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A poignant wave of sadness came over her. Too bad he’d learned that lesson way too late to help them. To be fair, they’d had more problems than just his job. Their unwillingness to sacrifice their individual goals for the welfare of their relationship had been the biggest hurdle. And perhaps that’s why she hadn’t seriously pursued another romantic relationship.
“Are you happy with your life now?” She shouldn’t have asked. It was none of her business, but that didn’t seem to stop her from nosing into his life without an invitation. The truth was she’d never wished him any ill will. She honestly wanted him to be happy.
He shrugged. “I’m working on it. How about you?”
She got the feeling he wasn’t asking just to be polite but because he really cared. “I’m working on it, too.”
“Good. I’m sure with your determination, all of your dreams will come true. Now how about that round of darts?”
She noticed how he didn’t even hint at anything between the two of them. Not that she wanted him to mention it—it wasn’t like she’d be interested in reigniting an old flame. But was it wrong that she sometimes wondered if he regretted how they’d let things end instead of fighting for their relationship?
“Clara?” Andrew’s deep voice drew her from her meandering thoughts. “Did you hear me?”
“Um, yes. It’s just that I’m not sure you’ll want to play darts after you hear what I say.”
“Is it about the party?”
She nodded. “I’m afraid I don’t have good news. The manager is unwilling to rent out the complex. Are you sure you wouldn’t still consider this place? You could have a private room for dining. And it shouldn’t be too busy if you have it during the week.”
Andrew hesitated. His lips pursed together as though he were torn over what to do. “I think we’ll have to pass. It would only take one person to recognize my brother and post it on social media for the entire evening to be ruined.”
He was right. She wished he’d have mentioned the privacy issue when he’d first brought up the party, but she wasn’t giving up. San Francisco was a huge city. She’d find something that would work.
“I’m sorry this place doesn’t work for you. I didn’t know about the privacy issue when I added it to my list.”
Surprisingly, Andrew shrugged off the news as though he’d been expecting it. “It’s no big deal.”
“Really?” She’d thought for sure he’d love this place with all of its entertainment opportunities. And yet he dismissed it so readily. “This doesn’t bother you?”
“I’m sure you’ll find something equally as entertaining. The most important element being that my brother is able to relax and not have to worry about the paparazzi.”
Andrew thought that highly of her? A warm spot started in her chest and spread outward. And then she told herself not to get distracted. She still had a job to do.
She tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I have some other ideas in mind. Shall we go?”
“Not until we play a round or two of darts.” He retrieved another set of darts for her. “Let’s see if you are as good as you were back in college.”
When he handed over the darts, their fingers brushed. A wave of goose bumps washed up her arm. She swallowed hard, trying to ignore her body’s automatic response to him.
Concentrate on the game. Ignore him. Yeah, right.
“That was a long time ago.” Her voice sounded off. A little higher than normal. She pulled her hand away.
“Not that long ago. I remember how you’d give me a run for my money.” He lightly elbowed her. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid you’ve lost your touch?”
Her gaze narrowed in on him. “Are you challenging me?”
His eyes lit with mischief. “Why, yes, I am. So what do you say?”
“I say how much do you have to wager?”
A smile pulled at his lips. “How about the loser buys dinner?”
She really shouldn’t do this. She had work to do. But she’d never been able to walk away from a challenge. And she’d forgotten how much she enjoyed darts. In the past few years, she’d been so focused on building her business that she’d utterly neglected her private life. What would it hurt to take a few minutes and have fun with an old friend?
She straightened her shoulders and tilted up her chin. “You have yourself a bet. Prepare to be beat.”
He motioned for her to step up to the line. “Ladies first.”
