Chapter 69

“Where’s Dante?” I said a moment later, noticing he’d not joined the group with Keaton, and wishing to change the subject so I could regain my train of thought and composure.

“Gone,” Keaton replied, his vocal tone suddenly changed, clipped and almost aggressive in its deepness. “Not that you should be looking for someone else while I’m the one paying for your time.”

Gulping, I tried to find the words to respond. I’d clearly angered Keaton with my careless question.

“I was just surprised. You were obviously talking about very important things, and I didn’t want to interrupt you or distract you,” I replied.

Keaton studied me for a moment, the room silent now as everyone waited to see how he reacted. I tried to look like I didn’t feel guilty, but I knew everyone was looking at me and it made me feel more than a little uncomfortable.

Eventually he nodded and waved at the waiter to bring him some breakfast as well.

“Let’s talk about something happier,” Keaton said. “None of this depressing