“But wait, there’s more. I love my new neighborhood. And I’ve met someone already.”
“No!”
“An actual, real gentleman.”
“Am I talking to Lucy-who-swore-off-men-forever?”
“I never said that. You’re the one who prefers dogs. And I found the most beautiful boutique. I bought you something.”
“More flowers?”
“Nope. An evening purse. We’re going out on the town.”
“Already? Aren’t you exhausted from moving house?”
“Well, we don’t have to go right now, but when can you come and see my new place? I love it. I owe you a meal or fifty, and now there’s this gift. It’s your favorite color.”
Chapter 7
Dirk
Ieat too much at lunch. Jamison presses the full three courses plus wine on me, and then a coffee. Dee will be furious. My children are opposites, each pulling me in a separate direction when it comes to health and fitness.
Jamison invites me back to his office. For a moment, I think he’s going to usher me into the big room, the boardroom, near reception, but one of the partners rushes past, the tall one, Brent Leverstone – reminds me of a shark.
Last time I was here, Jamison introduced us, and the man was all charm, but it’s clear he’s too busy this time, or maybe he disapproves of long lunches.
Jamison frowns. He insists I borrow his car for another few days; says he’s heading off to a conference and will catch a cab to the airport.
He’s on edge.
“Everything okay, son?” I say.
“Yeah. Nothing for you to worry about.”
I go to question him further, but he’s checking his watch. My job is to get out of there and let him get on with whatever’s preoccupying him. I make a mental note to quiz him harder next time. He’s too young to have so many frown lines.
