Stirring Up Trouble(62)
“You know Braden’s not running a strip club here.”
Jon laughed. “I know. But the video would be enough to convince the city to shut him down for good. If he doesn’t agree to my offer, I’ll hand it over to the city officials.”
“Wow. This was all your idea?” Lola asked, sounding convincingly impressed.
“Of course. I’m a smart business man. You should know that by now.”
“I do. And now everyone in here today sees it too. I’m sure the authenticity of your costume and your dance really impressed them. Now they’ll all come to eat at your restaurant.”
Lola clicked off the recording and slid a glance at him. Braden should’ve never doubted her.
Nora frowned. “Where is this man now?”
Lola shrugged. “Locked in a storage closet. I’ll let him go when it’s all over. And even if he got out, he won’t get very far.” She smiled. “I stole his toga.”
Nora adjusted her glasses. “In light of the circumstances, I’ll just give you an oral exam today.”
Lola looked at Braden and raised a brow. “My favorite kind.”
He would’ve laughed, but he didn’t want to explain it to the no nonsense inspector.
George walked past them to greet a tall, older gentleman at the door. Braden hadn’t noticed him enter, but he assumed it was the music producer. As the men shook hands, Lola started turning red and hyperventilating.
Braden gave Lola’s shoulder a light squeeze. “I’ll talk to Rand while you finish with Nora.”
“But I’m not ready,” she sputtered, clenching her fists into his shirt. “I’m going to have to play acoustic, and I haven’t decided which songs to sing—”
He smoothed her hair behind her ear. “Trust me.” He kissed her cheek then strolled over to the mega-producer. “Mr. Baker, I’m Braden Angelopoulos. I own Acropolis.”
“Please, call me Rand.”
After shaking the music icon’s hand, he led the man into the restaurant and sat him at a table in front of the stage. “Lola is just finishing up with the health inspector and then she’ll give you a concert you’ll never forget. She’s really special. I expect you to take good care of her out in California.”
No matter where she went, he’d keep tabs on her and would destroy anyone who failed to treat her with the respect she deserved.
Rand lifted the glass of ouzo Jenny brought him and tilted his head. “Let’s see how today goes before we make plans about California. But based on what Alexander had to say about her, I’m guessing I’ll like what I hear. He never steered me wrong.” Rather than sipping it as was customary, he slammed the shot.
“You knew him well?”
“We went to college together. He was quite a musician himself. Had a good ear for talent, too. I offered to make him a partner, but he had a different dream. We stayed in touch though. He was a good man. Argumentative and stubborn, but he had a big heart. I miss him already.”
Alexander was an enigma. Worth billions, he’d obviously exerted great power judging by his ability to maneuver everyone like pieces in a real life chess game. But what had motivated him to play matchmaker?
Braden watched Lola salute the inspector again, hand the woman a plate of baklava, and lead her to Frank’s table. Looked like Alexander wasn’t the only one who played matchmaker.
Lola caught his eye and winked as she crossed the room to him, appearing every bit the Siren of his dreams.
Rand stood. “You must be Viola Dubrovsky.”
Her eyes widened in awe. “Yes. But you can call me Lola. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She shook his hand and stared. “If you’ll have a seat, I just need a minute to get ready.”
Rand gave her a huge smile. “Take all the time you need.” He walked over to speak with George and Reina.
“How’d it go with Nora?”
She bowed. “I passed. In fact, I think I know the health code better than her. She told me I should apply for a job.”
He didn’t doubt she could do anything she put her mind to, but he chuckled at the image of Lola all buttoned up with a briefcase in hand. “I want to thank you for everything.”
“You don’t need to thank—”
When she playfully slapped his chest, he seized her wrist and pulled her close. It was time to come clean. “Shh. It’s not just that. Though I appreciate all you’ve done for Acropolis. I need to tell you something I’ve never told anyone.” He held onto her tighter. “I was married once.”