“How did you know?”
“When a CEO wants to meet with you, it’s usually good news. Tell me.”
“It’s better than I ever imagined,” she said, sounding happy. “You know how nutso work has been for all of us. Things have been so bad, I worried about burnout. Not just my own, everyone’s. I came up with a simple way to help with that and ran it by Todd, my former boss. He liked the idea and passed it along to Mr. Iglesias.”
“You must’ve impressed him.”
“Enough that he bumped me up big-time in the chain of command. You’re talking to the sales management executive and vice president. Eee!” she squealed. “Hope that didn’t hurt your ears.”
“Are you kidding?” He grinned. “I love that enthusiasm. Great news like yours should be celebrated. Let’s go out and do it up right.” During her long pause, his elation dimmed. “You probably have plans.”
“Actually, I don’t. No one at work knows about this yet and won’t until Monday. But yes, I’m in the mood to celebrate. What do you have in mind?”
Heck if he knew, although he had a few thoughts. “Have you eaten?”
“Yes, but nothing celebratory.”
“We’ll have to rectify that in the near future. This is spur of the moment, but are you a fan of blues music? This is blues night at the Highway Club. Tony Jenkins and the Magic Fingers is playing.”
“I like that kind of music, but I don’t know the band.”
“They’re great musicians.”
“Now I’m excited. I don’t even know where the club is.”
“About seven or so miles from Come on In. I’m just leaving there.”
“Why didn’t I think of that for dinner? It would’ve been so much better than a hot dog and can of baked beans. What’s the dress code?”
“Jeans, sweats, whatever feels comfortable.”
“I’m not wearing sweats. What about you?”
“Still in my standard work clothes—jeans, sneakers, and a comfy shirt.”
“Funny, that’s exactly what I changed into when I got home. But I think I’ll go a little less casual.”
“And here I thought we’d show up looking like twins.”
“Because we look so much alike,” she deadpanned, and he pictured a teasing smile on her face. “What time does the music start?”
Blake checked his watch. “Soon. I’ll pick you up.”
“Why would you do that when you’re so close to the venue? Coming all the way to my house and back will take too long. I’ll drive myself and meet you there.”
“Hey, we’re celebrating you.”
“Which we will, once we see each other.”
She sounded firm about that, and he let it go. “Your choice. I’ll get the tickets and a table. See you soon.”
From the outside,the Highway Club was pretty much as Vi had pictured it. A one-story building with ample parking and lots of vehicles in the slots. Inside was a surprise. Homey wood-paneled walls decorated with photos of musicians, a few of them well-known celebrities and others she didn’t recognize. A decent-size stage front and center. To one side, a bar with a big whiteboard listing food and drinks. Tables, both big and small, filled most of the large space.
Recorded music played while the crowd ate, chatted and sipped drinks. Relieved to have made it before the band started, she paused just inside the door, shrugged out of her fitted, lightweight jacket and scanned the area for Blake. There he was, standing halfway between where she was and the stage. Tall, broad-shouldered and gorgeous, his cotton polo shirt showcasing his hard chest and abs. The mere sight filled her with longings that she quickly pushed away.
Uh-uh, no. Not tonight. She’d come to celebrate her promotion with him, period. She started toward him, making her way around tables. It wasn’t hard to know when he caught sight of her. He waved and flashed the grin that lit up his whole face. Talk about giving her heart palpitations. Clamping down the impulse to rush toward him, she slowed her pace and pulled herself together.
“You got a great table,” she said as she joined him.
