Page 81 of Suddenly Dating
“The view inspires me to nothing but procrastination,” Birta said. “You should see the boat my neighbor Bob had delivered just this week. Come, Harry, and I’ll show you. Lola, darling, you should introduce yourself to Mallory’s friends.”
What the hell? Harry reached for Lola’s hand, but she had glanced away toward Mallory, and Birta had linked her arm in his and tugged him away before he could get Lola’s attention.
Harry allowed Birta to escort him out onto the deck, and looked down at a boat that didn’t seem particularly noteworthy to him. He was determined to curtail her interest in him, and managed to detach himself from her grip. “That’s a great boat,” he said just to get it over and done. “You may not be inspired by this view, but I know Lola has been very inspired.” He looked at Birta. “I hope you meant what you said at the Cantrell party and will look at her book when she’s ready.”
“Ah, yes, thebook,”Birta said, as if annoyed by it. “If I take a look, what will be my prize?” she asked, putting her back to the water so that she might prop her elbows on the railing and gaze up into his face.
“My undying gratitude.”
“Is that all? You seem a savvy man to me.” Her gaze flicked over him. “I’m sure you know that the odds of any one person actually seeing a book published are astronomical. And I’m talking about writers who have talent. We’ve not yet determined if your girlfriend has that essential ingredient.”
“There is only one way to find out,” he said, smiling. “Read it.”
“Oh, I’ll read it,” she said smoothly, and pursed her lips. “But it’s going to cost you, love.”
Women had come on to Harry, but in all honesty, he’d never met one so bold about it. “You’re barking up the wrong tree, Birta.”
“Am I?” She stepped closer. “She’s just a girl, Harry. But you? You’re a man.” She touched his shirt and trailed her finger down his abdomen.
There wasn’t enough booze in the world to make him want Birta, especially now. “It’s not working,” he said.
“No? Just how badly do you want me to read your little girl’s book?” she whispered with a sultry smile.
“Ah... hi.”
Birta sighed and turned away from Harry, because Lola and Mallory were standing one step up. Lola was looking at Harry, her expression one of irritation and confusion.
“Lola, I’m glad you’re here,” he said, reaching for her, his hand finding hers. “Birta is excited to read your book.”
“She is?” Lola asked skeptically.
“I am excited,” Birta said unenthusiastically. But then she said suddenly, “I’ve an idea, darling,” and put her arm around Lola’s shoulders and drew her companionably into her side. “I could use a bit of help day to day.” She fixed her gaze on Harry and said, “What would you think of offering an hour or two each day to apprentice with me? I’ll take a look at your pages, and you can mail things for me, or tidy up—whatever I need.”
Harry’s gaze narrowed on Birta. He wasn’t certain of the game she was playing and Birta knew it—she smiled triumphantly at him.
But Lola’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Of course!”
God help him. “What about your book, Lola?” Harry asked. “You really don’t have the time—”
“Oh, I could definitely carve out a couple of hours each day,” she said excitedly.
“You don’t have a car,” he reminded her. “How would you get up here?”
Lola shot him a look that he read as a warning not to ruin this for her. “I have a bike. I’ll figure it out.”
“Then it’s settled,” Birta said brightly. “All right, then,” she said, slipping her arm through Harry’s again. “Shall we go and see what the chef is preparing?”
It was another quarter of an hour before Harry could put some space between him and Birta and join Lola. She was with Mallory, who had introduced them to her friends, amazingly the legendary rock star Everett Alden, and his girlfriend, Mia Lassiter. Harry hadn’t expected any celebrity sightings tonight, and he was a little starstruck. He also noticed that Mia was wearing the most interesting conglomeration of fabrics he’d seen on a woman.
As much as he wanted nothing more than to hang out with Everett Alden, there was something more important. Harry excused himself and Lola and pulled her away.
“What are you doing?” Lola moaned. “That isEverett Alden.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m a huge fan of his. But he doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, and I need to talk to you.”
“About what?”
