“Well, thank you for letting me use the bathroom in here.” She started for the door. “I really appreciate it.”
“Can I get your name?” he asked as he also started to the door.
“Lila.” Their eyes met, but she glanced away quickly, cursing inwardly at the strangeness in her belly.
“Lila?”
Lila turned to him again because the way he said her name sounded like he was about to ask her something. But he didn’t. Instead, she was treated to another smile. “That’s different.”
She nodded, reminding herself the polite thing to do was to smile back, so she did and then turned back to the door.
“I’m . . . Santino?” he said as they reached the door at the same time.
The odd way he said it had her glancing back at him again. It was almost as if he wasn’t sure if that was his name or not.
He cleared his throat then added, “But most people call me Sonny.”
She nodded again. “I was gonna say I don’t think I’ve ever heard the name Santino before.”
This close to him she could smell the scent of the cologne again. The continued strangeness she felt in her belly annoyed her. She’d never been one of those girls, the kind to get all stupid over a handsome face and a few polite smiles.
“It’s Italian,” he elaborated, still sounding a bit unsure with that same strange expression. Lila didn’t know what to make of it. “But my mom’s Mexican and my dad moved to New York when I was younger. I grew up here in East Los Angeles, so I’ve always considered myself more Hispanic than Italian.”
Still not sure why he was sharing all this, Lila nodded again, giving him the polite smile she’d had to practice in the mirror sometimes. “Well, thank you, Sonny.” She opened the door and started out.
Sonny pulled the door open all the way and walked out behind her. The line to the ladies’ room was still as long, and all eyes were on them as they walked out into the hallway. The girls in the line were so outrageously obvious about trying to get Sonny’s attention, despite Lila walking out with him; it was disgusting.
“It was nice meeting you, Lila,” he said as they walked back into the VIP lounge.
A guy in a crowd in a corner, waving their way, got their attention. “Those are my friends.” Sonny lifted his hand to acknowledge having seen his friend.
“Oh.” Lila nodded, ignoring the glaring girls next to the guy waving Sonny down—the same girls who’d given her and Stacia the stink eye earlier. “I’m over here.” She motioned towards Stacia, who was engrossed with her phone. “It was nice meeting you too. And thanks again.”
Before he could say anything else because he looked like he might, she rushed away.
“That was fast.” Stacia barely glanced up from her phone. “So, I guess I was right about— Oh, shit.”
Lila peered at her, a bit concerned because Stacia was still staring at her phone intently. “What’s wrong?”
“Derek’s dad.” She held up her hand because she was still reading. “Derek said he just got the message from his mom saying his dad had been rushed to the ER but she didn’t say for what, and he can’t get ahold of his mom now, so he’s getting worried.” She stood up, grabbing her purse from the table. “It’s too loud in here. Stay here and save our table. I’m gonna go outside to try his mom and then his sister and the hospital. Maybe I can get some info for him. He said he can’t be on the phone too long since he’s on duty. I’ll try to make this fast.”
“No, you do what you gotta do,” Lila said firmly, feeling bad for Derek. “Take your time. I’ll be fine.”
Stacia rushed away as Lila glanced around nervously. The lounge overlooked the standing-room-only area downstairs. The opening band was already playing, and many were dancing along to the music. Lila glanced over the rail and did some people watching. Thank God she had VIP passes. Otherwise, she might be stuck down there in that crowd by herself, waiting for Stacia.
“Is it just you and your friend tonight?” Lila turned, surprised to see Sonny taking the seat across from her.
Chapter 3
Normally, Lila would be irritated by his taking the seat without even asking if she minded. But strangely, she was a bit relieved. Having never been to a club before, being left alone was unnerving, so she welcomed the company, especially because, technically, he wasn’t a total stranger anymore.
“Yeah.” She nodded, glancing away and trying to not get caught up on how big the man’s presence was. “It’s just me and her, but she had a call she needed to make.”
