by Dee Davis
But Ethan shook his head. “Nope. American to the core.”
“So what else have you got? We’re looking for something really torrid.” I shook my head, laughing. “Like my grandmother. She snuck out of her prep-school dorm window to run away with my grandfather. Niko. He was a Greek immigrant decidedly not up to my great-grandparents’ standards. So her parents disinherited her. Fortunately for me, she didn’t care a whit, and my grandfather made a fortune importing Greek delicacies.”
“You’re Sevalas Food?”
“Well, my grandmother is. And I suppose, more or less, so am I.”
“So you come by your love of food naturally.”
“With the help of my grandmother’s cook. I learned about olives and ouzo from my grandfather, but I learned most of what I know about food from Bernie.”
“See? Fascinating. So what happened with your great-grandfather? Did he ever forgive your grandmother?”
“Are you kidding? Jackson Harold Winston never forgave anyone anything. The real question is whether my grandmother forgave him.” I smiled, quite enjoying relaying this part of my history.
“Is she still living?” he asked.
“Absolutely. She still has her apartment on East End. But she’s hardly ever there. Mainly she travels—seeing the world. Sowing her wild oats.”
“Like your mother?”
“I think they have certain commonalities.”
“And Althea is more like your grandfather.”
“Actually, no. Althea is just Althea. My grandfather definitely wasn’t immune to a good time.”
“Well, I don’t know how I’m supposed to follow up on that,” he said with a mock frown. “My relatives just aren’t that interesting. I think the last time anyone dared to buck authority in my family was in Scotland during the Jacobite Uprising.”
“That sounds promising. Virile Highlander fighting for clan and rightful king.”
“Actually, it was the lowlands. Although he did side with the Highlanders. Against the wishes of his father. But unfortunately it didn’t end well. He wound up on the wrong end of a claymore. And that pretty much killed any further familial desire for rebellion. Although I suppose I’ve managed to buck the system a little. My father wanted me to go to Harvard. I picked Dartmouth. And no one wanted me to become an attorney.”
“Well, there you have it,” I said, trying to remember the last time I’d enjoyed a meal this much. “The blackest of black sheep. Your ancestors would be proud.”
“Oh, yes, definitely walking the edge.” He smiled and reached for the wine bottle, the movement clearing my view to Diana and Dillon’s table. They were gone. And I hadn’t even noticed.
The rest of the dinner passed almost too quickly, conversation ranging from the intricacies of making crème brûlée to the latest changes in international corporate tax law. In fact, we talked ourselves right out of the restaurant, into his town car, and down to SoHo.
The car pulled up to the curb outside my building and Ethan leaned forward to give the driver instructions before joining me on the sidewalk.
“You want me to walk you up?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m fine. But thanks for tonight. It was cathartic.”
“Not exactly the normal way of describing a first date.”
“Well, considering the circumstances, it was hardly an ordinary date,” I protested.
“Maybe not,” he said with a devilish smile, “but it’s been a hell of a start.”
He bent down and brushed his lips against mine, the contact sexier than any full-blown kiss I’d ever received. I swear to God.
I watched as the car pulled away, heart pounding, all the while trying to remember the last time I’d felt this giddy.
Maybe never. And oddly enough—definitely not with Dillon.
Chapter 10
I'm not exactly sure what we all did before Starbucks. I mean, it’s not like Manhattan didn’t already have its fair share of coffee shops. But somehow it just wasn’t the same. Not that I’m one of those “three nonfat lattes a day” people, mind you. In truth, I actually don’t like coffee all that much. I prefer tea. Iced, mostly. But I’ve also developed quite the taste for one of Starbie’s hot Tazo teas. I mean, really, who can resist walking to the counter and asking for a cup of “passion”? Especially if the barista is cute. (Honest to God, that’s the name of the tea. It’s made from, among other things, hibiscus flowers and poppies. Which in and of itself probably explains a lot.)
