Lucy
“Do you really likethis pale pink?” I ask the delectable Dirk as I hold it up beneath my chin. He’s strikingly handsome in that older man way, a little silvery at the temples, a few lines on his face, still fit. I’m sure we’ve met before, long before last night at the gallery. I must remember to phone Donna and tell her she was right. They do exist – classic silver foxes, or at least one of them, this one – right here near Brighton Court.
I’m having such a good day, I give him a tiny wink from behind the curve of the hanger. “I thought maybe the red was a little more ... exciting.”
“Whatever you think,” he says. What a keeper! He even knows what to say!
“No really,” I say. “I’m asking you. I value your opinion. You clearly have excellent taste in cars. Nobody would disagree.”
He blushes. He’s bashful. He checks to see if anyone heard my compliment. He’s adorable.
“Actually, the car is ...”
“Or how about the blue?” I drop my voice. I’m having fun for the first time in months, maybe years. “It matches your eyes, Dirk. We could go somewhere, just you and me.” So maybe I’m a bit forceful; taking a risk, but life is for living.
“It’s a beautiful day,” I press my point. “You, me and that car. We can stop at a supermarket or a delicatessen. We could picnic. Do you like rosé? Or Chablis? Is there a fish shop nearby? We can buy oysters. I adore them with Sauvignon Blanc. How about you? I’m sure you have your own favorite combinations.”
He’s speechless. I’ve caught him off guard.
“Oh,” I say. “You don’t like picnics? Of course not; not with those fine clothes. Chairs and tables were invented for good reason. Tell you what; you help me decide on these blouses, and I’ll buy lunch for you at a restaurant – somewhere near the coast, somewhere with a view. Call it my way of thanking you for your generosity with the dress. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It’s a beautiful dress.”
I stop talking and just smile at him. I love his eyes, blue gray, similar to the tie, and they’re all over me, like a curious, soft, rare moth. It’s a great sign. What a day! I knew moving into this district was sensible. Day one and I am on my way.
“Well, now. Thank you but no. I have other plans, Lucy.”
“Oh, of course you do, a busy man like you. We’ll take a raincheck. You have my number. Any day you’re free for lunch, message me. Simple as that.”
I try to dazzle him with my smile again, then turn my attention back to the blouses. I’ll buy a couple and keep Jill happy. I sense some disapproval on her part. Shame. I’d prefer an ally.
Dirk and Jill can’t be a couple. They haven’t touched each other once.
Chapter 5
Dirk
