Page 49 of The House Guest
Brandon returned holding a beer and Janelle’s cosmo. He gave it to her and looked over his shoulder. “There’s a table over there that just became available. Should we steal it?”
“Absolutely.” I started over, grateful for the opportunity to sit down, since the stiletto booties I’d worn tonight were killing my feet.
As we sat at the table, Brandon took a sip of his beer. “You said in your text that your roommate might be meeting us?”
“A friend.” I nodded. “I’m not sure if he’ll show.”
Janelle smirked. I glared at her.
A live band that had been setting up now started to play in the corner of the room. It was already nine, an hour past the time I’d told Dorian we’d arrive, and there was still no sign of him. Looked like this was going to be a repeat of the art show.
I’d been saving my second drink in case I needed it after Dorian showed, but I finally gave in and let Brandon fetch me another white wine from the bar. I was looking over at Brandon waiting in line when a voice startled me.
“Is there room for two more at this table?”
A rush of adrenaline shot through me as I turned to find Dorian and a gorgeous brunette—that was a change. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forced a smile, and pretended to be delighted to see them. “Hey!”
Dorian gestured to his date. “This is Meena.” He turned. “Meena, this is my roommate, Primrose.”
Janelle cleared her throat, prompting me to remember she was here. I needed to get my head out of my ass. “I’m sorry.” I pointed to my friend. “Dorian and Meena, this is Janelle. She’s my closest friend here in California.”
He nodded. “Very nice to meet you, Janelle.”
Janelle smiled.
Of course, Dorian had to look and smell freaking amazing. He was dressed more casually than usual, with dark jeans and an olive green Henley that fit against his muscles like a glove. Why did he have to be so freaking hot?
Meena took a seat across from me, next to Janelle.
“Is your date here?” Dorian asked.
“Yeah. He’s at the bar.”
“Looks like we need one more seat, then. I’ll see if I can find one.”
A moment later, Dorian returned with a chair, positioning it at the end of our table.
Brandon returned shortly thereafter, setting my wine in front of me and reaching his hand out to Dorian. “Brandon Wright. You must be Primrose’s roommate?”
They shook.
“Dorian Vanderbilt.” He turned to his date. “And this is Meena.”
“Nice to meet you, Meena.” Brandon grinned.
She smiled and took his hand.
Dorian stood. “I know you just got wine, Primrose. Does anyone else want something from the bar?”
Janelle jumped at the chance for another free drink. “I’ll have a cosmopolitan, if you don’t mind.”
She wasn’t even done with her last one.
Dorian nodded. “Of course.”
I guess I’ll be driving home.
Meena asked for a vodka seltzer with lime before Dorian left the table.