Anyway, the truth is no matter what you drink, there’s just a vibe that makes Starbucks a fun place to hang. Then again, maybe that’s the point—Starbucks as a destination. From a marketing standpoint I suspect that’s as good as it gets. And, since Bethany has a penchant for caramel macchiatos, it had seemed the logical meeting place.
I hadn’t seen her since my date with Ethan, and though we’d talked on the phone the next morning, she’d been a bit preoccupied with Michael. Not that I blamed her. There really was something exciting about the beginning of a relationship. Particularly when it looks as if it could lead to something lasting. (And just for the record, I’m still maintaining that the whole thing is in spite of Althea, not because of her. Score one for the exception to the rule.)
“Over here.” Bethany waved from the milk bar as I pushed my way through the crowd. “Sorry to make this a rush job, but I’ve got an appointment in an hour. A couple from Texas. I don’t know how in the world I’m going to find them something. I mean, they’re used to four bedrooms in the suburbs with a laundry room and a pool. I’m showing them four rooms without a view and three tiny closets. I’m afraid it’s all going to be a bit overwhelming.”
“They’ll be fine,” I said, as we grabbed a table from a couple of tourists. “This is Manhattan, after all. People don’t expect to find palaces.”
“I don’t know, everything is big in Texas.”
“So they’ll adjust.” I shrugged with a smile. “Although honestly, I wouldn’t want your job. Cranky people on limited budgets looking for the perfect apartment. I’m not sure the animal even exists.”
“Well, you did pretty well for yourself.”
“Pure luck.”
“And a friend with an inside track.” Did I mention Bethany found my apartment and showed it to me three days before it was actually listed?
“Yes, well, there is that. Anyway, all I’m saying is that even with the best agent, apartment hunting in Manhattan isn’t exactly a euphoria-promoting event.”
“Well, as clients go, I’ve certainly had worse. And I’m sure I’ll find them something,” she said, sliding into the chair across from me. “But we’re not here to talk about the Jacksons.” She waggled her eyebrows for effect. “Going out with Ethan clearly agrees with you. You’re looking loads better.”
“I’m definitely on the mend,” I said, self-consciously tucking my hair behind my ear.
“You really were lucky. It could have been so much worse.”
“Physically, yes. Although from a psychological point of view I think I might have hit it out of the proverbial ballpark.”
“Well, at least the paparazzi weren’t there. And there hasn’t been anything more in the papers.”
“Yes,” I nodded, sipping my tea, “thankfully, they’ve moved on to a new celebutard.”
“You’re hardly in that category,” she said with a shake of her head.
“No. I suppose not. But I definitely gave it my best shot with my fall from grace, as it were.”
“Old news. I want to hear about your dinner. I can’t believe you ran into Diana and Dillon.”
“Actually, it was pretty unbelievable. I mean, we always joke about it being a small city, but what are the odds that we’d actually wind up in the same restaurant? Especially Nino’s. Dillon hates it.”
“Apparently, not as much as you thought.”
“He’s just kowtowing to Diana.”
“So was it horribly uncomfortable?”
“Awful.
At least until Ethan arrived. Although I think I managed to hold my own.”
“And Dillon? How did he deal?”
“He looked pretty miserable, actually. At least until the two of them were alone.” I closed my eyes, trying to banish the picture of him laughing and holding her hand. “But he did call to apologize.
“You actually talked to him?”
“No. I couldn’t deal. But I listened to the message. And I’ve got to admit, it did make me feel a little better about the whole thing. Although I still can’t understand what he sees in her.”
“Nothing she doesn’t want him to,” Bethany said. “She’s got him bewitched, but sooner or later he’s going to wake up and realize just what he’s done. Only you won’t be there to pick up the pieces.”
“I suppose not.”
“You suppose not?” Bethany said, narrowing her eyes. “Come on. You know not. I mean, now you’ve got Ethan.”
