Page 31 of Leon
"Just heading to lunch with my sister and wanted to hear your voice." He noticed the background noises and commented on it.
"Holiday shoppers," she told him.
"We were just at the clinic."
"How's it going? I heard on the news that the natives are finally accepting that the clinic is there to stay."
"After considerable persuasion." He touched the left indicator that would take him to the street where the restaurant was located. "Shall I tell you how much I'm looking forward to spending time with you? An entire week! Christ, I can hardly wait."
"I'm sure all of it includes getting me naked and keeping me that way."
"You know me so well." He drove into the lot and found parking next to his sister's car. "Gotta run. I love you."
"Love you too."
"Eat something."
"Yes, mother."
He grinned and hung up the phone.
*****
Sliding the phone into the pocket of her black dress pants, she turned to a customer who was enquiring about a particular title and did not notice the look of speculation her father sent her.
Moving away from the shelves of antiquated books that were his specialty, he went toward her and waited until she had finished dealing with the customer.
"You look happy."
"Oh. Dad. Why shouldn't I be? The store is filled with buying customers, and we're in the black." She touched his arm briefly. "You should be pleased."
"I'll be pleased when I don't have to worry about paying the bills. This is a holiday boon. Come January, we'll be struggling again to find money to do what's needed."
His grim pessimistic statement had the burst of joy from the phone call draining from her.
"Can't you look on the bright side for once in your life?" she asked quietly. "We're here, the store is filled with shoppers, and we have money in the bank. We're not in dire straits." Heaving out a breath, she struggled with temper and forced a smile as they were approached by a group of shoppers. "Please excuse me."
He watched as she switched on a charming smile and engaged the group. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his tweed jacket, he continued to stare after her broodingly. The uncanny resemblance to the woman who had betrayed him was the only thing he could think of.
*****
She ordered the grilled lobster for both and sat back to take in the heavy lunch traffic. The crowd was an eclectic mix of celebrities, politicians, and movers and shakers in the movie industry with a few businessmen blended in. Luce was a popular restaurant that was also a meeting place for people who wanted to be seen as well as ones who wanted to make connections.
"I see our VP is still as colorless as ever," she mused as their waiter hurried off to fill their order.
"And still hopeful that he's going to step into the President's inadequate shoes."
She laughed at his dry tone. "I missed this. Us, together, having a meal. So, I have been making a list."
"Oh?" Picking up his glass of water, he cocked a brow at her. "What kind of list?"
"A shopping list, you idiot. It's almost Christmas, and I intend to spend my hard-earned inheritance."
He grinned at her. "Will I be on that list?"
"Of course. You top it." She let her gaze skim over his well-cut charcoal suit jacket and the crisp lavender shirt. "What does one get a man who has everything?"
"Not everything." His tone was casual, but she knew him too well not to notice the hint of sadness.
