Page 19 of Renegade
“Your dinner salads will be out shortly,” Tank said before he left.
“A speech from the birthday girl,” her long-time friend, Jennifer Leigh, called out.
Caroline raised her glass. “I’m the birthday girl, but you’re the killer friends who showed up to celebrate with me. Bottoms up!”
She tapped the flute against her sister’s, then clinked as many other friends as she could reach. With a wink to her sister, she tossed back the sparkling water.
“Thank you all for being here,” Caroline said. “I cannot believe Sydney pulled this off.”
“She almost said something to you,” said one of her friends.
“But I caught myself,” Sydney admitted before sipping the champagne. “How’d I do?”
“You did great,” Caroline said with a smile. “Thank you.”
Three waitstaff entered the private salon with trays of salads, followed closely by Tank who helped serve. Caroline watched her sister with keen interest. Like earlier, Sydney’scheeks pinked, her gaze anchored on the machine of a man standing feet away.
When finished, Tank asked Sydney, “Everything okay?”
Sydney didn’t answer him. Caroline stared at her sister who looked like she’d fallen under some crazy-ass spell.
“Everything is perfect,” Caroline replied. “Tank, right?”
“You got it.”
“Got big birthday plans?” he asked her.
“We’re going clubbing,” blurted Sydney. “Lost Souls. Ever heard of it?”
Caroline shifted toward her. “We are?”
“Sure!” Sydney hadn’t stopped staring at him. “You should stop by, Tank. It’s a fun time. Are you into dressing up?”
Tank chuffed out a laugh. “No.”
“That’s okay,” Sydney replied. “Costumes are optional.”
He shot her a smile.
After Tank left, Sydney murmured, “Ohmygod.”
“Handsome, huh?”
“He’s spectacular!”
Caroline laughed before forking crisp romaine lettuce and a robust cherry tomato into her mouth, appreciating the crunch of the fresh vegetables. Then, she leaned close to her sister and whispered, “Seriously, Syd, are you in heat?”
Sydney laughed. “God, I think I am. The restaurant is owned by the Santini family. Ever heard of ‘em?”
After swallowing the mouthful of salad, Caroline answered, “No. Should I?”
“Mafia,” whispered Sydney. “Supposedly, they went straight.” She shrugged. “I’m kinda hoping not.”
Not wanting to ignore her friends, Caroline shifted toward Kevin, seated across from her. Being home made her happy. She’d been cut off from everyone and the isolation was starting to take its toll. Though she’d made some work friends, her job required her to be vigilant about her safety, and about theinformation she collected. Though she vetted her informants as best she could, she knew that no one could be trusted.
The salads were consumed while the conversations continued. When they finished, the attentive waitstaff returned with the platters. A large lasagna, a huge plate of spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce and several giant meatballs. There was a large bowl of manicotti stuffed with ricotta. So much delicious-looking food, Caroline had to sample everything.
“Ohmygod, this is the best lasagna I have ever eaten,” Caroline said with her mouth chock full.
