Running quickly up to his room, Tristan took two minutes to freshen up. He was actually happy he had found someone to chat with, and Miranda seemed like a fun person. Hopefully, the evening wouldn't be a total waste.
Miranda waved when she saw Tristan come out of the elevator.
“That didn’t take you long, darling,” she drawled in her Texas accent. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
“Me too,” Tristan said as he held the hotel door open for her. “It’ll be nice to just sit back and relax.”
Once they sat down at their table, Miranda looked at Tristan and smiled. “Did you want wine or beer?”
Tristan looked at her and smiled. “I have a feeling that no matter what I pick, you could drink me under the table.”
Miranda laughed. "Us Texas girls can hold our own, that's for sure. I’m in the mood for wine tonight, I think. How about we get a bottle and split. No one has to drive tonight after all.”
Tristan nodded, glancing quickly at the menu. “I think a good T-bone steak would suit me tonight.”
“A man after my own heart,” Miranda said, smiling. “So, is there anyone special in your life? I know you said you were newly single.”
Tristan sighed. “I’m not sure. Relationships are strange. I was with a woman for years and honestly thought she was the one. Turned out she wasn’t, but she has a friend that I’m drawn to − but I’m not sure if she feels the same.”
“So, ask her,” Miranda answered as the waiter brought their wine over. “Only way to find out.”
“I’m working on it,” Tristan said, taking a sip of wine. “She was my ex’s best friend, so I've known her for years, but until recently I hadn’t ever looked at her in any romantic way. It feels kind of strange. She has always been there for me, and I feel I can talk to her about anything. Maybe I should leave it and focus on the business for now.”
Miranda nodded. “So Darlington Realty is a family business, I understand?”
Tristan nodded. "Started by my mother, but sadly, she never got to see it become successful. My brother Lucas, being the oldest, runs it mostly, but we all have shared and split the workload.”
“Good to keep things in the family,” Miranda said as the waiter brought them their food. “I got into the business to get out of my crappy marriage.”
“We all do things for different reasons,” Tristan said, cutting into this steak.
They chatted about life, lost loves, and cattle as they ate their meals. Tristan felt relaxed and was glad the hotel was not too far. He had a feeling he’d need a good sleep after this meal.
Miranda put the last piece of her steak in her mouth, closing her eyes as she chewed. “Mmm. How’s your steak?”
“It’s the best I’ve had in a long time,” Tristan said, finishing his last bite. “I’m stuffed.”
“Can’t beat a good steak. So, Tristan, this girl you have the hots for, what are you going to do about it?”
Tristan smiled. “I’m not really sure.”
“Well, if I can give you any advice and I’ve been around the block a few times, follow your heart. If you feel it’s right, go after it. Don’t let her get away and then regret it for the rest of your life.”
Chapter 14
Lisa checked her phone for the fifth time in half an hour, hoping to see a message from Tristan. He had told her he would get in contact when he returned from his conference, and she was actually excited about seeing him again.
She had fought the urge to message him while he was away, not wanting to seem too forward, but deep down, she missed him terribly.
Hearing her phone buzz, she snatched it up, feeling her heart flutter when she saw it was Tristan.
"Hello stranger,” she said when she answered the phone.
“Hey yourself,” Tristan answered. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good. Keeping busy. Did you just get home?”
“Yeah, about an hour ago. I’m just heading into the office for a few hours. Are you free for dinner tonight?”
Lisa smiled to herself, wondering if she should play hard to get and say no, then shook her head. “I am. What did you have in mind?”
“How does beer and nachos on an outdoor patio sound?”
“Absolutely heavenly. Where did you want to meet?”
“How about Fresco’s down by the marina?”
“Great, I finish work around five-thirty. I can meet you around six.”
“Looking forward to it.”
"See you then," Lisa said, smiling. Hanging up her phone, she sat back in her chair and inhaled deeply. Could this be the start of something she had wanted for so long? She wasn’t sure, but she was certain that she couldn’t wait to see Tristan again to hear his voice and gaze into his eyes.
✽✽✽
“Hey, you’re back,” Lucas said as Tristan walked into his office. “How was it?”
“It was okay. The speakers were pretty boring, and I didn’t learn anything that I didn’t already know,” Tristan said, sitting down.
“So, a complete waste of time then,” Lucas chuckled. “How are you doing mentally?”
“Good. I met a really cool agent from Texas, Miranda Johnston,” Tristan said.
"Ahh, don't tell me," Lucas said, laughing.
“No, no. Nothing like that. She was an older woman, and we went out for dinner on the last night and chatted. She made me see a few things more clearly and gave me some very sound advice,” Tristan said. “How are things here?”
“Slow. The market has hit a slump, which was expected. Summer is usually slow,” Lucas said. “Speaking of which. Sammy and I are having a BBQ at our place on the weekend. If you aren’t doing anything, come on by.”
“Thanks. Can I bring someone?”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, giving his brother a searching look.
“No one I’m dating, but Lisa and I have been hanging out together a lot. Just as friends, mind you, but we have a good time together," Tristan said, holding up his hands.
“Sure, bring her along. I haven’t seen Lisa in a while. Nothing formal, just very casual, bring your swimsuits,” Lucas said, nodding his head.
“Sounds good. I’m actually meeting her for dinner tonight, so I’ll ask her then,” Tristan said, getting up out of the chair. “Okay, I better go see what’s waiting for me in my office. I’ll talk to you later.”
Heading back to his office, Tristan spent the next few hours returning phone calls and signing some documents his assistant had left on his desk. When he was done, he checked his watch and realized it was already after five, and he had better get going if he wanted to make it to the restaurant on time.
“Mr. Darlington,” the owner shouted jubilantly when Tristan walked into the restaurant. “How have you been?”
“Hey, Ben. Doing great,” Tristan said, shaking the man's hand. “What can you give me outside on the patio?”
"Got the perfect table," Ben said, grabbing two menus and walking towards the large open doorway, which led to the patio. “How’s this?”