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“Really, Ted, why are you so interested in his name?”
He leaned in close enough that she could smell his cologne. She was sure it was something expensive, but it was also overpowering and obnoxious, just like he was. “You know what I think? I don’t think there is a guy. I think you’re trying to brush me off because you haven’t forgiven me for our first date fiasco.”
“First date? You mean our only date.”
“Not if I have my way. Aw, c’mon, baby, it’s been nearly half a year. Way past time to forgive and forget. What do you say? I have a condo in the Bahamas. We could fly down there tonight. You, me, some rum and a little bikini? I promise, it’ll be a good time.”
Gag. “I think you’d look awful funny in a little bikini, Ted.”
He threw his head back and laughed, causing a group of passersby to glance their way. “Brains, beauty, and a killer sense of humor! We were made for each other.”
Okay. Time to put a stop to this right now.
“Thanks for that awesome offer, Ted, but seriously, I’m going to have to pass. I really do have a boyfriend, and if you insist on knowing his name, it’s Nate Miller.”
He looked taken aback. “I know that name. I heard it just the other day.” He thought about it a moment then snapped his fingers. “I got it. That’s the guy who was on the front page of the paper last week. The doctor who—” He stilled. “That’s who you’re dating?”
“Exactly.”
“The same guy we saw at The Harbor House?” he asked incredulously. “The guy who gave you a ride home?”
Lauren grit her teeth. “Yes.”
“Oh, honey, I think that’s a lost cause.” His eyes gleamed with smugness. Like he knew something she didn’t. Any minute now, Lauren expected to see fangs pop out.
Is this how Little Red Riding Hood felt when the wolf jumped out from behind the trees? Only this little girl wasn’t about to let the wolf get the upper hand. “Good to know you haven’t changed, Ted. Once an ass, always an ass.”
Did she really just say that? Miss Mary Ellen from the Southern Camp for Girls of Good Breeding would be highly disappointed. Nate, on the other hand, she thought with a smile, would definitely approve.
Ted’s gaze went cold. “No wonder you’re divorced. Once a bitch, always a bitch.” Then he deliberately leered at her cleavage and strolled off with his hands in his pockets as if he hadn’t just insulted her. Of course, she’d insulted him first. But he’d deserved it.
Dhara came back with their coffees. “Did I hear right? Did that guy just call you a bitch?”
“You heard perfectly right.” Seeing the shocked look on Dhara’s face, Lauren said, “Don’t worry, he’s a complete jerk who I never hope to see again.”
Pilar and Shea and Mimi, along with an assortment of small children, all of whom were jumping up and down in an obvious case of cotton candy overdose, came by the booth. “Was that Ted Ferguson who just walked by?” Pilar asked.
“The one and only.”
“We’re on our way to the Moonwalk,” Shea said. “It will be our fourth time.”
“Isn’t that awesome?” Pilar said, with fake enthusiasm. Her voice dropped. “What did the scumbag want?” she asked Lauren.
Lauren kept her happy face on. In case the kids noticed. “Nothing,” she said. “Really it’s no big deal.”
Pilar frowned. “He’s been spending a lot of time in town lately, which usually means he’s up to no good. Come Monday morning, I’m putting out some feelers.”
“Good idea.” She looked at their faces. There was something they weren’t telling her. “What?” she asked.
“Oh! Sorry, we were diverted by our Ted Ferguson sighting,” Pilar said. “You won’t believe who’s not showing up tonight for his own concert. Billy Brenton!”
“What?”
Mimi nodded. “It appears that Bruce Bailey, in his enthusiasm to stay on as mayor, promised something, or in this case, someone he can’t deliver.”
“According to his manager, Billy Brenton was never on the schedule to appear here tonight!” Shea fairly squealed.
“You’re kidding. When did all this come out?”
