"I never mentioned him? Odd. Anyway, he's moving out today. Such a shame. He's single, you know."
"I'm only dating thieves currently."
"Perhaps he could steal your heart?" Lily quipped, crossing her hands over hers.
"It's the only thing I have of value."
"You're home early. Want to talk while I pack? Jake had some spare boxes so I'm getting started. I need to send things to Goodwill too. Do you think Jord needs any of his stuff?"
"No can do and he probably doesn't need anything if it's taking up your closet space," I justified. "I've got to get ready for a date with suspect number two of the top secret case I'm not telling you anything about." I checked upstairs in case the light-footed Jake sneaked down and was listening. He wasn't. "He's a lord," I added.
"A real one? Not like a guy just named Lord. Like Earl isn't really an earl."
"A real one," I confirmed. "From England. We're having lunch at Alessandro's."
"Nice. Try not to do anything horrible to him."
"Can't guarantee it. I'll let you know after." I gave Lily a wave and hightailed it upstairs, narrowly missing getting squashed by Jake lugging another box downstairs when I paused to stick the key in the lock. Inside, I shed my jeans and blouse and rummaged through Serena's clothes, finally selecting a very pretty, pale green shift in a boxy shape. I added my trusty, black, pointy-toed pumps and grabbed a cute Marc Jacobs bag.
Turning to check my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help dropping into a curtsy. Was this the kind of thing a future lady would wear? It was neat, demure... definitely safe. Sweet, even, but not sugary-sweet. Sophisticated. And if Lord Justin knew his labels, he'd clearly know he was looking at an expensive little outfit. Shame I couldn't flash a few jewels, but it was lunch. I added an antique sapphire ring, which I inherited from a great aunt, and went to land myself a gentleman thief.
Chapter Seven
I'm pretty certain the vibrations from the Ferrari’s engine were the most exciting thing to happen to me in weeks, given my current dry spell when it came to men. Although getting a spot right outside Alessandro's, coupled with the appreciative glances I got as I slid my legs out of the car, certainly gave me a thrill. Which was just as well because I was trying really hard not to turn around and shoot daggers at the restaurant across the street. That was where I once saw Maddox smooching Blake. I purposefully avoided the place ever since despite their reputation that the food was amazing. Even my parents liked it.
On the plus side. Date. English lord. Possible jewel thief. International jewel thief, given his European status. Cute accent. My life was so much better now that I quit temping and found my calling in private investigating. In fact, so long as I didn't think about my impending homelessness, single status, the fact that I slept with my boss and my conflicted feelings about my ex... my life was wonderful! But all that was irrelevant as I entered the restaurant and gave my name to Alessandro's maitre d'.
"The other party has already arrived," he informed me, discreetly taking in my attire. I may have done sweet as requested, but I added a dose of va-va-voom! at the last minute by switching my low-heeled pumps for a sky high pair that made my calves look super toned. Raiding the accessories Serena loaned me, I also added a gold Chanel watch, a gift from her ex that she no longer wore, along with gold studs of my own. I was aiming for the less-is-more option when it came to jewelry. Mostly because I had less, rather than more, but that was beside the point, which was: I looked on the hot side of sophisticated. Lord Justin would have to be a dead fish not to like what he saw. It was just a good job he couldn't see my discreet wire, pinned to the inside of my dress, or my boss parked not far down the street.
The lord stood as I approached the table, smiling down at me from his full six feet. He was every bit as yummy as his photos suggested. Very smart in a cream lounge suit with an open-necked collar, and hair that was trimmed short and, thankfully, without a hint of gel or spray. There were also no candles anywhere, thanks to sunlight streaming through the windows.
"Lexi, what a pleasure." He held his hand out to me, taking mine, then folding his other over the top in a very familiar way. They were warm, dry, and strong. I gave his hand a little squeeze and he smiled. "I've so looked forward to meeting you."
"Likewise, Lord Justin."
"Justin, please. The lord thing gets so tiring," he informed me.
"Have you been one long?" I asked, mentally wincing. I knew I should have read up on that. Was one born into the title? Or did one earn it? Was inheriting a title as easy as buying it on the Internet?
Justin laughed while they seated us and passed out the menus. My lack of protocol knowledge was brushed over as we made polite small talk. After a while, and some gentle prodding, Justin began reminiscing about his childhood in England and his travels, making me laugh with tales of his adventures. He gave me the impression that money was no object and he could travel on a whim, that he was well educated, and well connected by the way he dropped the names of younger European royals, and “Honorable this” and “Lady that.” While he was charming, effusive, and definitely pleasing to the eye, there was one thing that puzzled me.
Why didn't I fancy him?
He had everything. Money, history, looks, charm, derring-do. He was a catch. He just wasn't the catch I wanted to reel in. I needed chemistry. Could I live on chemistry and none of the other things was another question, but I was pretty sure the answer was yes. After all, I didn't need a man to keep me. I could look after myself, and I would.
