Chapter 10

"In fact," he continued, "I've been thinking about decorating my place. I haven't done a thing since I moved in. For one, I haven't hung any pictures on the walls, and two, half my stuff is still in boxes. I just don't seem to find the time."

What a loaded statement! Erica bit her lip to keep from bursting out with her succinct observations. Of course you don't have time, buddy boy! You're always too busy screwing your brains out!

"Do you want me to look at your apartment and then let you know what I'm willing and able to do?"

"Yes. I know you're very capable, and if you give me a quote for your services we could start right away." He held up a hand again. "Of course, I'm not asking for a special price because I know Mari."

"Oh, believe me, I hadn't planned to give you one."

"So, will you consider it?"

"I think I'd rather refer you to my associate, Sacha Kahlo. He's a marvelous designer and will help you every step of the way."

Gianni Sloan allowed a small moue of disappointment to purse his full lips. "I was hoping you'd be willing to do it."

Do what and where? In your bedroom so I can become another notch on your headboard?

Thankfully, Erica's sister returned, thus sparing her from further comment. The food arrived as well; but before the waiter departed, Gianni requested a bottle of Chablis.

"I think we should all toast to our good fortune," he suggested when the waiter left. His hooded gaze flicked from one sister to the other. "To our futures, in career and in love."

Maritza glowed with her newfound happiness. "Sounds wonderful! What do you say, querida?"

Erica forced a smile, if only for her sister's sake. "Sounds good to me, too."

After the wine arrived and they made their toast, Erica concentrated on eating her food, though she had little appetite. Her drink remained untouched. The conversation drifted to a convivial pace, little tidbits and snatches of information. Erica learned Giancarlo Sloan hailed from Connecticut and had learned a little Spanish from his mother who was of Mexican descent. His father, an economics and business professor, had taught at Quinnipiac University in Hamden before his retirement and subsequent move to Miami. Gianni followed his parents and quickly realized that the baby-boomer retirement crowd would make ideal clients for his investment services. After saving some money, he'd recently purchased the condo, glad to move from his former apartment building.

Maritza took up the Rael family history, with her older sister contributing a few pertinent facts. Finally, thankfully, they finished their lunch, thus giving Erica the impetus to leave gracefully.

"You sure you don't want to join us at the beach?" Mari asked with bright eyes. "It's a perfect day for a swim and then to do some sunbathing. If nothing else, you can ogle the oiled body builders in their Speedos. The beach certainly offers enough of them."

Erica politely declined, citing a previous engagement with a client. Not even the enticement of buff, bronzed, semi-nude male bodies could persuade her to join the duo. And as they always said, three's a crowd.

"Do you have an appointment with some famous celebrity?" Gianni quipped with a sly laugh. "Aha, that's why you're holding out on us!"

"I'm afraid it's nothing that exciting." Erica reached for the bill to pay her share, but Maritza lightly slapped her hand away.

"Oh no!" she argued. "Gianni is going to pay for lunch, and he won't take no for an answer, Eriqueta."

"It's my pleasure," the man agreed, "and I will gladly pay the price to bask in the company of two of the most charming ladies I know...and beautiful sisters to boot!"

Oh, brother! Erica felt her lunch try to work itself back up as Maritza giggled in appreciation of her new lover's captivating wit. As soon as possible, she made her quick exit, though instead of going directly home, Erica decided to take in a matinée, a movie she wanted to see. It would not only pass the time but certainly deflect her thoughts from the truly disgusting to the truly romantically funny. At the very least she hoped the movie would keep her mind off of Gianni Sloan.