Stone In Love

Chapter 44

When I walked into the living room with a tear-stained face, Colin decided to call it an early day and skip the hand to hand combat. I accepted his apology for the turmoil the Valentinos were putting me through, and he had the decency not to point fingers at any one family member, although it was implied. Before leaving, he said I could visit Rizzo at Mount Sinai tomorrow at eleven, which cheered me a bit.

I spent the next couple of hours preparing an email for Debra at the Governor's mansion and attaching the photos I'd put together. I still needed to get the shots Sylvie took, and I emailed her about that. The day progressed much the same, and when evening rolled around, I felt the need to get away from my apartment and commune with the night people. It was Saturday, and I knew Monica would have something insane planned. I texted her to see what she was up to.

Are you hanging out tonight?

As was typical for Monica, her response came back immediately. I don't think the girl ever put her cellphone down.

Where the hell have you been? I hope your absence means you're getting plenty. We'll be at Mojo's. Come join.

Okay. I'll be there around ten-ish.

I knew Vincent would go ballistic if I didn't tell him about my intentions, so I sent him a text as I began my prep in front of the bathroom mirror.

I'm meeting friends at Mojo's. Wearing black. Taking a cab. I will observe maximum safety awareness.

The phone rang a second later.

"I'll meet you there," he said.

"Really? Are you sure it will be safe for us to be together?"

"I won't deny you a night with your friends, but I am not taking any chances with your safety. In fact, I will send my friend Scooby to pick you up. He drives for Uber when he's not piloting a helicopter. He'll be in a white Range Rover. I'll tell Colin to drop in on you as well. I think he plans to hang out with Adam and Emile. I have to meet with Sergio Lassiter at ten, so I'll be at the club not long after that."

Geez. All that for a night out with the girls? "Okay. Will you dance with me?"

"It will be my pleasure."

Yes. I was going to see Vincent tonight, and I smiled into the mirror as I hung up. Rummaging through my make-up kit, I pulled out a pair of false eyelashes to create a dark and dangerous look. I had given myself a full hour to get ready, choosing to wear a black thigh-length dress and black leather boots, the recommended color of my dark and dangerous boyfriend. This night just got one hundred times more fabulous.

Scooby pulled up in his white SUV, and once he'd jammed it into park, he hurried around to the passenger door to open it for me. This wasn't typical behavior for Uber drivers, and it made me wonder if Vincent gave him specific instructions for how to handle his special needs girlfriend. Scooby looked to be in his mid-fifties, fit, and very talkative. He entertained me with stories of his daring helicopter escapades, one involving the rescue of a gollum who had torn a wing while navigating too closely to a mountain.

We arrived at the club by ten-twenty, and Scooby once again gave me the royal treatment, pulling into the valet lane and slipping money to the bouncer to ensure my safe passage into the club. The bouncer detained me there until the club owner, Jim, arrived and escorted me inside to help me find my friends. I located Monica and Jen standing at the bar, both nursing plastic cocktails. The music was poppin', which had my pulse racing, but I knew the real reason for my excitement was knowing Vincent would be joining me later.

"Since when do you know the owner of Mojo's?" Monica asked as she watched Jim fill my Shirley Temple order.

"I don't, but I figure his helpfulness has something to do with my overprotective boyfriend." I sipped casually on my drink as I prepared for Monica's next inquiry.