Page 160 of Flawed

"Promise me?"

She lifts her chin. "I promise."

"Good girl."

We eat the rest of our salad in silence. The sashimi and rolls arrive.

Once the server leaves, I state, "I have a question for you."

Zara arches her eyebrows.

My nerves reignite. "Do you ever stay the night at your grandparents'?"

She replies, "Yes. All the time. Why?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

She puts her chopsticks down. "Sure. What is it?"

"Do you know if your mom has plans tomorrow night?"

Zara thinks a minute then says, "Not unless Massimo needs her for a flight. Sometimes it's last minute."

I pull out my phone and swipe the screen. Then I send a text to him.

Me:Does Chanel have to work tomorrow night or Tuesday?

Massimo:Why should I tell you?

Me:Stop being a dick. Holding a grudge doesn't suit you.

Massimo:No. She's free.

Me:Thanks.

Massimo:If you fuck with her, I'll kill you.

Me:Thanks for thinking so highly of me.

Massimo:Just giving you a fair warning.

Me:Noted.

I set my phone down. I state, "Massimo says she's free."

"And?" Zara asks.

"I have another favor," I confess.

"What?" She shoves a roll into her mouth and then groans. She utters, "So good."

I chuckle. "Told you."

She chews, swallows, then takes a sip of water. She wipes her mouth with a napkin and drills her greens into me. "What's the favor?"

"Can you stay with your grandparents tomorrow night?" I request.

"Why?"

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