There was some shuffling through the speaker as he turned onto Pine Street and he wondered for a moment if she’d heard him.
“I’m not dressed for fancy. Despite the other night, I should probably tell you now, I rarely am.”
“I just want to see your face.”
He heard the sharp intake of breath and smiled.
“Will.”
“Lexi. My mother is requesting my presence to go over some things for a celebration we’re having for the company in a couple of weeks. I’d like you to go as my date. Myfiancée. I do like saying that—you’re right.”
“You want me to meet your mother before we’ve had our fourth date?”
He pulled into the parking lot, found a spot. “You want me to meet your mother this weekend. In two days, actually.” She’d texted him yesterday and told him about her mother’s negotiating tactic. “Plus, our situation is unique. Once my mom meets you, she can stop giving me the cold shoulder, truly stop setting me up. Plus, I’d rather you met her in a less intimidating venue than the gala.”
“Gala? You said party.”
“Will you meet me at Mika’s? Please?”
“I will but only because I still need to interview you.”
“That’s right. We didn’t get to it the other night. I’m sorry.”
They’d had a hell of a good time with Holden and Bethany, though. They’d moved through conversation topics with an unexpected ease considering the age gap between the two couples. Holden reminded Will of his grandfather and being there with Lexi, letting his hand rest on the small of her back, pulling her close, had felt thrilling and comforting at the same time.
“You don’t need to apologize. Are you sure you don’t mind? It’s a weird comparison sort of thing where we need to find out if what we’re learning is as transferrable as the instructors hope.”
“It’s not a big deal.” He got out of the car, locked it. “I enjoy talking about business and talking to you so I’m looking forward to it.”
The cool breeze reminded him that colder days were quickly approaching as he walked toward the front entrance. “Are you driving here?”
“No. I walked to work. It’s literally around the corner from the shop. I’ll be there in ten minutes but I can’t stay long.”
“I can drive you home.”
“I’m okay. Stop stalling. Go meet your mom. I’ll save you soon.”
He walked through the door smiling. A host in a crisp, white dress shirt and black pants greeted him immediately. Will was pretty sure his name was Lionel.
“Mr. Grand. Nice to see you. Your mother and her guest are this way,” he said.
Trying to remember the kid’s name, it took Will a second to register what he’d said. “I’m sorry, did you say ‘guest’?” Their event planner was known by name to the staff here as much as his family was. That was strange.
He saw his mother and herguestbefore Lionel answered affirmatively. Son of a bitch. Approaching the table, Will’s jaw twitched as he leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek.
“Mom.”
He nodded at the sultry redhead who looked at him like she wished he was on the menu. “Carolyn.”
“So lovely to see you again, Will.” Carolyn’s voice was a low purr when she set her hand on his arm. He pulled back, moved around the table to sit on the other side of his mother.
“Carolyn’s been helping me with the party planning. She said she saw you at an engagement party the other night, dear. Shereached out to say how lovely that was and we got to talking,” his mother said.
I bet you did.Will held Carolyn’s gaze, worried she was up to something, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what. She was an attractive woman, she wouldn’t want for company, she came from a good family and knew all the people in the same social circle he did. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested, hadn’t he?Maybe your ego is too big. She could just be helping your mother.
“Yes, I knew I knew you from somewhere. I wish I’d had more time to chat with you and Mr. Rogers,” Carolyn said, laughing at her own not-funny joke.
His mother laughed, meaning Carolyn had filled her in. The thought of this woman and his mother possibly laughing at Lexi stirred something dark in him. They knew nothing about her except maybe what they’d gleaned off the internet. There wasn’t much. He’d looked because he hadn’t wanted Lexi to be bothered by being linked to him when all he wanted to do was date her.
