“And you say I need to be more casual? When you’re hiding in an upstairs hallway?”
She grinned. “No one saw me; it’s fine. And now—” She held up Sasha’s breakfast. “I have an excuse to be here.”
“Be careful,” I warned her again. “And stay in touch.”
She nodded, then disappeared down the hallway one more time.
I quickly headed back to the pool house to retrieve the folder of evidence I’d prepared for Alicio, which was, gratefully, still in my suitcase. I dropped off the bag, as well as Dani’s, in my car—we likely wouldn’t have time to retrieve them on our way out—then went to Alicio’s study, settling into one of the leather wingback chairs to wait for his return. I hadn’t had a conversation with Alicio since I’d walked out of his New York office, not unless you counted our brief encounter on Christmas Eve.
I half wondered if he’d even give me the chance to show him what I’d discovered. It was possible he’d shut me down before I began, especially if Victor was with him when the conversation took place. It would be better if the two of us were alone, but how could I guarantee that would happen? I could always ask to speak to him privately, but would he allow it?
If he didn’t, or if I couldn’t manage the conversation before Dani was ready to leave, would I be willing to walk away? I could always send the information to the authorities without confronting Alicio directly. In a follow-up email full of additional implicating evidence, Angelica had offered to do just that. But my pride had made me say no.
I wanted to see Alicio’s face when I showed him the truth, when he saw that I had been right all along. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew it probably wouldn’t make me feel better. It wouldn’t fill the gaping hole left by my lack of family. It wouldn’t make the LeFrancs the kind of people I even wanted as my family. But I still had to try.
Chapter Thirty-One
Dani
The door to Sasha’s room was slightly open, so I pushed it with my knee, stepping into the lavish bedroom and trying to look like I belonged there. “Good morning,” I said, my voice light. “I ran into Elaine downstairs and she asked me to bring this up to you.”
Sasha looked up from where she lounged by the fireplace wearing a silk robe. “Dani? Oh, thank God you’re here. I’ve been completely surrounded by idiots all morning.”
An older woman wearing glasses and a tight smile sat across from Sasha. “I’m actually still sitting right here, Sasha. I can hear what you’re saying.”
I placed the muffins and coffee on the small table next to her. “Well, I don’t mind sticking around a little while if you need some extra help.” I looked at the woman wearing glasses. “I’m Dani. I used to work with Sasha.”
“Katrina,” she said. “I remember you. I’m Alicio’s assistant.”
“Oh. Right. Sorry.”
“No omelet?” Sasha said, rubbing her fingernails across the silk of her robe. “I asked Elaine for an omelet.”
I froze. “The kitchen is pretty busy with all the wedding food prep; I’m sure this is the best Elaine could manage.”
“That’s right. I’d forgotten.” She eyed my figure and picked at the corner of one of the muffins. “You’re one of those women who think carbs are an acceptable choice.”
Think of Paige. Think of Paige. Think of Paige. “The coffee’s still hot,” I said, nudging the mug toward her.
“When are you coming back to New York?” Sasha asked, finally picking up the coffee.
I swallowed. “Um, I’m not sure exactly.”
“Well, when you do, come and see me first. You know how much I appreciate your attention to detail, and you were such a great assistant. Maybe we can talk about you getting your job back.” The woman was actually serious.
“I’d like that,” I lied. Apparently my groveling the week before had done its job.
Over the next hour, Sasha’s bridesmaids arrived, and I became the go-to errand girl. To the kitchen for more muffins—seemed carbs weren’t so offensive after all—and several bottles of champagne. To the store for more bobby pins, except I didn’t go to the store. I just went to Alex’s car and retrieved my own stash. To the back door to meet the florist who was delivering the bouquets. By noon, my feet were killing me and possibly all for nothing. Sasha hadn’t left the room one single time. And