“I’m normally not this forward, I promise,” he said with a big smile that once again felt genuine. “It’s just that I still feel bad about what happened outside, and you walked away so fast earlier I didn’t even get a chance to formally apologize.”
Lila shook her head before he went on. “You already did outside. There’s no need to do it again.”
“But there is. That’s not the first time that driver’s done something reckless. I should fire his ass.”
Instantly, Lila felt bad. She knew all about living paycheck to paycheck and counting on every penny of it. “No, don’t do that. It was partly my fault. I should’ve looked up the alley before just crossing blindly.”
Sonny smiled, staring at her with that strange twinkle in his eyes that had Lila’s belly doing that annoying thing again. “I said I should, but I won’t. He’s the brother of the idiot in the moon roof. I didn’t want to admit it at that moment, but the guy in the moon roof is my cousin. They both are. I was hoping you’d throw the cup at him.”
“I almost did.” Lila laughed softly, shaking her head.
“You should’ve. That would’ve been epic.”
Lila peered at him for a moment. Why did it feel like she knew him from somewhere? She’d thought so when she’d first seen him in the limo, only despite the color of his eyes, he had a very typical Hispanic look to him, something she’d seen a lot in this area. Though she had to admit he was much bigger and hotter than most. She’d begun to think so when she’d gone in that back room with him, but she’d been too nervous and hesitant to really take him in. Now that he was sitting face-to-face with her, she could take him in better and longer. Though she refused to get sucked into that bedroom-eyed gaze he indulged her with when he was listening to her talk.
“You look so familiar.”
Snapping out of the gaze, his eyes widened in reaction to the comment; though he seemed to catch himself just as fast and he glanced away.
Lila peered at him for a moment, wondering what to make of it, then went on. “You ever go into 5th Street? The boxing gym?”
Sonny turned back to her, his eyes narrowing. “I’ve been in there a few times.”
He tilted his head with that same strange expression she’d noticed when they were in the back room. Amused suspicion was the only way she could describe it. Only there was something tense about the way his rigid jaw flexed for a moment.
“Why?”
“Because I—”
She caught herself before her dumb ass could tell this guy she barely knew, where she worked. As nice as he seemed so far, even he admitted he was being a little forward. The last thing she needed was for him to start showing up at her work. She still knew nothing about him.
“I, uh . . . go in there occasionally,” she said as offhandedly as she could. “You know get free passes sometimes. As big as you are, I can see you must work out. I was thinking maybe that’s where I’ve seen you.”
Whatever tension she thought she’d picked up on seemed to wane and he smiled big again. “Could be. I’ve actually been in there a few times this past month.
“I knew it,” she said, feeling triumphant—and a little disappointed. “I must’ve seen you in there.”
She explained about his looking familiar from the moment she’d seen him in the limo but not being able to place his face. Glancing at the door to see if by chance Stacia might be on her way back, Lila was secretly glad Sonny wasn’t wearing your typ
ical meathead attire. There might still be a chance he wasn’t one. But if he started talking about protein drinks and how much he could lift, she was out of there.
“I’ve never seen you before today.” His comment had her turning back to him as he indulged her with a smoldering-eyed smile. “Because I know I’d remember you.”
Smiling politely, Lila had to look away. Calm your ass. She inwardly chided her suddenly pounding heart. He’s probably said the same thing to other girls a million times.
As if he read her mind, he chuckled. “That’s not a line by the way.” She glanced back at him as he shook his head. “I just realized what you must be thinking of me.”
This time his smile seemed a little embarrassed as he scratched his temple. But again, it felt sincere. “It’s been years since I’ve gone out and actually tried to hit on anyone. So, I swear to you I really have no game when it comes to that stuff. This is only my second time here. I’m here tonight because my cousins are always raving about this band and I caught them out in Vegas once and liked them. This crowd is a little young for my taste. I really did only come here tonight to hear the band.” He paused for a moment, staring into her eyes. “And then I saw you.”
