Page 40 of Just Trouble

The truth is that Rafe probablyisworth it. I never met anyone with such a quick mind. He’s more than clever. He’s devious, too. He works harder than he plays, and just because he makes it look easy doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate his mad skills.

He was born to be a lawyer. I was just expected to become one. It’s different.

I look at the menu. “Well, if I can’t pity you and you’re that rich, I might as well eat. You’re buying.”

“Of course. Have the lobster ravioli. It’s great.”

“And dessert?”

He raises his hands. “Have it all.”

I will. We quibble the way we always do over ordering in restaurants, making sure we each choose something we both will like, because sharing is part of our jam. Once that’s negotiated, we order and are left alone again.

Rafe locks his hands together in a gesture so familiar that I smile, braces his elbows on the table and leans his chin on his fingertips. He fixes me with a look intended prompt my every confession. “The truth now,” he orders. “Why are you in town today?”

“To bask in the glory of your radiance.”

“Besides that. Come on. This has got to be good to merit that bra.”

I tell him the whole story of Luke’s restaurant scheme, which sounds so bizarre in the telling that it makes him laugh. (My impressions of Patrick don’t hurt in that regard.)

In the meantime, lunch is served. It looks and smells divine. We dig in appreciatively, then share bites, just as we have since law school.

“So, you’re on a quest. What’s the name of that chef?”

“Meredith MacRae, apparently.”

He lowers his fork. For the first time in a long time, I think I’ve surprised Rafe. (There should be bonus points for that.)

“Oh. That changes everything.”

“Changes everything how?”

He taps a finger on the table. “Let me know whether you convince her or not.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because she’s brilliant and if she sets up shop in Empire, Iamcoming to visit.”

“No, you’ll be coming to eat.”

“Details, schmetails,” he says, stealing one of my ravioli. “Oh, by the way.” His casual tone is the only warning I get. “Heather moved out.”

My heart does a somersault. I know which Heather he means.

Rafe winces. “So, Justin is single again. I’d bet good money he deserved it but that doesn’t change the fact that he asked about you.”

Now I put down my fork. “No.” I don’t think I’ll be able to eat another thing.

“That’s what I said. No, no, and no. Anyone who pees in the pool is banished forever.”

I fight a smile. “You didn’t say that.”

He looks grim, just for a moment, a pirate king who has no regrets. “I chose a more colourful verb.” I get a fierce look. “And that, by the way, is why I asked you to meet me here instead of at the office. I didn’t want there to be any chance of him seeing you and even trying to make a move.”

I appreciate when Rafe gets all grumpy. It makes me feel like I’ve qualified to be another of his sisters.

“Thank you.” I reach across the table and touch his hand.

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