Page 41 of Selfie

Eyes as big as globes, Spencer gestures through the door. “Right this way.”

Shaylin takes the lead, allowing Spencer and me a brief moment, side by side.

“Anything for you, boss? A drink? Some bread? Or will you just be feasting on the shock that’s smothered all over your face?”

Witty, this one. “So, when do we get to meet Tansy?” I ask.

Spencer clears her throat and smooths her black blouse.Dammit, again.Her ample bust creates an open space between the buttons. My gaze slips against my will…and now I know her bra is purple.For fuck’s sake.

Shaylin seated herself, so I don’t have to do the awkward shuffle of holding out a chair for a woman who is most definitely not my date. At least, not like that. Spencer waits until I’m sitting as well, practically blanketed with the oversized linen-covered table, to address us.

“Tansy is very excited for this evening,” she starts.

“Great. Bring her out.”

Spencer delivers me an icy glare. “Ms. Haleen would appreciate your discretion in the matter, but she just had a little work done.” She waves her hand over her face and grimaces. “Her nose, chin, and ears… It’s a bit of a bruised mess right now. She can cook but she’s really not feeling up to company, so it’s imperative you stay out of the kitchen to respect her privacy.”

“Of course.I get it. When I got my nose done, I didn’t even want my dog looking at me until the swelling went down,” Shaylin enthusiastically explains.

I squint at Spencer, replaying her calculated excuse. “Nose, chin, andears? Are you implying that Tansy got an ear-job?”

“Um.” Panic briefly flashes across Spencer’s face, then just as quickly evaporates. “Yes.”

She can’t honestly expect me to believe that. “Huh. Okay, then. Please wishTansya speedy recovery and thank her for cooking for us tonight, especially in such a delicate state.”

Spencer flutters her thick, dark lashes profusely.Well, ladies and gentlemen, there it is.This is my assistant’s tell when she’s lying. She’s either batting her lashes, or that’s one hell of an aggressive eye twitch.

“What are we having tonight? I’m assuming it’s a fixed menu?”

“Yes. Five courses,” Spencer curtly responds to me.

“One of which involves Kraft Mac and Cheese?”

“Nathan!” Shaylin scolds me playfully. “Don’t be rude. It’s Tansy Haleen. Her food is art.”

Oh please.I don’t know who Spencer is hiding back there, but it most certainly is not Tansy.

“You know what? I’m going to let Ms. Haleen’s food speak for itself. In fact, I’m going to head back to check on your appetizers.” She points to the gold, five-armed candelabra on the table. “Would you like me to light that for you?”

“No,” I answer.

“Yes, please.”

Shaylin and I exchange a glance after our opposing responses. The last thing I need between the two of us is romantic candlelight.

“An open flame isn’t safe on this tablecloth. I’d love to get you home burn-free, Ms. Colette.” Sometimes the excuses just come to me. It’s a gift.

“Fair point,” Shaylin concedes.

“I’ll be back in a moment with your humble pie.” Eyes locked on me, Spencer theatrically open-palm pops herself on the forehead. “Whoops, slip of the tongue. I meanthummingbird pie.We’re starting the evening with a touch of sweet.”

“Ooh, how fun. We’re starting with dessert? This is already arguably the best dinner I’ve ever been treated to.”

Shaylin says something else, but it doesn’t register. My stare is glued to Spencer’s hips, swaying back and forth as she whisks away to the kitchen.

All right, sass queen. Go ahead.

I’m ready to be impressed.

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