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Monique heard the pout in his voice and immediately recognized her error. “Yes.” And then, to make it more official-sounding, she added, “We had a brief meeting.”
“Interesting. Where?”
“At the golf-course country club.” That was sort of, kind of, correct. It was the best she could do. Monique simply couldn’t bring herself to share that Niko had treated her to a five-star meal in an extravagant private dining room.
“Hobnobbing with the bougie crowd, I see.”
“I’m interacting with all of the citizens of Paradise Cove,” Monique responded. “No matter the height of their status or the size of their bank account.” She hadn’t meant to sound curt, but she had.
“Of course you are, Monique. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Listen, I’d like to come up next weekend. Maybe we can spend a night in romantic San Francisco.”
“I’m afraid I won’t see San Francisco until the Silver Serenade Concert during Memorial Day weekend. Until then, my schedule is filled with appearances, meetings and juggling clients.”
“What is the Silver Serenade Concert?”
“It’s a charity event put on by members of Northern California society, including Paradise Cove, a black-tie affair.”
“Sounds like one that requires an escort. I’m offering my services.”
“Rob…”
“We were friends before we began dating, Monique. Can’t we be friends now?”
She hesitated, thinking. Was it a good idea to reconnect with him in this way? Would it send the wrong signal? And then she considered his words. They were friends. She could use an escort. This might be a way to maintain a friendship with a really nice guy.
“I think you’d really enjoy the concert, Rob. I’ll get another ticket.”
“I can purchase my own ticket, Monique.”
“Sure you could. If you could find one. With the concert sold out, they’re hard to get. If it means that much, you can pay me back.”
“Deal. Send me the details. But I’d still like to see you this weekend. It’s a rare one where I won’t be working. Plus, you can help me celebrate.”
“What?”
A pause and then “My birthday.”
“So sorry, Rob! Of course your birthday is this weekend. With everything going on here I’d totally forgotten.”
“So…can I come up?”
“Sure, why not.”
“Excellent! I can’t wait to see you!”
Monique immediately regretted her decision. From the excitement in his voice, she knew that he hoped for a second chance. When he arrived she’d have to make it crystal clear that she would not be his birthday present and that a reconciliation was never going to happen.
Looking up, she saw her godmother waving her over. “Rob, I’ve got to run. I’m taking Margo and two of her best friends out to lunch. Call you later?”
Shortly after hanging up from Rob, Monique and company headed to Acquired Taste, which, next to the golf-course supper club, was the city’s nicest restaurant. The women were chatty and Monique was glad for the diversion. Thoughts of how impossible her rekindling a relationship with Rob was reminded her of how equally unlikely it was she’d begin one with Niko. If she defeated him in the election, then any chance of romance would go out the window. She still remembered how angry he’d been when she’d won the debate. He’d wanted nothing more to do with her. Would someone as proud as Niko date the woman who snatched his political dream? She didn’t think so. If she lost, the outcome would be the same. No Niko. He’d be the town’s darling and even more a target for determined female constituents. She’d go back to Los Angeles, pick up where she’d left off in her career and find a man who was as comfortable and loyal as the one she’d let go, but gave her the kind of excitement that the one who could never be hers did with just a glance.
Afternoon passed into evening and Monique remained within the confines of Golden Gates, where her godmother resided in one of the smaller homes near the community’s north side. She enjoyed Margo’s company immensely, but more than that, Monique didn’t want to leave and be alone with her thoughts. So after eating at Acquired Taste, she had driven each of the ladies to their homes and then taken her godmother on a drive through the country before they’d returned to Margo’s home and watched shows on Investigation Discovery. That superpositive Margo, who wouldn’t hurt a fly, found ID to be one of her favorite channels, with back-to-back stories about murder and mayhem, was for Monique a complete irony. Still they watched and chatted and drank homemade hot chocolate. But when Margo began to yawn, having missed her usual midday nap, Monique gave a hug, said goodbye and headed out the door.