He paused again, smiling in that way that had her insides fluttering, making her panic, so she glanced away again. That gaze was just too much for her to continue the eye contact.
“I figured with my luck I wouldn’t even see you in here, since there was a good chance you might be down there.” He motioned to the crowded first floor. Lila’s eyes followed in the direction he was looking, glad for the reason to turn away from him again. “I doubted I’d be able to find you in that mess. When I saw you out in the hallway, I still wasn’t sure if that was the only ladies’ room in the place, so I figured I better make my move. I can’t even remember when’s the last time I approached a girl like that.” He seemed to think about that for a moment then shook his head. “I’m not sure I ever have. Anyway, my point is, if I’ve come across as a regular at a club, trying to get lucky, I can assure you that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m totally winging it here.” He laughed, glancing around nervously. “But I am hoping maybe I can hang with you a little longer. Is your friend gonna be gone long?”
Lila lifted a shoulder, trying to appear less affected—excited—by everything he’d just laid on her. With a gulp, she glanced at the door again. “Not sure. It was kind of an emergency call she had to make, so she might be out there for a while.”
“Let me buy you a drink then while you wait.”
“I don’t drink.” She turned back to look at him then added, “Plus, I got lucky the first time. I don’t wanna risk having to stand in that line again.”
“I can take you in the back room at any time tonight.” He smirked playfully as Lila felt her face heat. “I mean geez.” He laughed this time. “I meant I can take you into that back room any time, you know, if you need to go.”
Once again it was the damnedest thing. Maybe his trying to apologize again and his little speech had really gone a long way. Either he was really a nice guy or an evil genius because her usual irritable self would’ve automatically found his suggestive comment annoying, despite his backpedaling. Instead, she smiled, and that alone would’ve floored Stacia if she’d been there and heard the exchange.
“I’m really not a drinker.”
“They have non-alcoholic stuff you can order or you know what?” He glanced back at the corner where all his friends were. “Some of the girls over there ordered piña coladas that pretty much looked like dessert with whipped cream, pineapple slice, cherry, and all. All those fancy drinks can be made without alcohol.”
A waitress dropped off drinks over at the next table. One of them was a fancy drink like the ones he’d just described. “If you get a blended one, you can’t even drink it fast or you risk brain freeze. So, you probably won’t even need to use the ladies’ room too soon. Let me buy you one.” He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and stood up.
Lila didn’t know much about fancy purses and wallets, but she’d seen enough fake Louis Vuitton handbags and wallets to know his wasn’t fake. Eyeing his wallet as he opened it, she noticed the big gaudy ring on the fourth finger of his right hand and the Rolex like the ones she’d seen Felix wearing a few times. Lila glanced up at him, getting a better look at his chiseled jaw and how perfectly groomed the man was. He was no security guard and he was right. He looked way too mature for this younger rocker crowd. Maybe he was the band’s manager or something.
“I’ll get you the drink and keep you company until your friend gets back. It’s the least I can do to make up for my driver nearly taking you out. Yes?”
Lila giggled at that last comment. Giggled! “I’d hardly say he nearly took me out,” she said, clearing her throat and sitting up a little straighter.
What the hell was the matter with her? Because the place was getting crowded fast and she’d hate to be sitting there alone—or worse having to fend off other guys she didn’t know at all—she surprised herself once again when she agreed with a nod. “Okay, I’ll try a virgin piña colada.”
Sonny’s big, infuriatingly beautiful smile went even bigger. Even more infuriating was what a challenge it was trying not to match it too eagerly. “I’ll be back.” With that, he rushed off toward the bar.
Lila took in his big muscular physique as he sauntered away. What the hell was going on with her? So, he was good-looking and nice—so far. She was around plenty of good-looking guys with great bodies, daily, down at the gym. Lila knew better than anyone good looks and muscles only went so far. She’d never allowed herself to get caught up with a possible meathead, and she wasn’t going to now.