“I’ve only been on one date with him. And I shared practically forever with Dillon. It’s not that easy to let go. Even knowing that I should. I think there’ll always be a part of me that wants him back.”
“I suppose that’s understandable.” She shrugged, taking a careful sip of her coffee. “Did Diana say anything about Mardi Gras?”
“Just that she saw the show. But if looks could kill . . .”
“Score one for you.” Bethany smiled, then frowned again. “Which reminds me, I think I might have put my foot in it. Have you told Althea about Ethan?”
A shiver of dread traced its way down my spine. “Just the stuff from the night of my fall. Why?”
“Don’t kill me.” She scrunched her nose and I sighed.
“What did you tell her?”
“Just that you went out with him. She was talking about your weekend. And I just assumed you’d mentioned it. Anyway, I kept the details spare. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything, I know. But I couldn’t seem to help myself.”
“Don’t worry about it. Althea is good at extracting information. And besides, if you hadn’t told her somebody else would have. So when did you talk to her?” Considering I hadn’t heard a word, I suspected it had to have been recently. Althea wasn’t one to hold on to news.
“This morning. I was checking in about Michael.”
“I thought this wasn’t supposed to be a ‘real’ match?”
“It isn’t. But you know Althea, she likes to stay involved."
"That’s an understatement. But I guess if you don’t mind . . .” I shrugged, wondering why Bethany’s alliance with Althea bothered me so much.
“I don’t. Really. In fact, she’s actually had some good advice. This whole thing has been moving really fast. And you know that my mom isn’t the type to offer support.” Bethany’s mom wasn’t the type to be a mother—period. It’s one of the many things we had in common. “I just need the reality check. And Althea’s been there. Besides, she really knows Michael.”
“It’s her job. And don’t forget she’s going to be predisposed toward making it work. She’s competitive as hell, and even if this one’s off the books, she’ll still want to mark it off as a success. Which means keeping the two of you together.”
“Which is exactly what I want.”
“Good, then there’s not a problem. But if that changes, remember that Althea’s going to stick with Michael. It’s just part of the game for her.”
“You make it sound so cut-and-dried. It’s a relationship, not a business merger.”
“To Althea they’re one and the same. So all I’m saying is take her advice with a grain of salt. Anyway, I’m just glad to see you so happy.”
“You, too,” Bethany said with a nod. “Every time I’ve mentioned Ethan’s name you grin like an idiot. Have you heard from him since the date?”
“Just a quick call. But he sent flowers.”
“Really? That’s so wonderfully old-fashioned. I love it.”
“It was sweet. But I’m trying not to build it up too much.”
“You got flowers. When’s the last time Dillon did that?”
“He sends them on Valentine’s Day—usually.” I shrugged. “Anyway, there’s no point in comparing. Ethan isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met.”
“I knew it,” Bethany said, flashing a triumphant smile. “You’re falling for him. So when are you going out again?”
“I don’t know. He said something about this weekend. But I’ve got your party.”
“You haven’t asked him? I just assumed you would.”
“It’s all so new. And this is supposed to be about you and Michael. Introducing him to your friends.”
“Well, if Ethan is going to be a part of your life, then he should be there.”
“Oh, come on. Aren’t you jumping the gun a little?”
“Oh, please, it’s not like you haven’t leapt into relationships before. You and Dillon slept together after your first date. And as I remember it, he was practically moving in by date three or four.”
“You’re exaggerating. He never actually moved in at all. We just shared space now and then. And besides, look how that turned out. Maybe if I’d been more cautious I wouldn’t have ended up getting dumped for Diana Merreck.”
“I still can’t believe it, really.”
“That makes two of us. Anyway, the point is that considering all that’s happened, I think the last thing I should be doing is jumping blindly into another relationship.”
“Asking Ethan to my dinner party is not jumping into a relationship. It’s just a date. And a safe one at that. You’ll be surrounded by friends. Besides, he sent you flowers. That’s got to count for something.”
