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“Why did you do it?” I ask. “You didn’t have to. We never finished that billiard game.”
“Chivalry, of course.” He opens up his hands theatrically. “You told me to start somewhere, didn’t you?”
Yeah, but that was a second ago.
“I doubt you can spell the word, let alone practice it.”
He laughs, pleased. “You’re right. I did it for purely selfish reasons. I wanted to ensure a good return on my investment, andThe Seagulllooked like it might actually make a few bucks.”
“That can’t be it either.” My fists ball beside my body. I’m losing my patience. I’m tired of being mocked by him. Of being pushed out of my comfort zone. “There are many ways to advertise a play that don’t include stroking my ego.”
“Ah, so you admit that you have an ego.”
“A small one.” I pinch two fingers together.
“Yes, yes, I know. I’m trying to change that. No one likes altruism, Winnifred. It’s such a boring trait.”
“Is that why you gave me a billboard? To prove to me that I’m vain?” I press.
He steps forward, his mouth a breath away from my ear. The back of my neck blossoms in goose bumps, and my breathing becomes labored.
“Maybe I simply needed a bait to lure you into the conversation you walked away from that night at the Pierre. Have I succeeded?”
Of course he has. I am here, after all. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Praying like a desperate schoolgirl for his lips to graze the shell of my ear.
I jerk back from him, realizing that he has me exactly where he wanted me. “What do you wanna talk about?”
“We only have one mutual interest, and it keeps both of us awake at night.”
Grace and Paul.
“Actually, judging by tonight, what keeps you awake at night has nothing to do with your late fiancée.” I glance coolly behind him, looking for Gwen.
“Jealous?” He lifts an inquisitive eyebrow.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I splutter.
“I should be so lucky. A young, beautiful admirer. Fresh out of the Bible Belt too.”
I laugh incredulously, pushing him away. “I’m not the dumb farm girl you think I am.”
“Oh, yes. You’re very observant. I’m in awe of your watchful skills.” He casually glances around him, which makes me do the same. And that’s when I realize ...
“Wait, where’s Gwen?”
His white teeth gleam. He is enjoying this exchange too much. “Who, now?”
“Your date!” I’m about to kill him. I’m sure of it.
He looks around, as if just realizing she is gone. “She must’ve left. Beats me as to why.”
“You gave me more attention than you did her,” I say hotly, knowing I’m falling right into his trap. “Which is incredibly rude.”
“Rude?” He looks genuinely surprised. “Grace used to love it when I brought dates over and neglected them in favor of her halfway through the night. Dare I say, it was her favorite pastime.”
Grace sounds like a real piece of work. “I take it this was a reoccurrence?”
He shrugs, tucking his hands into his front pockets. “She liked to be reminded of her loveliness often, and preferably by disparaging others.”