So far Sonny had made a notable enough first impression, but she shouldn’t be getting her panties wet over some flirty guy who talked a good talk at a club. No matter what he’d just told her, for all she knew, he was a regular here hooking up with different girls every weekend. For someone who claimed to not be a club regular, he certainly hadn’t been shy about approaching her.
The guy could just have his approach down to an art. She had to stay mindful of that and stop letting the pitter patter of her heart get carried away by a smooth-talking guy with a smile that’d begun to make her weak. It’s why she’d never been interested in frequenting places like this. She’d have the drink with him and let him keep the seat across from hers occupied so no one else would. Then when Stacia got back, she’d thank him for the drink, politely dismiss him, and be done with it.
Lila pulled her phone out and set it on the table. If Derek’s dad’s issue turned out to be serious, Stacia might text or call her to tell her they needed to go. She clicked on the several messages she had from Ali.
I’ve been blowing minors all night.
Mirrors
MY NOSE! OMG I hate this phone! I’m faking Nyquil and calling it a night, so in case you fall and I don’t answer don’t sorry.
Lila shook her head with a smirk. Her sister was the queen of auto-correct errors. The girl texted so fast, and often she sent texts out left and right without bothering to check before hitting send. Lila texted back, starting to giggle—for the second time that night. But she caught herself, clearing her throat again as she carefully made sure her text was correct.
Don’t FAKE the Nyquil it’s your friend! LOL And don’t WORRY I won’t be sorry if I call and you’re asleep. ;) Kiss, kiss, love my sis! I’ll make you soup tomorrow. XOXO
She was still smirking from rereading her text when Sonny made it back to the table with their drinks: her virgin piña colada with all the fixings as he’d described it and a beer for himself. “Not much of a drinker myself.” He motioned to his beer. “But I throw a few of these back whenever I go out. Maybe a shot or two here and there.”
He pulled out his wallet again and checked something then cussed under his breath. Just as he looked up, the young waitress rushed to him. “Mr.—”
“Sherry, sweetheart.” He held
his hand up to her and started toward her. “I gave you the wrong card.”
“Yes, and I know you, Mr.—”
“Let’s, uh . . .” He interrupted the waitress again then turned back to Lila with a strange almost panicky expression. “I’ll be right back.”
Turning back to the waitress before Lila could even respond, he placed his hand on Sherry’s shoulder, practically ushering her away. Lila heard him say something about them taking care of it at the bar. Not sure what to make of the odd exchange, Lila shrugged it off. She started to look down at her phone when she noticed one of the bitchy girls who’d been standing with Sonny’s crowd earlier make her way toward him. Lila watched curiously as the girl reached him, said something, then laughed hysterically at whatever his response was. It was actually funny to watch. The girl was ridiculous. Sonny turned his back to the girl for a second to sign the receipt the waitress handed him at the bar. Then the girl turned to Lila, flipped her off, and mouthed the words, “Fuck off.”
Utterly stunned, it had Lila sitting straight up, sending a shockwave of heat up her spine. She had to look around to check if the bitch was really talking to her or someone else. There was no one else it appeared the gesture might’ve been directed at. No one else seemed to be looking in the girl’s direction, and she’d been looking right at Lila when she’d mouthed the words. By the time Lila looked back at her, the girl was back to flirting outrageously with Sonny again.
Sipping her drink slowly, Lila concentrated on remaining calm and collected. She didn’t give a rat’s ass about this girl and Sonny. She’d just met the guy, and if he was a regular here, maybe this was one of his past one-nighters pissed about being ignored tonight—for his newest conquest. But if this ghetto whore had it in her to do what she just had, Lila better just finish her drink and get her ass out of there. She may’ve come a long way from the hothead she once was, but there was no way she was taking anyone’s shit if they got in her face. She promised her sister she’d never get arrested again.