Same/Difference (The Depth of Emotion #4) by D.D. Lorenzo Page B

heard from Mr. Dietz after we’d concluded our business and, suddenly, it occurred to me that if he had continued to work for Manny his opinion of me might have been jaded by any remarks the Vallega’s might have made. Since I never ran into him at home, it only seemed fortuitous that he was right across the street. It would only take a moment to say hello, so I thought I’d seize the opportunity. I touched Liz’s arm.
    “I’ll be right back. I see someone I know.”
    She watched after me as I walked in Mr. Dietz’s direction. I had almost reached him when any thoughts of my good fortune scattered like dust in the wind. I quickly turned around and hurried back to Liz.
    “Let’s go.”
    She sensed my urgency and, although puzzled, came without hesitation. The former knot in my stomach now choked me with regret. I should have paid more attention because I didn’t notice that Mr. Dietz was walking with an entourage that included Manny, Marisol, and Blake Matthews.
    I remembered how unnerved Mr. Dietz was when he worked for Manny, so why were they together? I began to rationalize that it was reasonable for an attorney to be with a client in Vegas, especially one with Mr. Dietz’s expertize in real estate. I mentally checked off rational explanations. He was their real estate attorney and Vegas was a hot spot.
    There wasn’t really anything suspect about him being with them, but I couldn’t shake the ominous feeling in my gut. Something wasn’t right. Why was Blake with them? Other than being Marisol’s manager, they weren’t friends, were they? But I couldn’t shake the warning signals that ignited inside my brain. At one time Blake had been a good friend, but his courtesy died away each time I told him that’s all I wanted to be. A friend. Blake was a conundrum. He had more personalities than I could count. At first I thought he was a nice guy, but then I got to know him and my opinion changed. After Aria and I were released from the hospital, he repeatedly asked me out. With my habit of maintaining personal distance, I didn’t think it would be a good idea to encourage him when I knew there would be nothing there. The only thing we had in common was our mutual social circle and I didn’t want anything to complicate it. Time after time I politely declined his invitations but he was persistent and then eventually became pushy. If he and I were anywhere with our friends, he acted like he was there with me. It was obnoxious. All through the weekend at Aimee and Carter’s party he was possessive. He was used to getting what he wanted and, unfortunately, he wanted me. It became awkward and embarrassing. Finally, I couldn’t handle it anymore. I went to Aria to tell her that I didn’t want to go anywhere with our crowd if Blake was going to be there, and I was counting on her to let me know if he would be. She refused to hear it and told her husband. Since Declan and Blake were friends and business colleagues, she asked him to intervene. Aria told me that everything had been taken care of. After that, Blake backed off. He called me once after and told me that I didn’t know what I was missing; that he could date anyone he wanted. I told him that he was behaving like an ass and to get over himself. We hadn’t spoken since then.
    Liz and I were almost around the corner when I heard him. He was calling my name. I ignored him, but he only became louder.
    “ Paige !”
    The sound of his voice sickened me. I walked a little faster.
    “ PAIGE !”
    Liz tried to turn around but saw my reaction. I held her arm.
    “Keep walking.” I felt the blood leave my head, leaving me spinning.
    “ PAIGE !!! ”
    There was no escape.
    I took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Liz looked confused and her eyes darted back and forth between Blake and me. He was nearly on top of us when I turned. A forced smile transformed my face.
    “Hello, Blake.”
    I prayed Liz could sense my discomfort and help me make a quick exit. She