Page 100 of Little Bitter Truths
Outside the Blue Pelican, Renee hugged Mia one more time.
“This has been wonderful,” she said.“When can I see you again?”
Mia laughed.“We’ve spent more time together today than we have in years.”
“I’d like to keep the streak alive.”
I glanced at my watch.“I need to go over a few things with Mia this afternoon.Why don’t you and Bryan come by my house around seven this evening for cocktails and tapas?”
Bryan smiled.“Sure, we appreciate the invitation.”
Mia and I got into the car.She buckled her seatbelt and looked at me.“You stepped outside to take a call a few minutes ago, and you’ve seemed distracted ever since.Is everything okay?”
“Hunter called me.I’ll explain everything when we get back to the house.”
The rest of the drive passed in uneasy silence.
Once we arrived back at my place, we settled into the den.I filled Mia in on the phone call and let her know that for the first time since taking her case, we were closing in on the truth.To know for certain, I needed her help.
A plan was set in motion.
Seven o’clock arrived, the evening air carrying the scent of rosemary and saltwater.When Renee and Bryan knocked on the front door, Giovanni had arranged platters of tapas across the dining table.
Marinated olives.
Roasted peppers.
Garlic shrimp.
Patatas bravas.
A variety of meats and cheeses.
It was enough food to feed three times as many people as we were expecting.
As Bryan and Renee were shown inside, Renee glanced around, saying, “This place is incredible.”
“Thank you,” I said.
They followed Mia and me to the kitchen, where introductions with Giovanni were made.Cocktails were handed out, and we gathered around the table, spending the next several minutes savoring Giovanni’s selections.
As Renee went in for her second helping, she turned toward Giovanni.“This is an amazing spread.Are you a professional chef?”
“I own a restaurant in New York City, where my family lives.”
“Is that where you’re from?”
He nodded.
“So, youarea professional chef?”
He shot her a wink.“Something like that.Once you’ve finished eating, I can give you a tour of the house, if you like.”
Renee pushed her chair back and stood.“I would love that.How about now?”
“I’ll join you,” Mia said.“There’s a lot I still haven’t seen.”
Giovanni gestured toward the hallway.“Come.I’ll show you the upstairs first.”
