Her lower lip protruded as she took her seat. “You’re especially cold tonight.”
She hadn’t asked me a question, so I didn’t give her an answer. Just took off my coat and sat across from her.
“I have no idea what to order here,” she said, looking at the menu. “Everything has carbs.”
“Hmm,” I said, ignoring her thinly veiled complaint about my restaurant choice.
The waitress came back and asked if we’d like something to drink.
“Should we get a bottle of wine?” she asked.
“Nothing for me.”
She scowled and plucked the drink menu off the table. “Pomegranate martini, then.”
“I’ll be back with your drink,” the waitress said. “Then I can take your order.”
I decided I wasn’t ordering dinner. I had too much work to do.
“Svetlana, I’ve booked a ten-day vacation for two at an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii.” I reached into my jacket and pulled out an envelope with the information she would need. “Everything will be taken care of. Flights. Meals. Drinks. Even entertainment.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, Shepherd, are you serious?”
“Yes, but I won’t be joining you.” I put the envelope in front of her. “You’re welcome to take anyone you’d like. Get in touch with my assistant to finalize the details. I’ve enjoyed your company the last couple of months, but we won’t be seeing each other anymore.”
Her mouth dropped open and she stared at me. “You’re leaving me?”
Leaving me. It wasn’t the fact that English was her second language that made her choose that phrase. It made it sound as if I were divorcing her, not ending a casual fling.
“This has run its course,” I said.
“And what is that?” she asked, gesturing to the envelope. “You never take me anywhere, and now you’re getting rid of me by sending me on vacation by myself?”
“I said you can take whomever you like.”
“I can’t be bought, Shepherd.”
I raised an eyebrow. That was a fucking lie if I’d ever heard one. “Indeed. I thought it might be a pleasant distraction.” I plucked the envelope off the table. “But if you think I’ve insulted you, apparently I judged wrong. My apologies.”
Knowing she’d ask for it back, I made a show of tucking it back into my pocket.
“Well…” She paused and rolled her eyes. “I might as well use it, if it’s already booked.”
I set the envelope in front of her just as the waitress came back with her martini. I looked at the waitress. “Her dinner is on me. She can order whatever she’d like.”
“Of course, Mr. Calloway,” the waitress said.
I stood and grabbed my coat. “Good night.”
Without waiting for a reply from either Svetlana or the waitress, I turned and left.
That had gone much better than expected. In a few days, Svetlana would be off to Hawaii. When she returned, I had no doubt she’d find someone new. A woman like that wouldn’t be alone for long.
I would be, however. Having a woman in my life had never been anything but a complication. A distraction.
A disappointment.
Pushing aside the thoughts of Svetlana—and my dissatisfaction with dating in general—I went to my car. I had work to do tonight.
4
Everly
The little bistro my sister and sister-in-law had chosen for dinner was adorable. It was colorful, with funky decor and a great menu. I found them already at a table, leaning in close together and laughing about something.
Annie was three years younger than me, but always seemed to have her life together in ways I didn’t. She was very goal-oriented and driven. She’d graduated both high school and college early. Passed her CPA exam with flying colors. She was brilliant, successful, beautiful. Married to Miranda, the coolest woman ever. They were remodeling their second house together, because both of them were freaking overachievers.
It wasn’t that I was jealous. Jealousy was so negative. But I did tend to feel a bit inferior next to my baby sister. I still lived in an apartment I rented. My job was great, but executive assistant didn’t sound nearly as impressive as CPA. Not even if I was an assistant to one of the most prominent businessmen in Seattle.
“Hey, sis.” Annie stood and hugged me. She looked a lot like me, except her hair was a little darker and cut in a sleek bob. As usual, she looked stylish in a blouse and slacks.
Miranda stood for a hug. She wore glasses and never fewer than four colors at a time. She was breezy and artistic, and it showed in her wavy hair and eclectic style. Although she and my sister seemed so different, they were great together.
“Hey, you two,” I said as we all took our seats. “How’s everything?”
“Good,” Annie said. “How about you? I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” I said. “I’m good. Work is busy, of course.”
“Isn’t it always?” Annie asked. “What about your personal life? Anyone special you need to tell us about?”
I shook my head. Annie was great, but she’d never been the person I confided in. I didn’t really want to tell her about my latest adventures in dating. “No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Why not?” she asked. “Honestly, Everly, I can’t believe you’re still single.”
Miranda nudged her. “Annie.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just know how great you are, that’s all.”
“Thanks. And it’s okay. I’m taking a break from dating for a while.”
“That’s wonderful,” Miranda said. “I think it’s smart to focus on you. I did that a few years ago and it was the best decision I ever made.”
“You hardly took a dating break,” Annie said. “You met me a few weeks in, didn’t you?”
“Exactly,” Miranda said. “I’m a firm believer that the right person comes into your life only when you stop looking for them.”
“Hmm,” Annie said. “She might have a point.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I said. “I’m in a good place with everything. Work is fine, and being single isn’t so bad.”
“Of course not,” Annie said.
“So what about you guys?” I asked. “What’s new?”
“Well,” Annie said, glancing at Miranda, “we actually have news.”
“Yeah?” I asked. “Oh god, please don’t tell me you’re moving out of state or something.”
“No, we’re not moving,” Annie said. “Actually, we’re going to try for a baby.”
“Aw,” I said, squashing the nasty little flare of envy that tried to take root in my tummy. So what if I was older than her and single? And so what if Annie was happily married, and about to make our mother’s dreams come true by giving her a grandchild? That didn’t matter, and I wasn’t going to rain on Annie’s parade. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you both.”