“I suppose.” I ducked my head, remembering the crazy way I felt after he kissed me. “It’s just that everything is so complicated. I haven’t even had time to deal with the situation with Dillon. Surely I need some kind of mourning period.”
“Life doesn’t wait around for us to be ready, Andi. Sometimes you’ve just got to take advantage of what’s offered when it comes. Even if the timing isn’t perfect. Otherwise the opportunity will just pass you by. And you know as well as I do that there aren’t that many chances when it comes to finding the right man in this town.”
“Well, when you say it like that. . . but still, it could be a huge mistake. I mean, what do I know about him, really? He grew up in the city, but left to help run his family’s business when his father had a heart attack. He’s only just come back, and lives in a borrowed apartment on the Upper East Side. Come to think of it, I really don’t know anything substantive about him.”
“Except that he’s got a chivalrous streak,” Bethany said. “I mean, he’s saved you what, like three times now?”
“That’s hardly enough to recommend him. For all we know he could be a serial killer.”
“Oh, please.” Bethany lifted her hands in protest. “I hardly think that’s likely.”
“Ted Bundy was really charming.”
“Yeah, right,” she said with a snort. “Anyway, it’s easy enough to fill in the details. Surely you’ve Googled him?”
“I hadn’t even thought about it until now.” I should stop here and say that I have a complete and utter aversion to computers. Don’t know why exactly. They’re just not my thing. Everybody I know has text messaging and Facebook pages. And I can barely turn my phone on, let alone figure out how to type on the tiny little keypad.
I know. I know. I’m living in the dark ages. But hey, at least it proves I’m adept at not giving in to societal pressures. Or something like that. Anyway, Googling might as well have been Swahili for all it meant to me.
“I’m convinced you were born in the wrong century,” Bethany said. “I don’t know how you manage. Really.”
I opened my mouth to retort, but as if on call, said cell phone began to ring, the not-so-dulcet Latin tones eliciting a frown from the woman at the next table.
I shrugged and pulled it out of my purse, checking caller ID. “It’s him,” I mouthed
, my stomach threatening to renege on the tea.
“So answer it, already,” Bethany said, waving at the still-jangling phone.
“Hello?” I said, flipping it open, the sounds of “Macarena” thankfully going silent.
“Andi?” Ethan’s deep voice sent familiar ripples of pleasure coursing through me. What can I say? I’m easy. “Am I interrupting anything?”
“No. I’m just sitting here having tea with Bethany.”
“Good. I was afraid I’d interrupt a taping or something. Anyway, I’ve only got a minute. I’m in between meetings, but I wanted to check in.” Checking in was good. Very very good.
“So did you accomplish great things?” I said, with complete lack of brilliance. What can I say, the man discombobulated me. “In your meetings, I mean.”
“Pretty much what I set out to do. Although I’m afraid there were casualties.”
“Sounds ominous,” I said. “And very Sopranos."
“No dead bodies,” he laughed. “But in order to maintain market share we had to take out a few competitors.”
“As in they’re now defunct?”
“For the most part.”
“So you actually destroyed someone’s company?” Put that way it sounded grim.
“More like took it over. It’s just business. And for the record, if it hadn’t been us, it would have been someone else. It’s a tough world out there. Anyway, I didn’t call to regale you with my business dealings. I just wanted to see if you were free for lunch tomorrow.”
“Lunch?”
“You know, the meal in the middle?” Again I could hear a hint of laughter.
“Yes, I’ve heard of it.”
“So are you free?”
“I can be. For you.” Okay, at least I was starting to sound more like myself.
“Excellent. How about the Shake Shack? You can bring Bentley. I assume you’re still trying to keep him out of Dillon’s hands?”
“I am. Although he hasn’t called since yesterday. And I had the locks changed. Still, it’s sweet of you to remember.”
“Well, Bentley and I are friends. Anyway, I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you guys at two?”