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“Objection,” Gladys protests. “Carla bugging you to get a boyfriend was her way of reminding you that you didn’t have one.”
Reminding? More like shoving the fact down my throat like a pill.
“She just wanted you to get one so that she could tell you her boyfriend was better.”
I got that.
“As for me, this is the first time I’ve ever said I wish you had a boyfriend, and it’s out of genuine concern for you,” Gladys goes on. “You know I just wish you had someone, especially at a time like this.”
I nod. “Point taken. Sorry. You can strike my earlier remark from the record.”
I reach for my glass of water and bring it to my lips.
“Like I said, I’m fine. I don’t need a boyfriend.”
Gladys sits back and crosses her arms over her chest. “Really?”
Really. Sometimes I wish Antonio was still alive so that I’d have an amazing boyfriend, but then I wouldn’t have minded not having him for a boyfriend as long as he was still alive. And yes, there have been times I’ve thought a boyfriend would be nice, just so my apartment wouldn’t feel so lonely at the end of the day. But do I need one? Hell no. The fact that I’ve just lost the only man in my life doesn’t change that. What good would…?
My thoughts crash into a wall as I catch a glimpse of a brown-haired man in a suit a few tables away. My lips freeze on the rim of my glass.
Is that… Leo? What on earth is he doing here?
Gladys sighs. “At least tell me there’s someone you can have sex with.”
I set my glass down as I feel my water go down the wrong way, making it hard for me to breathe. Shit. I cover my mouth with the table napkin and cough to try to get it out of there.
Gladys leans forward. “Are you okay?”
Obviously not. I feel like I’m drowning. My throat hurts more with each cough and I can feel the water coming out of my eyes. Still, I nod.
It’s just water. I’ll be fine.
Finally, I feel my airway open. I place a hand on my chest as I let out a breath of relief.
“I’m okay.”
As I lift my head, my eyes clash with blue ones. My choking episode must have caught Leo’s attention, and now he’s looking at me with an expression of concern.
I look away and dry my eyes.
Great. Now he knows I’m here. What’s more, he’s caught me at a bad time again, looking like a mess.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Gladys asks me.
She, too, looks concerned.
I nod. “I’m okay now. I just choked on my water, probably because you were saying some crazy things.”
She frowns. “Sorry.”
Now she looks like she’s going to cry.
“Oh, stop it.” I wave my hand. “I was just kidding. It wasn’t your fault.”
She gives me an impish grin. “So you do have someone you’re having sex with?”
Gladys sure gets back on her horse easily.
Hello. I nearly died.
I roll my eyes. “Remind me never to have lunch with you again.”
Still, her grin stays on. “Someone’s evading a question.”
“I wasn’t aware this was a cross-examination.”
“That’s because I wasn’t aware…”
She stops suddenly as a vibration comes from her purse.
Ah. I’m saved.
She grabs her phone and holds it against her ear. “Gladys Talbot speaking.”
I sip my water as she handles her call, carefully this time. When she’s done, she gives me an apologetic look.
“What?” I ask her.
“I have to go,” she says with a pout. “Dana has a stomachache.”
“Then go,” I urge her.
There’s no reason why a mother shouldn’t rush to be by the side of her sick child.
“Are you done? Because I hate to leave you here on your own when I was the one who invited you.”
“Yeah.” I put down my glass.
She grabs her purse and stands up, then sits back down. “Oh, but wait. I haven’t paid yet.”
She rummages through the contents of her purse.
“One of these days, I’ll be a member at this club and I’ll get free meals, but for now…”
“Just go.” I place my hand on top of hers. “I’ll pick up the bill.”
Gladys frowns. “But I was the one who asked you out to lunch.”
“Which you did to make me feel better,” I tell her. “And you did.”
“But…”
“You can pay for lunch next time.” I squeeze her hand. “Dana needs you, Gladys.”
For another moment, she continues to hesitate. Then she stands up and gives me a quick hug.
“I’ll see you soon.”
I pat her shoulder. “Yup.”
She breaks away and heads towards the exit. I sink back into my chair and get my card from my purse before calling the attention of a waiter.
I may be in no rush but I don’t want to stay here, either, especially now that I’m all by myself. Many of my clients are wealthy and reputable men and women, yes. That doesn’t mean I’m comfortable hanging around a bunch of them.
