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Richard frowned at the change of topic, but Dahlia jumped on it like a lifeline.
“It’s wonderful. You get to see new things and experience new customs. You can take weekend trips to other countries. I’d recommend living abroad to everyone, at least for a few years.”
“Sounds lovely.” She glanced at Harker who was watching her closely. “When did you come back to the states?” Harker’s face tightened and Alison wanted to cry. Her instincts were never wrong.
“Oh…uhm.” Dahlia stared straight at Alison as if she were afraid to look anywhere else. “I don’t remember the exact day, but it was a couple of weeks ago.”
“Are you planning on staying?” Richard seemed oblivious to the underlying tension.
“Ah…probably not. Things didn't work out how I’d hoped, so I’ll be going back soon.” This time Dahlia’s eyes did dart to Harker for one quick second.
If Alison hadn’t been watching, she would’ve missed it. In that moment she knew without doubt that Dahlia had come back for Harker. She wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Her marriage wasn’t real, but sometimes, the way he looked at her, made her think that they had a chance to make it real.
“Alison Robinson?” A man stopped by her side.
“Dan?” she stood. “Oh my god. I haven’t seen you since college.” She hugged him. “How’s Lisa? Is she here?” She glanced around.
“We’re not together anymore,” said Dan.
“Really? Everyone thought the two of you would marry and have a hundred kids.”
“Me too.” He smiled but it was sad.
“Oh. I’m so sorry.” She winced. “You know me. I never seem to be able to keep my mouth shut.”
“Except when introducing your husband.” Harker walked over to stand behind her, holding out one hand while placing the other possessively on the small of her back.
“Dan Ridgeway.” Dan shook Harker’s hand.
“Harker. Alison’s husband.”
“I got that part.” Dan grinned.
“Just wanted to make sure.” Harker squeezed Alison’s waist.
“Stop it.” She slapped his arm, but she loved this jealous side of him. “We married recently and…well, I guess, I can’t take him anywhere.”
“You’ll take me everywhere.” Harker’s hand slid to her ass. “Especially here.”
“I don’t blame you on that. The Club is safe but”—Dan’s eyes darted to Dahlia—“if I weren’t single, I wouldn’t let my girlfriend come here without me. Too many eligible men around. Doctors. Businessmen. Lawyers, like me.”
“I’d heard you passed the bar exam. Congratulations.” Alison had to fight to stop from laughing at how Dan was making it clear that he was single, eligible and interested in Dahlia.
“Thanks. I landed a great job too.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her a card. “I work for the best divorce lawyer around. We do other things too but my boss—”
“Speaking of your boss,” said Richard. “Is Terry here tonight? I need to talk to him.”
“Hey Richard, nice to see you,” said Dan. “But no. I don’t think Terry’s here. As far as I know he was planning a weekend with Maggie and her kids. Maybe next weekend when her ex has the kids.”
Alison had nowhere to put Dan’s business card, so she handed it to Harker. He started to toss it on the nearby table, and she slapped his arm.
“Put it in your pocket.”
“You don’t need a divorce lawyer.” But he slid it into his back pants pocket.
“I might if you don’t stop acting like a jerk.” She smiled at him and then turned back to Dan. “It seems you know everyone except Dahlia.” She may as well help Dan out. He was a nice guy and if the other woman focused on him, she’d get over Harker faster. “Dahlia this is Dan. We went to college together. He’s a great guy. Smart. Hard working. Funny. Loyal.”
“Jesus,” said Harker. “You make him sound like a dog.”
