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“She does. Maybe she didn’t want to go with you—just kidding,” Montez said with a laugh.
There were a few snickers around the table. Royce shot an annoyed look at his wife, and she stopped laughing.
“What exactly do you do?” he asked, a challenge in his voice.
Montez sliced a cherry tomato as he talked. “I’m a vice president of marketing, so Desiree and I have that in common. I like talking shop with her because she always has great ideas. Like the paternal leave idea, which you should probably be thanking her for.” He sounded friendly and kept a gregarious smile on his face, but there was no doubt he took a jab at Royce.
“What kind of business are you in?” Mark placed a piece of lettuce in his mouth.
“It’s a family business. We provide handyman services,” Montez replied.
“Oh, we can always use a good handyman, can’t we, Mark?” Ethel said.
“We sure he can,” he agreed.
“Youmustleave a card with me before you go,” Ethel continued.
“I will.”
“Okay, everybody, that’s enough business talk,” Mark said. “We should move on to more interesting topics, like golf.”
“Nice segue, darling,” Ethel said dryly.
The small group laughed again.
While the staff brought out the main course—prime rib, potatoes, and green beans—Mark continued talking. “I’ve been practicing my swing.”
“He hired a coach so he could improve,” Ethel interjected.
“Where do you play?” Montez asked.
“At the Atlanta Country Club. Don’t tell me you play?” Interest sparked in Mark’s voice.
“I’ve been known to hit the ball a time or two.”
“Desiree, why have you been hiding him? We’ll have to go out on the green sometime. How about tomorrow?”
“I’m free.”
What was he doing? Desiree kicked Montez under the table, and he flinched. To play it off, he hit his head with his palm.
“What was I thinking? I’m busy. Got a million things to do. Sorry.”
“Next Saturday then, or whenever you’re free,” Mark suggested.
Ethel picked up her glass of water. “You might as well say yes because he won’t accept any other answer. He’ll keep trying until he wears you down.”
Montez laughed and shot a quick look at Desiree in a clear attempt to figure out how she wanted him to handle the invitation.
“Oh, I see what’s happening. You need Desiree to give her okay. Let’s ask her. Is it okay with you if Montez and I hit the links next week?” Mark asked.
“Of course. He doesn’t need my permission,” she responded with a laugh that she hoped didn’t sound forced.
“Good. Why don’t you come too? And you, Royce, assuming you’re both free?” Mark lifted his eyebrows higher.
“I am,” Desiree replied.
Royce challenged her with his eyes. “Me too.”
