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“Now we work all the time,” Stephen said.
“Adam said his hours are erratic.”
The bartender set their glasses on the bar and they took them, moving away so another couple could order drinks.
“His are. For the rest of us, he tries as much as possible to keep us on domestic accounts so we can go home at reasonable hours.”
“Doesn’t leave much time for a social life,” she said under her breath, then realized he heard her.
“He does all right,” Stephen said.
Teddy decided to change the subject. She didn’t want any of her feelings coming through after what she’d heard earlier.
“You like working for Adam?”
He nodded. “It’s the best job I ever had. And even though I have some late nights, it’s worth it.”
Teddy looked past Stephen to where Adam stood. He was in the middle of a crowd where a lively discussion was going on. She noticed the two women she’d heard earlier were part of the group around him. She wondered which one wanted to be the arm candy.
“You’re a wedding consultant,” Stephen stated.
She nodded, taking a sip of her wine.
“From what I can tell, you’re doing very well.”
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“We’ve done some research into the financials. You seem to be on solid ground.”
“Did Adam order that?”
“Not directly. We keep track of many small businesses. ‘Small’ means under twenty million in assets. Weddings by Diana crossed my desk. But since you aren’t a client, we’re limited to only public information.”
Teddy threw another glance at Adam. The crowd had moved away and he was coming toward her. Stephen’s wife reached them at the same time.
“Adam, congratulations. I just heard you two are engaged.” She looked from him to Teddy and back. “I must admit, I didn’t think anyone would get you.”
Teddy looked at the floor, then back up.
“We’re not engaged,” Adam said.
“You’re not, but I…”
“We’re not,” Teddy confirmed.
“I’m sure there’s a stadium of women who’ll be glad to hear that,” Stephen said.
Teddy felt the color drain from her face. Stephen’s wife poked him in the side.
“I apologize,” he said. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“It’s a long story.” Adam protected her from further comments about their engagement. She was obviously embarrassed. “One night after I’ve had too many drinks, I might tell it to you.” He glanced at Teddy. “But right now, I’m going to dance with the most beautiful woman at the party.” He smiled at Teddy. She returned it even though there was no humor behind the gesture.
Adam took her arm and they headed for the dance floor, leaving a surprised host and hostess behind them. As soon as he turned her into his embrace, he said, “You and Stephen were deep in conversation.”
Teddy missed a step and her shoe ended up on his. “Sorry,” she said and resumed. She placed her head next to his so he couldn’t see her face.
“What were you talking about?”
“Working conditions, financial research and you.” She tightened her arms.
Adam probably felt the change in her. She was stiff and she clutched him too close.
“Are you all right?” he asked. His voice was right at her ear.
She shook her head as much as she could move it. “I want to go,” Teddy said.
“Why? What happened?”
“Please, let’s leave.”
“Don’t let what Stephen said upset you.”
“It’s not Stephen,” she said.
Adam sighed. “I’ll say our good-nights and get your coat.”
The woman Adam helped into the car was a direct opposite of the one who’d gotten in three hours ago. Silently they drove back to her house. Teddy didn’t wait for him to come around and help her out. She stepped into the snow, unmindful of her shoes or the care she’d taken for their first date.
“Are you going to tell me what happened?”
Teddy reached her door and opened it. Inside Adam closed it and waited for her to speak.
“Why don’t we just forget everything. The engagement is over. The party is over. We’ve completed our commitments. Let’s just say goodbye and forget this ever happened.”