"Here I am talking about myself and I've barely let you get a word in edgewise," he laughed as the waiter placed our appetizers in front of us. Justin ordered soup, I opted for bruschetta. Looking at it, I wondered about the issue of crumbs in teeth. There was no classy way to avoid that, but maybe he'd like seeing me running my tongue across my teeth after every bite? If he had a tongue fetish.
"I like hearing about you," I told him, which wasn't untrue.
"Tell me about you instead. How long have you lived in this delightful town?"
"All my life. I was born here, though my family has an Irish background."
"Ireland, a delightful country. Have you been?"
"Once, when I was little, but not recently. I have some cousins there."
"I once partied at a castle on the coast. Terrific bash."
"Oh. Cool…" I wanted to party at a castle. Not necessarily with Justin, but I wouldn't say no. "Any dragons?"
"If there were, I'd gladly slay them for a fair lady such as you," Justin said with a wink. I laughed. "That's a very pretty ring. Family?"
"Yes, a great aunt. She left it to me when she passed," I replied, rubbing my thumb over the stone.
"How thoughtful of her. Do you have many family jewels?"
I suppressed the urge to giggle at “family jewels” since Justin might not have the lowdown on the dual meaning. I gave a half shake, half nod while I decided what to say. "Yes," I decided, "I have a few inherited pieces in my collection."
"You collect jewels?" Justin dipped his spoon into the soup and raised it to his mouth, seemingly making polite conversation.
"It's my passion. I'm a magpie when it comes to sparkly things."
"Tiffany's? Cartier? Chopard? Harry Winston? All of the above?"
"All of the above, and a few more," I lied.
"You must have a very happy allowance."
"Unlimited." I watched Justin carefully for a reaction, but there was nothing. Perhaps this was natural to him. "I like to shop. It gives me something to do."
"You don't work?"
"Oh no!" I exclaimed in mock horror. "Do you?"
"I suppose you made your millions?" Justin set down his spoon and appraised me as I nibbled the bruschetta. "No. I believe you have family money. Am I right?"
"Spot on."
"Do you mind if I ask how you like to invest? I'm here studying several businesses and I have a little cash to play with. What would you do with half a mil, Lexi?"
"I do plan to return to England. It's my home," Justin admitted. He dabbed his lips with his napkin, a faraway smile lingering there. "All I need is the perfect lady to accompany me."
"In that case, something small, like art," I suggested, thinking back to the previous evening's art gallery and the eye-watering prices. "Easy to transport, with good return if you pick the right artist."
"Terrific idea. Perhaps you'll introduce me to your dealer?"
"Perhaps," I consented. "I'm sure he'll be glad to meet you." Not that he even exists! The further we got into dinner, the more Justin gently inquired about my wealth: my investments, my recent purchases, was I into cars and fashion, where did I go to school? and where did I vacation? Fortunately, Solomon and Helen Callery created a profile for me and I used it now, answering his questions as they arose, portraying myself as a rich young woman, with too much time and money on her hands.
"Shall we do dessert?" Justin asked as our plates were cleared, "or coffee?"
"I wish I could stay," I told him, the lying now glibly smooth, "but I have an appointment with my jeweler that I mustn't miss."
"I'd love to join you. Perhaps I could find a gift for my mother."
"It's a girls only thing," I said quickly, adding "just a few friends and me having a little tea party. Buying a few diamonds." I shrugged, like it was no big deal. Sneaking a look at Justin to see if he believed it, I was pleased at my apparent success. He nodded, and turned to look for a waiter, signaling with one raised finger.
"May I escort you to your car?" he asked as we left. "Or can my chauffeur take you anywhere?" He pointed to the town car drawing up to the sidewalk. Well, I wondered what Solomon would say about that. Also, I wondered if he would spring for a chauffeur. Probably not, I decided. Odds were probably as likely as letting me keep the Ferrari.
"I'm just here," I told him, pointing to the car. "I like to drive."
"You American women. So independent." Justin caught my hand and raised it to his lips, dropping a gentle kiss on my knuckles. "Exactly the quality I'm seeking in a wife."
I couldn't help giggling, and with a blush, I stepped backwards, careful to avoid planting my heel in a crack of the sidewalk. I checked over my shoulder as I walked towards my car, and sure enough, Justin was eyeing me as I retreated. He waved one hand and I waggled my fingers at him as I beeped the car open.
Solomon called me a few minutes after I joined the downtown traffic. "I hope you didn't fall for that crap," he said.
"Like an anvil," I teased, straight-faced. "I'm going to be a lady."
"America needs you, honey. You aren't going anywhere."
"Well, if you and America insist..."
"What's your impression?"
"Of America?"
"Justin."
"Right. Obviously, that's what you meant. Duh! He's charming, good looking, I bet the girls fall all over him." He just didn't set me on fire. Fortunately for him, I didn't set him on fire either. The date actually went pretty well. It definitely wasn't in my growing worst list.
