Chapter 153

ALEXA

As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I spotted Zale seated at a table at the rear of the restaurant, fidgeting and checking his watch. He looked around, but did not spot me at the entrance, as a couple of people were leaving then, blocking his view of me. He was obviously eager to have the ring in his possession, even though I was still five minutes early for our scheduled meeting.

"Hi, Zale," I said as I lowered myself into the chair next to him.

He started a little, having been engrossed in checking his wristwatch in what had to be the umpteenth time.

"Alexa." His face split into a wide grin. His eyes danced with barely concealed excitement. "Just who I've been expecting. It's good to see you." He looked me over, his gaze lingering on the fitted dress I wore. "You look really good... Better than you looked at our last meeting."

I shrugged. "I guess it's the satisfaction of taking my own pound of flesh."

"Of course. Of course. I like the way you think. Only hypocrites