Scorched(36)

“Hush,” Molly chastised him huffily. “Mannie is just sensitive right now. You know he’s hurting.”

“Yeah, I know. So is Nick. That’s why we’re hosting this little soiree. To get these two little pricks back on the same page,” Devil said as much to remind himself as he was to remind Molly.

Both Devil and Molly turned as they heard Armando stomp into the room, the custom made bells he’d had attached to his Italian loafers heralding his arrival. “Speak of the diva and one shall appear… with bells on,” Devil muttered as Mannie made his grand entrance with a loud, mournful sigh.

“When is this dinner party from Hell going to get underway? I’ve had waxings that were less painful than this little get together you planned, chica,” Mannie questioned Molly as he walked into the living room, steadfastly ignoring his lover staring at him with lovesick eyes from the sofa.

Stepping out of Devil’s arms, Molly frowned at her best friend. “Mannie, you promised if I loaned you that Hermes scarf you’ve been lusting after that you’d be on your best behavior and listen with an open mind to what Nick has to say over a nice dinner among friends. This does not sound like an open mind to me. That sounds like I might need to get my scarf back,” she accused, propping her hands on her hips as she tapped her foot against the tiled floor.

“You’re just jealous that I can pull off this look better than you,” Mannie declared dismissively, toying with the silk sapphire scarf tied around his neck like an ascot. I make this look good.”

“You make everything look good, Tesoro. So perfect, you could have been sculpted by Michelangelo,” Nick stated tenderly, staring at Armando from his seat before slowly rising to cross the room. “You never fail to steal my breath.”

“Ha!” Mannie spat, tossing his head back as he crossed his arms over his chest. Dressed in a casual white linen suit, he looked every inch the GQ Model he’d once been. “I might have believed those lines before I found out what a lying liar you were, but no more! Armando is smarter than you have ever given him credit for being!”

“Aw, Christ, Molly,” Devil groaned, frowning at the two men in the center of the room. “He’s talking about himself in the third person again. You promised me you talked to him about that. I clearly remember you offering him a raise with my hard earned money if he would refrain from doing that. I also recall that he took the money!”

“I really think that’s the least of our worries, Devil,” Molly whispered violently, smoothing her hands nervously up and down the navy pencil skirt she wore. Taking a half step toward the couple, she said, “Now, boys, let’s keep it civil here. We’re here today to try to clear the air, remember?”

“And that’s exactly what I’m doing,” Mannie returned snottily. “Unlike some, I don’t believe in blowing smoke up someone’s ass and telling them just what they want to hear. Armando tells the truth. The whole truth! And nothing but the TRUTH! Even when it hurts. Even when it kills. Armando tells truth,” he concluded, appearing to take smug delight in the pained look blanketing Nick’s face.

“Baby, I have never lied to you….” Nick began to explain, trying to catch Mannie’s hand in his before the ex-model took a step back and shook his head.

“No! This is biggest lie you have told yet! Step back, you lying liar before the lightning strikes me by mistake!” Mannie yelled, the sound disturbing the normally calm Devlynn where she laid in Nana’s arms.

“Alright, children,” Nana said, holding her grandbaby closer as she moved to the arguing men. “That’ll be enough out of both of ye,” she scolded, her Irish accent thickening. “I’ll beat ye both ta death with me spoon if ye scare this bairn again!”

“And if she doesn’t kill you, I promise you, I will,” Devil growled, his gaze narrowing on the two men now glaring at each other.

“Lo siento, abuela,” Mannie apologized remorsefully, hanging his head as his own Spanish accent grew more pronounced.

“I’m sorry as well, Mrs. Delancy,” Nick added respectfully. “I forgot myself for a moment. I shouldn’t have said anything with a child in the room.”

Rolling his eyes, Devil shook his head at his employee. “Hey! Your future groom started it, man,” he consoled Nick, clapping the man on the shoulder.

“Devil!” Molly hissed when Mannie’s eyes bulged.

“Judas!” Mannie hissed at Devil. “I knew you were on his side! You are traitor, Devil Delancy. I wonder if Nicholas will arrange your schedule just the way you like it. Perhaps Nicholas will make sure that you always have your favorite coffee in the morning. I bet Nicholas will run interference between you and all those ex-hoes that flutter around you….”