Page 56 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Twenty-One
Iris
Tony’s been in a weird mood since yesterday evening. Although I’m certain I’m the cause, I don’t know why. Is it because I asked him to invest in Bobbi’s business? All he had to do was say no. It’s not like she was there to hear him.
Instead, he clung to me after we went to bed, holding me tightly. If I weren’t on my period, he would’ve kept me up all night, bringing me to one climax after another. Maybe he’s feeling guilty because he doesn’t want to do it, but at the same time doesn’t want to disappoint me by saying so. But this is poor communication, and we can do better.
And I tell him as much while I stir fresh berries into creamy Greek yogurt in the morning.
“What?” He stares at me.
“I’m just saying it’s your money. I’m not going to be mad you don’t want to invest in her bakery. I’ll find some other way to help her.”
He scratches the tip of his nose and scrunches his eyebrows like he’s trying to figure out an unsolvable problem. “You think I’m upset because of that?”
“Not really upset. A little moody.” I take an extra bite of bacon, partly because I’m hungry, but mostly because seeing me eat perks him up. My appetite—or lack thereof—worries him. As a matter of fact, everything about me worries him. He seems to think I’m so fragile that even the slightest thing will fell me. His overprotectiveness is generally endearing, but I can’t have him feeling this way about me all the time. I want to be a source of strength for him, too.
“Look. I’ll put in as much as Bobbi needs, and you don’t have to pay me back for any of it. I like her. And you should spend your money on you.”
His voice is too flat, and the look in his eyes is weird. Not confused. Just a little bit grim and apprehensive. I don’t think I said anything to bring that out, so… Did something happen at work? Did Sam send a threat? Or Marty?
I want to probe, but I know he’s not going to tell me. And I don’t want to argue about it in the morning. That sets the tone for the rest of the day.
So I reach over and squeeze Tony’s hand. “Thank you. I promise I’ll stay home and safe. Bobbi’s going to be here, and the piano’s getting delivered today. Speaking of which, Julie and Yuna are coming over. Yuna’s set on making me play that duet. Are you going to be joining us?”
“What time?”
“About three.”
“I have another lunch meeting today.” His dour expression says how he really feels about this more eloquently than his rough tone. “But I can cut the day short.”
I hide a mild pang of disappointment that he won’t be joining me for lunch. But he’s a busy man, running a huge company. It’s to be expected. “Okay. See you this afternoon, then.” I hand him his travel mug, and he leaves after a kiss.
Bobbi walks in just a second later. She grabs a fresh cup of coffee. “This place has the best coffee.”
“Tony has great taste.”
“He seems to like nice things.” She takes a healthy sip, looking at me over the rim of the mug. “So what’s on the docket today?”
“Nothing. Just practicing the piano. And I have friends coming over. Please don’t, you know, block them or anything.”
“Why would I do that?”
My jaw drops at her innocent, confused expression. “You blocked Julie last time.”
“Julie? Oh, the attack Chihuahua?”
I almost spew my coffee. Okay, so Julie was a bit hostile last time, and she is small compared to Bobbi, but…
Bobbi waves a hand. “Don’t worry. I won’t do it again. It wasn’t personal anyway.”
“I know that…but she doesn’t.” Speaking of which, I need to find the time to explain the situation to Julie. I don’t know how long Bobbi’s going to be hanging around, but I don’t need any weird tension between the two of them.
While I practice, Bobbi’s on her phone. I get a couple of hours in before the digital piano is delivered. I ask the crew to set it up perpendicular to the Steinway and sign the delivery sheet.
Bobbi is super professional, watching the men and standing by me. She doesn’t seem to think they pose any threat, but still gives them a flat stare the entire time.
After they leave, she makes four sandwiches—all roast beef with horseradish gravy sauce and crispy lettuce. She pushes one my way. “Here.”
