I was determined to get something good out of this date—and by the way he talked about it (constantly), I was sure he wouldn't mind. It was an old curiosity I was about to resurface. I hadn't found any answers back when I was in Georgia, and I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't get even an ounce of information now. But I couldn't let it go. I had technically been involved in the incident of a kidnapping.
"Um—I mean, it happened back in 2003, and we were both little kids. My dad doesn't really talk about his work ever. There were so many kidnapping cases he worked on back then, I'm sure he can't remember that specific one."
"But he might have been the detective who sat down with me and my parents all those years ago. Does he remember faces? If so, maybe if you sent a picture of me, it could spark a memory."
"Uh . . . sure. He probably won't mind digging up some information for you—especially if he knows the girl asking is going out with me."
This is the most progress I'd had in years.
"Thanks. I really appreciate it."
"Saturday—I should have something. I'll let you know when we meet up."
He pulled out his phone for my number. I lifted mine and tapped it against his so our contact information could be transferred. Just as the confirmation popped up on my screen, I felt bony hands wrap around my shoulders.
Oh. I didn't think he was the hugging type.
The hug was . . . nice. A little awkward, but not unpleasant. But as soon as we started to wave goodbye, my left ear caught my name being shouted out from across the busy street. I turned in search of the voice as Bash followed my gaze. And then I saw him.
Oh my gosh. No. What the hell is he doing here?
From the other side of the road, Mr. Fabrizi strode across as though incapable of being hit, cars honking and swerving around him.
"Mr. Fa—"
I shut my mouth, catching his gaze and sensing with a sixth sense type of intuition he'd rather be introduced by his first name.
"Bash, this is Ennio. Ennio—Bash."
Bash extended a hand with his typical big, easy smile. Ennio didn't take it.
"Well, I guess I should be off then. Nice to meet you. See you Saturday, Marcie."
I was the only one waving Bash off after that moment of awkwardness. Once he was swallowed by the crowd up ahead, I slowly turned to Mr. Fabrizi in complete annoyance.
"Is something wrong? Something I forgot to do at work?"
"No."
"Something you need?"
"No."
I didn't understand. Nothing was wrong, and yet he looked like he was trying to invent an excuse, eyes shifting around us, his foot tapping restlessly.
"Are you here because of my . . . blind date?"
"No, of course not. Why would I care about your personal business?" he retorted, the sarcasm biting. "It's actually about work. As you know, there's a company event we all have to attend Monday for the new collaboration project. It's important for Sera Elganza, and I still need you as my secretary there, even though Ms. Fallon will also be attending."
"Of course. I thought we'd already discussed this at the last meeting."
He was about to respond when his gaze shifted—first to the top of my head, then my mouth, and embarrassingly enough, it stopped at my chest.
"Mr. Fabrizi!"
His eyes shot back to mine.
"Nice pendant," he remarked.
I froze. I had forgotten I was wearing it—the pendant that definitely wasn't mine. He turned toward the cars, as if searching for something else to say. While he was distracted, I unhooked it so quickly he didn't realize until it was dangling in front of his face. I pressed the cool silver into his hand. His brows lifted.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have worn someone else's necklace."
"But it's yours."
"What?"
"It's your gift," he said, then fastened the chain back around my neck before I could give my input.
The closeness made my skin tingle—his nose and mouth inches from mine, too reminiscent of what had happened this morning. And something I did not want to think about regarding the situation. So, I jumped back as if I'd seen a ghost and stammered out a flimsy excuse to leave—again.