There were cars parked along the street in front of Bella’s with a few pulled up onto the curb. I recognized one of them as belonging to Marcus. I turned onto the road, looking for the opening in the fence. When I found it, I pulled in and stopped the car. Directly in front of me was a small security booth with a man dressed in a guard uniform. He immediately began waving me back.
I ignored him, pulled out my phone, and sent Marcus a text. I told him where I was and that I wasn’t leaving until he talked to me.
By now, the guard was walking toward my car. I quickly jumped out and gave him a bright smile. I casually leaned against the car, trying not to fall over. Moving fast hadn’t been a good idea. I also tried not to look intimidated. The guard was huge, and he didn’t smile back.
“You can’t park here,” he said flatly.
“I won’t be here long. I’m waiting for Marcus.” The guard scowled and took another step toward me. I smiled and tried again. “You know, the owner, Marcus Cantono.”
“I know who the owner is.”
His eyes flicked briefly to the street. I turned my head in time to see a kid wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses ride by on a bicycle. The guard tracked his movement for a moment and then returned his glare to me.
“I sent Marcus a text.” I waved my phone. “I’m sure he’ll be here any minute now. Matter of fact, there he is.”
Marcus was walking down the entrance with a man in a construction hat who was carrying some papers. Apparently, I had interrupted a meeting. Marcus didn’t look happy. I could almost see the frustration radiating off him as he stomped toward me. When he got closer, his eyes skimmed my face, and he stopped abruptly, eyes widening.
“What the hell happened to your hai…I mean…uh…you look nice.”
For the first time since I had woken up in the hospital, I burst out laughing. Marcus continued toward me with the construction guy following close behind. The guard stepped to the side but didn’t leave.
“Marcus,” I said with a grin. “You really need to work on your delivery. That was one of the most insincere compliments I’ve ever heard.”
He looked at me sheepishly and opened his mouth to reply. Then all hell broke loose.
