He throws me one last pleading look, but I stare blankly back at him. Without another word, he skulks off with his shoulders slumped. He pushes through the restaurant doors and disappears.
“Well,” Nikita says after a moment, “that was a surprisingly entertaining lunch.”
“Why?” she asks. “I’ve always enjoyed a side of drama with my pasta. Shall we head off?”
I hate that Anthony’s surprise appearance has Nikita in a better mood than my company could have done. But I don’t have the energy to try anymore. I’m ready to go home.
I nod silently and follow her outside to the street where our car is parked. I scan the area, but I don’t see any sign of Anthony lurking around.
I take a deep breath once I’m in the car, but I’m still rattled.
“I’m assuming that’s the first time you’ve seen him si
