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"I don't need an answer now. I'm going to put some new packages together this week. If I don't hear from you by Wednesday, I'm going to assume you don't want to be included."
Joanna nodded, her body language somewhat steely, but I was expecting that. Still, a little time pressure went a long way.
People took forever if they didn't have a firm deadline. I hoped Joanna would cave to my request because I loved her restaurant. If not, Molly and I would find someplace else. There were restaurants at every corner in LA; it took a lot of determination and stamina to find the best ones, and I had both in spades.
"One of these days, I'm going to film you when you go in shark mode," Molly said once we were out on the street. "You had an extra edge today. That cheesecake did the trick, huh? Or was it the man sending them?"
"Careful, Molly. Attributing my edginess to outside factors is the best way to get under my skin," I said with humor.
"Oh, but it is honest."
We headed to a small coffee shop across the street to review the visit. I always liked to talk about a new location right after we scouted it, while the details were still fresh. The scent of baked goodies filled the air, and I smiled, remembering Molly's comment. She was right... sort of. It hadn't been the sugar that had lifted my mood so drastically, but the fact that Graham was just so unexpected in the best way. When Molly went to the restroom, I seized my chance and texted him.
Lori: The cheesecake was delicious. Thank you. To what do I owe the surprise?
Graham: I wanted you to start the week well.
Well, damn. What could I say to that? A second message popped up before I could swoon further.
Graham: And I wanted to sweeten you up so you'd say yes to a lunch date.
I laughed and checked my calendar, but it wasn't looking good. A lot of clients, current or potential, wanted lunch appointments because they could leave their workplace for an extended break.
Lori: Early afternoon snack on Wednesday or Thursday? My lunches are booked for the rest of the week.
Graham: Thursday works. I'm attending a team meeting on Wednesday.
Lori: What are we doing?
Graham: You'll see.
When Molly came back, she pointed between the phone and my face with a triumphant expression.
"If you tell me that grin is work-related, you're full of it."
I laughed, pointing at her notebook. "Molly, don't try to turn this into gossip hour."
As we went over the details we'd discussed with Joanna, my thoughts kept wandering to Graham. Yep, I wasn't too proud to admit to myself that I was daydreaming. But I was also afraid it was all too good to be tr
ue. While reviewing the photos Molly took, I chased those ugly thoughts away. He’d sent me cheesecake so I'd start my week well, and I was going to see him on Thursday. I didn't know what he'd planned, but I was determined to enjoy every glorious minute of it.
***
Over the next few days, Graham and I kept exchanging messages. One evening, after one of Jace’s games, he even talked to Milo on the phone and they discussed every goal and foul.
After the school event on Wednesday morning, Will had to hurry back to the station, but we were grabbing lunch together later. As luck would have it, Val texted to ask if I wanted to eat with her, so I suggested she join us.
When we arrived at his station, it was bustling with activity, as usual. Policemen ventured in and out, and stacks of paperwork were being carried from one desk to another in the open office space.
We stood by the elevators, trying to locate our brother in the crowded room. He and his partner had a designated desk, but neither was sitting at it.
"Testosterone overload," Val whispered, gazing after a tall and handsome blond policeman. "What is it with men in uniforms?"
I elbowed her. "Why don't you find out? Bet some are single. Will would be over the moon that you're finally dating someone he's probably already researched."
Val laughed but shook her head. "I'm using enough “mind” real estate worrying about Will fighting crime; I don't want to worry about the man I'm dating too. I want to date someone with a safe job. Why couldn't Will take a leaf out of Jace's handbook and pick a safer career?
"But pro soccer players get in nasty accidents all the time."
