by Ruby Cruz
“Pardon me?”
“The painting. How big do you want it?”
I indicated the size of a large poster and he nodded. “I can work with that. Frame?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.”
“That’s okay. I have a lot to go on. We can figure that out when it’s closer to being finished.” His eyes gleamed excitedly. His cheeks were flushed, and he gazed out over the water again before turning back to me. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment.”
“What moment?” I was almost afraid to ask.
“The moment when inspiration strikes. I’d been painting so many sea portraits, to find this…it’s something I haven’t done before. It’ll be a challenge, but I love a challenge. So, thank you.”
“I can’t wait to see the finished product.”
“Well, I’d better get to work then.”
We walked back to my car, and after we climbed in and I pulled out of the parking spot, he said, “Can I take you out to dinner?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not? I don’t think Will would mind if you go to dinner with one of his old friends.”
He may not mind, but I do. “I have a lot of studying to do.”
He cocked a brow. “I know an excuse when I hear one.”
“But I do have to study,” I argued indignantly.
“Look, Lizzy. I’m not trying to be forward with you. Despite whatever impression you may have of me, I respect what you and Will have together. It’s why I want to get to know you better, to figure out what’s in here.” He lay his hand over his heart. “Without that, the painting won’t be right because it won’t feel right. Does that make sense?”
I hated to admit that he did make sense. When I didn’t answer right away, he blew out a breath. “If it makes you feel better, you can invite Ana.”
“Ana?”
“She lives not too far away, right? You can ask her to join us this evening.”
His request surprised me, especially since Ana had made it no secret that she didn’t like Chase. “She might not be free. She’s been doing nearly as much travel as Will has lately.”
“You haven’t asked her yet. You can’t assume her answer when you haven’t even asked.”
He had a point there. Plus, I could beg her to join us and she might just do it. “Fine. I’ll give her a call.”
~
After Chase and I arrived back at the house, I walked him to his car. “I’ll let you know what Ana says.”
He texted me so I would have his phone number, then said, “Six o’clock at the Meryton Inn, despite whatever answer Ana gives you.”
I merely nodded in response, knowing he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Once back inside, Mrs. Pratchett met me at the door. “Well? Did you have to use the pepper spray?”
“No. He acted fine. In fact, he invited Ana and me out to dinner.”
She pursed her lips in disapproval. “What is he about?”
“I’m commissioning a painting from him, as a gift to Dr. Darcy. I showed him the view of the Columbia Trail I want him to paint, and he’s the one who suggested I invite Ana to join us tonight.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“Why?”
“I told you, it’s just a feeling I have. But I suppose if Ana is there tonight, it should be fine.”
I refrained from telling her that Ana had a similar distrust of him and, even if she were free for dinner, she would probably decline.
~
When I called Darcy’s sister a few minutes later, she seemed distracted. “Hey, Lizzy.” I heard a rustle of papers, then a muffled voice. “Hold on a minute.” More muffled voices, then she said more clearly, “I’m sorry. I’ve been swamped here.”
“I’m sorry to bother you at work, but I have somewhat of an issue.” I explained Chase’s surprise visit, his offer to paint for me, and his insistence we go to dinner. “He wants you to join us.”
The silence stretched to a full minute. “Ana? Are you still there?”
“Yeah. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No, but he sort of insisted. He said it’s so he can get inside my head and produce a more authentic painting or something like that.”
She blew out a breath. “I don’t trust him.”
“That makes two of us, but you can’t deny his talent. The sketch he drew today was amazing. To be able to give your brother something so meaningful…”
“I know. Will would really love something like that, especially coming from you.” She sighed. “I have a client coming in at five, but I should be done by six. Can we do seven? It’ll give me time to get up to your area, barring any major traffic.”
“Great. Thank you.”
After we hung up, I texted Chase. Ana can’t make it til 7. So Meryton Inn at 7 or bust.
He replied almost immediately, Deal.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Uncertain Appetites
That evening, I stared into the closet, undecided as to what to wear. What did one wear to a dinner where you wanted someone to do something for you, but you didn’t want to look like you were trying to impress them? Plus, the Meryton Inn was one of the fancier restaurants in town, known for gourmet fare and an extensive wine list. I doubted my usual uniform of T-shirt, jeans, and flip flops would be appropriate attire.
I pulled out one of the outfits Ana had bought for me in the Hamptons. I hadn’t had a chance to wear it and had considered returning it since it still had the tags on, but I grudgingly admitted to myself it would suffice: coral colored sleeveless blouse, white capris, strappy gold sandals. Ana probably would be wearing a dress, but that was more her style. This outfit may have been slightly more casual than was warranted, but was dressed up enough for me.
I felt grateful the sandals didn’t have heels as I slipped them on and tested my bad foot. Not great, but I could hardly wear the Ace wrap with this outfit without looking silly. Why do I even care if I look silly? It’s not like I’m trying to impress him.
Mrs. Pratchett heard me come down the stairs and met me in the foyer. “You look nice,” she commented.