"And?"
"He didn't do it for me; sorry. You?"
Solomon choked on whatever he just swallowed. "Me neither. I meant your impression of him generally. Could he be our thief?"
"Maybe. He was too interested in what kind of money and things I had access to. He set my alarm bells ringing. It was a little... too much," I decided.
"He's also following you."
"No shit?"
"No shit."
I checked my rearview mirror and sure enough, the town car was three cars behind me. "Maybe he's going somewhere?"
"In case he's not, head to Chilton and go into the house. I don't like that he's following you."
I patted my purse. Yes, I grabbed the Chilton house keys earlier. "Okay, but he's not exactly being secretive about it. Where are you?"
"Two cars behind Camberwell."
"Cool. If I make a right, then right again, then another right, I'll end up behind you. We could all drive in a circle!"
"Drive to Chilton, Lexi," instructed Solomon before hanging up.
I did just that, checking my mirrors every few minutes. The town car stayed on me the whole way home and drew up as I exited the Ferrari. The window rolled down and I feigned surprise at seeing him again. Further down the street, I saw Solomon pull over.
"Justin!" I leaned forward in what I hoped was a demure way.
"I had to make sure you got home safely," said Justin. "Is this where you live?"
I pointed to the house next to Solomon's. "That one. Just a rental while I look for another place."
"Do you intend to buy?" Justin waited for me to nod. "Call me if you need company house hunting."
"I will," I replied, stepping back. "Bye, Justin."
Justin nodded, tapped his chauffeur's shoulder and leaned back, giving me a quick wave before the car sped away. I waited on the sidewalk until he rounded the corner, which happily coincided with Solomon rolling up. "Your neighbors will think I'm a hooker," I told him. "And I look like I can't even catch a date. I'm a failed hooker."
Solomon laughed. "Good to fail at something. I'm gonna follow his highness, and see where he goes."
"Have fun. I have a hot date waiting for me." I don't know what made me say that, but Solomon's eyes darkened and he gave me a most imperceptible look. I gulped. He had that effect on me. He made my hands clammy, my knees weak. He made me say stupid things and shoot my mouth off, and he made me breathe hard when he looked at me that way. "With my mom," I added after a few long seconds of mutual staring.
"Have fun," was all Solomon said before rolling his window up and driving off, leaving me cringing and alone.
Chapter Eight
Since I had some time to kill between my date with Justin and dinner, I decided to arrive early and spend some quality moments with my parents. It was the only way I would be able to get a word in edgewise before the rest of my loud and boisterous family arrived.
The evening promised to be a full night, not least because Serena was bringing Delgado to dinner for the first time. The last man she brought home was her cheating, scumbag ex-husband and, boy, were we all grateful she kicked him to the curb. Delgado was an infinite improvement. He might not be rich or smart like Ted, but he was affectionate, loyal, built like a tank, and worshipped the ground my sister and her baby Victoria walked on. Or in Victoria's case, rolled on. That Delgado was also my colleague was only a minor point, really. I grew to like him a lot more since he started dating my sister. It may have had something to do with her mellowing out and becoming a nicer person after they started dating. When I thought about it, I wondered if I had to start liking Ted too, since she became a lot nicer once she ditched him. Or maybe it was simply motherhood. I decided to like Victoria the most. She was cute as a button.
"You're still a private investigator?" asked Mom, looking over my clothing curiously as I joined them on the living room couch. My mother had a tub of potatoes on her lap and was busy peeling them while watching the end of a rerun of Ellen. "You look very nice. You keep it up and you'll get a boyfriend in no time." She leaned in and whispered, "So long as you're not hooking."
"Whaaaat? No!"
"What's wrong?" asked Dad, looking up at my shriek.
"Mom just asked if I was hooking!"
Dad blinked. "Are you?"
Ugh. Parents! "No."
"You look nice anyway," grunted Dad. "Chic. That's the word, isn't it?"
"Thanks, Dad. I just came from a job." My mother raised both eyebrows. "Not that kind of job. It was a date. Jeez, not that kind of date! C'mon! I'm doing some undercover work and I can't talk about it, but it's all legal and I don't have sex with anyone."
"Poor thing. You must be bored," said Mom. She took another look at my dress. "Is that Serena's?"
"Yeah. The watc
h too. Do you think she'll let me keep them?"
"Not a chance."
I sighed. "That's what I thought. At least the shoes are mine."
"And the car?"
The Ferrari was outside. "Not mine. Solomon's."
"What does belong to you?"
I thought about it. "My hair," I said, stroking it self-consciously.
The doorbell rang, but we all knew better than to get up. I don't know how many keys to my parent's house circulated in Montgomery. It was largely pointless as the door never seemed to be locked anyway. I wondered if my parents worried about crime, but having at least nineteen serving police officers in the family, I figured any criminal who decided to break in would probably get a standing ovation for sheer audacity. And then live to regret it.
04 - Shock and Awesome Page 9