Page 27 of Ice To Meet You

“That’s very sweet, but no thank you. I’m having dinner with …” I glanced at Iris, grinned even, but she didn’t return my smile.

Instead, she blinked. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? We’re having dinner with Estelle.”

“Oh, lovely. How is Luc’s grandmother?” I asked, widening my eyes at Iris. She had to know I was asking for cover. That joining my staff for noisy drinks would be akin to pulling out my fingernails.

“As spirited as usual. She’s been travelling, and although I’m sure she’d love to see you, she asked that dinner be family only. Why don’t you go out for drinks with Lola? You could do with some fun.”

“Oh,” I said, my mind reeling. There went my escape plan. I didn’t mind if I couldn’t attend Estelle’s dinner, but surely a white lie on Iris’ part couldn’t hurt?

I stared at Iris, willing her to crumble and invite me. But she only stared, the corners of her lips lifting

When she didn’t speak, a tight ball of pressure lodged in mychest. I could strangle her. Always pushing me to “get out and live a little,” she’d sealed my fate with what I strongly suspected was a white lie—dooming me to an excruciating night of drinking with people firmly rooted in their twenties.

Well, I assumed they were in their twenties. Maurice was sporting a hint of silver at the temples, though. And sure, I was only thirty-one, but that extra decade felt like a chasm. Their idea of a good night out looked wildly different from mine.

Matteo stepped forward, breaking the deadlock. He pulled his hand through his hair. “Why not join us, Esmé. You work so hard. There has to be some time to relax.”

At the warmth in his eyes, I almost wavered, but hanging out with Lola and her equally gorgeous friends didn’t sound remotely relaxing.

“I have a lot to do. I need to reassess some of the wall lighting. I think I’ll be here until late.”

His gaze drilled into me. “Then have a drink first and come back. The paintings aren’t going anywhere.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Damn him and his dreamy eyes.

“Yes,” said Lola, an edge in her voice. “I have a friend who’s been angling for an introduction to you for ages. He has a thing for older women in authority.”

I widened my eyes, breath hovering in my throat. Older women? Authority? I was hardly a cougar or a dominatrix.

Lola giggled, threading her arm back through Matteo’s. “It sounds quite filthy when I say it like that.”

“I’ll have to go and change,” I murmured, wondering when my brain had instructed my mouth to speak.

Lola grinned. “Then Maurice can close the gallery and Matteo, and I will wait for you at the corner. Don’t be too long. It’s chilly out.”

She turned to leave, wheeling Matteo around with her. “Lead on, fine sir. Birthday fun awaits.”

She pulled him towards the door, grabbing their coats on the way. As they exited the gallery, Matteo glanced at me over his shoulder. I couldn’t read his expression.

The second the door closed, I sprung out of my chair and into action. I hugged and sent Iris and Luc on their way, then sprinted up the gallery stairs to my apartment.My mission—to find something young and edgy to wear.

I didn’t want anyone to think I was an “older woman” tonight.

10

ESMÉ

Ipushed open the glass door of the bar, and a wave of heat enveloped me. Scanning the room, I heard Lola before spotting her. Her loud, tinkling voice cut through the chatter. She sat next to Matteo in a large booth, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and Maurice.

By the time I reached the corner of the square earlier, she and Matteo had already left. I couldn’t blame them. I’d spent too long fiddling with my outfit and makeup. They’d have turned into ice blocks waiting for me. Now, cursing myself for not bringing a jacket, I lingered under the door heater before making my way to the booth.

The bar buzzed with laughter, a band setting up in one corner. The piano’s soft notes filled the air.

When I arrived, all heads turned in my direction. Aside from Maurice, Matteo and Lola, there were four other people whom I’d never met.

“Hello,” I said, with a shrug. “Sorry I’m so late. I had to feed Claudette. It’s a chilly night, and she still refuses to stay over.”

Blank stares greeted me.

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