“Thank you. I won’t be gone long.”
“Have you spoken with Dr. Darcy today?”
My stomach sunk. He hadn’t called me at his normal time. I checked my phone for the time and to see if I’d missed any messages from him. Nothing. “He told me last night he had a full day of meetings,” I explained, though my words did nothing to mollify the dread in me. I wished he would have at least texted me something during the day, even if he didn’t have an opportunity to call. I hated feeling so needy. After all, many people weathered long-distance relationships much worse than ours.
I attempted to call Darcy as I drove into town, but was only able to reach his voice mail. “Hey, just calling to see how your day went. I’m meeting Ana in town for dinner tonight. I can’t really tell you why because it’s sort of a surprise, but hopefully it’ll be a good surprise. I love you. I’ll try calling again later.”
When I arrived at the restaurant, Chase was waiting outside, a snifter in hand. He’d also changed from the jeans and T-shirt he’d worn earlier to gray dress pants and white button down shirt. His hair looked casually mussed in that way that seemed totally unaffected, but probably took hours and lots of hair product to achieve.
When he greeted me with a smile and a silent toast with his snifter, I was struck again by how much he reminded me of George Wickham with his golden boy good looks. Maybe that was why Ana didn’t like him so much, because of his resemblance to George. Then again, Mrs. Pratchett didn’t have a good vibe about him either, and I still very much distrusted him.
Chase drained his drink and set it on one of the outdoor tables before gesturing to the entrance to the restaurant. “Shall we?”
I s
hrugged and followed him into the restaurant. Meryton wasn’t known for its night life, and seven o’clock was relatively late for a dinner in this area. A handful of diners sat scattered within the dining room as the maître d’ escorted us to our table and handed us each a menu.
Instead of studying the menu like I normally would have had I been out with any of my friends or family, I left the menu on the table. Chase didn’t seem interested in perusing the menu items, either, his eyes fixed decidedly on me.
“Okay,” I started, wanting to get this out of the way before Ana arrived. “I want to get one thing straight. This is strictly business. I have no interest in being friends with you.”
“And why’s that?”
Because you’re way too good looking and you creep me out. “How do you think this relationship is going to turn out? You live in the Hamptons, I live here. It’s logistics.”
“Fair enough.”
“And besides, like I’ve told you before, I have friends.”
He smiled at me in amusement. “Why exactly are you afraid of me?”
“You remind me of someone I used to know,” I answered truthfully. “And he wasn’t a very nice person.”
“By your own admission, you don’t know me.”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I have to know you. This is a business dealing, that’s all.”
The easy smile never wavered. “If it makes you feel better to think that way, so be it. But you must know that I plan on spending quite a bit of time in Meryton.”
Before I could press him to elaborate, Ana arrived. As I’d predicted, she’d changed into a pretty yellow wrap dress that accentuated her figure. The color, however, belied the serious expression on her face, an expression I’d seen many times on her brother’s.
“Chase,” she greeted tersely as he stood politely. She ignored the friendly hand he offered her, and the cold way she dealt with him reminded me so much of her aunt I almost expected her brown eyes to turn ice blue and for a silver streak to grow into her hair.
His friendly smile faltered as they both settled into their seats and she picked up the menu to peruse it. “You’re looking lovely this evening, Ana,” he said.
She raised an eyebrow at him, and I was again reminded of her resemblance to her aunt. “Thank you. Have you both ordered?” she asked, glancing at the menus lying unopened on the table.
“Not yet,” he answered easily. “We were waiting for your arrival.”
“Well, let’s get this show on the road. I have an early meeting tomorrow and a forty-five minute drive home.”
“You sound so grown up,” he commented. “Seems like only yesterday you were in pigtails and hiding from the boys.”
She flushed angrily, though I couldn’t quite understand her extreme response. “Yes, some people actually do grow up rather than stay immature children all their lives. Some people actually want to take responsibility and care for things other than themselves.”
Something was at play here. I almost felt like I’d walked into the middle of a conversation where I had no idea what the topic really was. I understood all the words, but none of them made sense.
“Well, maybe if some people actually gave other people a chance to prove themselves, they might view those people differently.”
She flatly ignored him and flagged the waiter. “I’m going to have the roasted beet and pine nut salad.” She then ordered a glass of merlot.
“Excellent,” the waiter responded with deference and a bit of surprise.
I ordered a salmon dish served with a quinoa salad, something that I’d never had before but sounded interesting. The wine list called to me, but I didn’t want anything dulling my reflexes. Around Chase, I felt like I needed to be in top mental form.
The waiter glanced expectantly at Chase, who ordered sea scallops and the suggested accompanying glass of white.
When the waiter excused himself, Ana said placidly, “I’m surprised you didn’t order the filet.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you tend to like fresh meat.”
Something flashed in Chase’s eyes, something dangerous and very different from the friendly, easy-going nature he’d been trying to project. He stood suddenly, grabbed Ana’s forearm, and practically growled. “Outside, now.”
Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing into angry slits. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Georgiana Darcy, you will join me outside unless you want me to make even more of a scene by throwing you over my shoulder and physically forcing you to confront me.”
She grabbed her arm away, but stood. “Fine.” She turned to me, her eyes just a bit too wide and friendly. “Please excuse us, Lizzy, as we have a personal matter to discuss.”
They both headed to the entrance, their exit garnering the notice of more than a few diners.
What the hell was that all about? I’d never seen Ana act that way. She’d always been congenial and friendly. In fact, it seemed the only times I’d seen her act like this was because of Chase, either from her interaction him or because she’d disapproved of my association with him.
As I sat by myself and a minute turned to five, I wondered if I should try to intercede in some way. Obviously there was some history between them I was unaware of and I didn’t want to meddle, but at the same time, I worried about Ana being in over her head. As much as I respected her as a strong and intelligent woman, given her track record, she did seem a bit immature when dealing with the opposite sex. If I were Darcy, I would’ve tried to prevent the confrontation, but I wasn’t her big brother and feared that my interference in any way would just alienate me even further from her.
The waiter arrived with our drink order and seemed perplexed that two of our party were missing. He poured their wine glasses with a glance out the door, but we couldn’t see anything from this vantage point.
I sipped my water and wondered how long I should wait for them to come back. Five more minutes? Twenty? Dinner could be halfway over by then. I decided on five, figuring that any longer than that bordered on them being rude. Plus, a lot could happen in five minutes.
I set my phone on the table and watched the clock. I considered trying to call Darcy again, but decided that seemed too needy and dependent, so I waited, checked my newsfeed on Facebook, and downloaded a study app before the five minutes were up.
They still hadn’t returned, so I stood from the table and made my way to the front entrance. Cool, evening air rushed to my face as I stepped outside. I didn’t see them in the immediate vicinity, so I wondered if maybe they’d taken the discussion to someplace more private, like Chase’s room at the inn. I was about to head to the inn entrance next door when I heard a moan and a gasp.
I turned toward the sound and saw them. At least, I was pretty sure it was them, and I immediately wished I hadn’t turned.
They were in a shadowed alcove between the restaurant and hotel sides of the inn, Ana’s back to the wall and Chase leaning into her, kissing her. She seemed to be kissing him back, and that’s as far as I allowed myself to see because I retreated back into the restaurant.
I knew next to nothing about the interaction between them, but Ana had seemed to loathe Chase and had denied anything involving any type of relationship between them. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. That had been me two years ago: angry, naïve, and doing everything I could to deny the sexual chemistry between Darcy and me.
Looks like the Darcy siblings had much in common when it came to relationships. In fact, seeing Chase and Ana in that heated embrace reminded me of a certain night in New York City when Darcy had first kissed me.
Even sitting in the middle of the restaurant, the memory of that kiss brought a blush to my cheeks. If the chemistry between Ana and Chase was anywhere near Darcy and me, they both were in trouble.
~
Ten minutes later, the waiter served the first course, and Ana came back into the restaurant. Her ha
ir was mussed, her makeup ruined, and she had a glazed look about her.
“Are you okay?” I asked innocently. If she wanted to tell me what had happened between her and Chase, that was her prerogative, but I wasn’t about to pry.
“Uh, no, actually. I…I have to go. I’m so sorry. I’m not feeling very well.”
Well, crap. I guess things between them didn’t go nearly as well as they’d looked. “Are you okay to drive home?”
“I’m fine. Just…I just need to go.”
“Where’s Chase?”
She blushed, then shrugged. “Just tell him goodbye for me.” She grabbed her purse and rushed out the door.
The waiter, seeing Ana leave so suddenly, approached me. “Excuse me, miss. Will she be returning for the main course?”
“No, unfortunately not. Could you please package it up?”
“Certainly. And what about the other member of your party?”
I had no idea. I was just about to tell him to package his dinner up as well when Chase walked into the restaurant.
Gone was the easy-going smile. His eyes burned, and he looked quite angry. “Where’d she go?”
“She left. She went home.”
He cursed under his breath, then sat at the table. “I’m sorry, Lizzy. This evening didn’t go exactly as I’d planned.”
“Look, I can’t pretend I have any idea what is going on between you two, but she looked rather upset.” I watched the anger drain from his face, and he ran a hand through his hair and made it even more disheveled. “Did you hurt her?”
“What? No, of course not. Things are just…complicated between us. It’s a long story.” He drained his wine glass, then signaled to the waiter. “I apologize. I’m afraid I have to leave. Please provide Miss Bennett whatever she would like and charge it to my room.”
“Yes, of course.”
When the waiter left, Chase told me, “Again, I’m sorry for how things turned out tonight. I plan on staying the week so I can begin work on your painting in situ. Maybe we can try this again later on.”
I nodded but didn’t say anything. I was utterly confused by the turn of events.
He stood, fumbled in his coat for his wallet, left a couple of large bills on the table - presumably for the tip - and then left.