl, so I have no idea if I’ve got a godson or goddaughter on the way. Lea and I put a dent in the snacks while Cadence puts a dent in the vodka. I love spending time with Boyd, but I’ve needed this more than I realized.
“Okay, Mama has to pee,” Lea sighs, leaning forward and getting up. “The baby didnotlike the pepperoni. Keeps kicking my bladder. After that, I need to head back to Salvalagio, though.”
I shake my head and laugh as Lea walks to the restroom. Cadence refills her glass of vodka. I guess she’s hoping to stay long enough to finish it, even if Lea is ready to go.
“If you really want to see what I’m working on for my podcast, I’ve got it on the wall in here,” I offer, gesturing to the second bedroom.
“More old stories about the Mafia or something different?” Cadence asks.
“A little different,” I answer, walking into the bedroom and gesturing to the wall. “Missing tourists in Las Vegas! Thrilling content, right?”
