All the World Read Online Free Page A

night,” Pierre replied. “One of the wretched Leer women overheard someone repeating the old rumor about her sister trying to seduce that teenager. She also heard Johnny Flesh suggest having a play about the town council. Then the fool concocted some ribald song about Bella planning to slip into bed with Cesare.”
                  “Oh, God,” Flora murmured, pressing her palm against her forehead.
                  “That was all it took for him to change his mind. Appearance is everything to people. You should know that as an actress. Cesare felt that the comments were indirectly threatening him. He said he thought it would be best to do things quickly with as few people as possible.”
                  “But he made a deal to meet with the actors. He can’t just break that off.”
                  Pierre shook his head. “Alas, it was not a written and signed deal. He just made it in passing. Without written proof, there is no such deal. I don’t think there is anything I can do.”
                  Flora’s eyes shifted between Pierre and Lexie several times. “Don’t give up just yet. We might be able to do something if Lexie will agree to it.”
                  Lexie knew where this was going. “Did you forget our conversation yesterday!”
                  “No,” Flora answered, “and that’s why I think you visiting Cesare might work. He’ll be shocked to see you, and he owes you something after all he put you through senior year. I hate to use you like a bargaining chip, but I really think you can help the theatre.”
                  “Well, I don’t! I know Cesare. He won’t even agree to see me. He’s a billionaire with a million secretaries. They won’t let me through to see him. Flora, you told me I was just a footnote to Cesare, and that is the truth. I might make things worse!”
                  “If you can help us in even the slightest bit, we will appreciate it,” Pierre said softly, his eyes self-effacing. “The theatre is all I know, and I do not know what I will become without it. Please, will you help?”
                  Pierre looked so heartbroken. Before Lexie could process his request, her head was nodding.
                  Pierre left in slightly higher spirits after a private word with Flora. To avoid an argument about Cesare, Flora quickly explained that she immediately had to leave for work and suggested having dinner at the Rail View Restaurant. Lexie was left standing in the living room wondering what on earth she had done. Visiting Cesare Garland was a bad idea. She didn’t care what Flora and Pierre thought. Nothing good would come from it, and she would have an hour long drive to Benton Junction brood.
                  She took a long shower in an attempt to wash the doubt from her mind. It was still there when she was drying her hair and fixing her makeup. As she dug through her luggage for a decent outfit, Lexie admitted that the feeling of unease was not going anywhere soon. She was going to have to face Cesare with little hope of success. 
                  I’m being honest, not pessimistic. Lexie told herself as she adjusted the sleeves of her burgundy shirt. When she was satisfied, Lexie grabbed her purse and left the apartment.
                  “Well, I’m sorry I ruined your plans to humiliate yourself and the family in front of the Roses!” A sarcastic voice and the pungent scent of coffee greeted Lexie as she descended into the Piazza Café.
                  A squat, plump woman, who Lexie recognized as Mrs. Terrace, was blocking the entrance to the café and glowering at her teenage daughter, Giulia. The girl had thick ringlets of black hair which were highlighted with a deep plum color.
                  “It was just a movie! How can watching a movie be humiliating?”