Chapter 17

“Rocco.”

“What about him?”

“He’s here.”

“What?” I was bewildered and thrilled at the same time, my thoughts banging around in my head.

She nodded. “Upstairs.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

She placed her hand on her hip. “Rocco asked me to keep it quiet.”

“Jesus. Where? Which room?” I asked, reaching for another beer.

“Third door on the left.”

“Thanks, Lela,” I said, and raced up the staircase to the carpeted landing.

Halfway to the top, I turned when Lela said, “He’s been talking about you all night.” She sounded putoff that nobody was paying attention to her.

I nodded.

Then she stopped me in my shoes again. “By the way, who invited you?”

“Nick Savage.”

She spun around on her shoes and headed in the direction of the beating bass. “He better bring some of the good shit tonight,” she mumbled to herself.

I knocked on the door, and when I didn’t hear a response, I turned the knob and opened the door. “Rocco? You in there?”