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Halfway through our main meal, Gavin’s phone rings, and after a curt conversation, he politely excuses himself before getting up and disappearing from sight.
I spot my mother staring at her ring in awe, making me smile. “Sothathappened.”
She grins over at me. “I had no idea. And for you to be here too,” she reaches over to grab my hand and give it a squeeze. “That makes it all the more special.”
I flip my hand over in hers. “As long as you’re happy and he treats you well, that’s all that matters.”
“He’s very busy, but he always makes time for me.” Mom’s expression wavers and I see wetness gathering in her eyes. “He’s not your father. But he is good to me, Alyssa. What more can a woman in her golden years ever want?”
“Love?”
“Oh, baby girl, I love him. He’s made it impossiblenotto love him.”
“Then that’s all I care about.” I lift my glass in the air between us and nod for her to do the same.
“To love, life, and happy ever afters,” I toast, both of us grinning as we clink our drinks and take a sip to her future.
“Now. Enough about me. Tell me what’s new with you,” Mom asks. “Have you been dating anyone?”
“I haven’t had time to date,” I explain, taking a sip of champagne. “But I did meet a man on the flight down here. I even had dinner with him last night.”
“Oh, nowthat’swhat I like to hear. Tell me about him.”
“His name is Barrett Matthews, and he’s here on business.”
“And where does he live?” she asks in an almost singsong voice that’s brimming with excitement. Knowing my mom and being the hopeless romantic she is, she’s probably having visions of a double wedding already.
“He’s based in Seattle.”
“Oh, that’s a big plus. And convenient too. Where did he take you for this dinner? I hope he spoiled you.”
“Yes,” I say slowly, “It was an intimate dinner for two on the hotel’s rooftop.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh my lord, how on earth did he manage that?”
“Apparently, he knows people,” I reply with a smile.
“Don't they all in this town," she says with a laugh. "Is he handsome?”
“You havenoidea, Mom. He’s smart and thoughtful, but there’s also an air of mystery and intrigue about him. And every time I see him, I’m left wanting more.” Mom stifles a giggle and my cheeks heat when I realize the implication of my words. “Well, that too,” I concede with a shrug.
“Amen to that.” Mom raises her glass in the air and clinks it against mine. “To both of us finding happiness.”
“It’s early days. I’ve only just met him.”
I don’t miss the twinkle in her eye as she leans in and drops her voice to a whisper. “I have a good feeling this time, baby girl.”
A few minutes later having finished my food, I realize I need to use the facilities. Standing up, I grab my purse and hook it over my shoulder. “I’m just going to go to the restroom,” I say, excusing myself. Following the signs, I make my way to the back of the restaurant.
While I walk, I unlock my phone and bring up Barrett’s number to send him a message. The business card he’d left in my hotel suite had his work and private cell numbers on it, which I took as an invitation to use them.
He’s been on my mind since leaving my suite this morning, so I decide it’s high time I give him a little dose of his own medicine to tide him over until I see him tonight.
Me – For dinner tonight, I’ve decided it’s my turn to treat you. My suite, seven p.m. Clothing optional.
With a smile, I slip my phone back into my purse and make my way down the short corridor to where the ladies’ room is. The shrill of a phone nearby has me pausing. I turn my head and spot Gavin standing at the end of the hallway, gesticulating wildly with his hands and talking loudly to someone I cannot see.
“You’re supposed to be working, not sleeping with her.”
