Page 22 of Disavowed

Daisy drew her brows together. “What do you mean, especially Dom?”

Alex paused in the middle of stirring and gave her a duh look. “While you were dancing with Andrew, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. Cassie and I were laughing our asses off watching his face turn a deeper shade of pea-green envy with every twirl you guys made around the dance floor. Solid wedding entertainment, I must say.”

“I don’t know why he would be jealous of Andrew or anyone else who’s interested in me.” Although the idea of it gave her a jolt of satisfaction. “He had his chance, and he made a choice. A very blunt, very definitive choice.” She picked up her wineglass and took a long sip, ignoring how her design plan started to roll up again.

“I know what he did.” Alex nodded. “I’m just telling you what I saw, and Cassie was standing right there with me and she agreed. She and Dom were partners for years. I think she can read him pretty well.”

She smoothed out the drawing and replaced her glass on the corner. “I don’t know what he was up to. With that body and that face he could have had any woman in the room.”

“Then why do you think he was jealous of Andrew?” A corner of Alex’s mouth lifted. “If he wasn’t still interested in you, he didn’t have to dance with you at all, let alone steal you away from another man. And yes, I saw him do that, too.”

Daisy shook her head. “I just wish he’d left me alone after the obligatory wedding party dance.”

Alex sat on the other side of the counter. “Did he proposition you?”

“No.” Daisy frowned, suddenly realizing he hadn’t. “Although he did manhandle me in the dressing room.”

“Oh, I could see that.” Alex snorted and took a sip of wine. “But who dragged him in there in the first place? Yeah, you,” she added when Daisy reluctantly pointed to herself.

Daisy set her glass down. “Why are you taking his side?”

Alex shook her head. “I am not taking his side. I’m just saying that I think there’s another side to Dom that he doesn’t show you. A side he doesn’t show anyone.”

She cocked her head, realizing it was true. “I did get a hint of that the night we spent together, and even at the wedding. It’s like he’s always preoccupied.”

“Gray, too.” Alex sighed. “Men.”

“Men,” she agreed and raised her glass.

After they’d toasted, Alex’s brow creased. “I know things are awkward between you and Dom, but it’s inevitable that your paths will cross more now that Gray and I are married. You’re my best friend, and Dom is Gray’s. You have to find a way to get along. Please,” she said quickly. “For my sake. I don’t want to lose you because of this rift between you two.”

Daisy groaned and shut her eyes for a moment. “I’ll try. I promise.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I think,” she added in a sarcastic tone. “Someday maybe I can get to the point where I feel nothing for him. Who knows, maybe one day we can be friends.”

The old phrase, when pigs fly, popped into her head. But Alex was the closest thing to family she had since her parents had died, and she’d do anything for her best friend. Including trying to get past her issues with Dom.

“How’s Gus doing?” Alex asked. “Did they ever catch the guy who hit him?”

“Better, and no they haven’t.” Every time she thought of the driver who’d worked for her at Highland Floral for over five years, she felt a pang of sadness. “I’ve been to see him several times at the hospital. Last time I brought him our favorite food from Domenico’s—eggplant lasagna. He has a broken leg, broken arm, busted ribs, and a concussion.”

Alex gasped. “I had no idea it was that bad.”

Daisy nodded. “The police still have no leads on the driver of the other vehicle.”

“That’s terrible.” Alex set the spoon she’d been stirring with onto the stove. “Who would do such a thing?”

“I don’t know. Whoever they are, I hope they get what’s coming to them.” She still felt horrible about the whole thing. “In the meantime, I have a new driver. Jack was like a dream come true. The day after Gus was hit, in walks Jack like an angel from heaven. Drivers with CDLs don’t come around every day. Even before Gus got hurt, I’d been going through a temp agency for a second driver, but for some reason there’s a scarcity right now.”

“What’s a CDL?” Alex asked.

“Commercial driver’s license, and Jack’s got one. Good thing because with all the large urns we ordered for the Piazza’s potted palms, we needed the bigger truck, which requires a CDL.” She paused to pour them both more wine. “But Jack is basically doing the work of two drivers. Things are so crazy, I’d hire almost anyone right now.”

“At least he worked out for you,” Alex said.

“He’s only been with me for a couple weeks, but he’s more than working out.” Daisy grinned. “He’s helpful, arrives on time, and works late without complaining, even with all the late-day deliveries to the Piazza. And you should see him.”