Page 50 of The Night the Lights Went Out
“So, having absolutely no interest in bringing my ex-husband, mostly because it would be awkward explaining it to his pregnant girlfriend, I brainstormed with Heather for somebody else who might want to come as my escort.”
“Go on,” he said, enjoying himself immensely.
She swallowed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “And, she, um, we, thought that maybe if you were free that night—the twenty-ninth of October—and had any interest in going, that maybe you could sit at my table.”
“And be your date.”
Merilee shook her head vigorously. “No. Not a date. My escort. A table filler.”
“You make it sound so appealing, and it’s obvious that you want me badly.”
She sighed and closed her eyes briefly. “No—that’s not how I meant it. It’s just that I don’t want you getting any ideas of, well, you know. You-and-me-as-a-couple kind of thing. I’m sure you don’t consider me in that way, and to be honest, I’m still getting over my husband and our nasty divorce and have absolutely no interest in dating anyone right now. Maybe never.
“And I thought I should mention that Heather wants us to sit at her table, with her and Dan. I know it might be extremely awkward, so I wanted you to know up front, and I will completely understand if you say no.”
He smirked. “What was between Heather and me was practically a lifetime ago. I’m completely over it, and sitting at a table with her and Dan won’t bother me at all.”
She felt enormously relieved for some reason. “That’s very good to know.”
“So you want to date me. For this one night.”
“I guess, if you want to put it that way...”
“Then, yes. I’d love to go. Text me the date again so I don’t forget and I’ll get it on my calendar. I even own a tux, so that’s already taken care of.”
She raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then found herself blushing again as she imagined him in a tux.
“Great, then. Thank you. I’m sure I’ll see you between now and then to discuss details.” She glanced at her watch. “And I need to get going. Traffic’s a nightmare this morning and I really don’t want to be late for work.”
“All right. I’ll see you later. Thanks for the invite.”
She smiled and said good-bye, then started to walk away.
“Merilee?”
She turned.
“Don’t assume that I haven’t considered you-and-me-as-a-couple kind of thing.”
Without another word, he turned to join his friend, leaving Merilee too flustered to move for an entire minute.
• • •
Merilee looked up from her computer, where she was working on the ad layout for Stevens & Sons’ holiday extravaganza and promotions. Seeing as how they usually did about thirty percent of their business in the month of December, it was imperative that their party was successful in showcasing all the blingiest bling that might be considered an appropriate Christmas gift for a spouse, loved one, or mistress. She tried to unthink that last one, but every once in a while, the whole Michael-Tammy thing reared its ugly head in her subconscious, with interesting results.
“Come in,” she called when she heard a knock.
The door opened and she was surprised to see Gayla Adamson, their top sales associate. She was short and slim, with overprocessed blond hair and enthusiastically plucked eyebrows. She had a reputation among the other salespeople as being a bit of a vulture, but Merilee had never had enough experience with the sales force to know if that was just jealousy talking or if it had some root in the truth. Regardless, it was odd to see her in her office.
“Can I help you with something?”
Gayla didn’t smile. “Daniel Blackford is here asking for you. I must admit I was a little surprised, seeing as how the Blackfords have been clients of mine for years.”
Merilee slid her chair back. “Oh, please don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get this commission. I’m doing this as a personal favor for Heather just this one time. When it’s time to complete the sale, I’ll come and get you.”
Gayla still looked miffed. “I just don’t know why Heather didn’t ask me. I always help her with her selections. She even called me yesterday to let me know he’d be coming—just like she always does. Except Daniel says he only wants to deal with you. I’m just confused, I guess.”
“That’s odd—I don’t know why Heather would have called you. But I’m sorry—I really am. Actually, I didn’t even know the Blackfords were clients here or I would have asked who their salesperson was. It’s just a—I don’t know—favor-for-a-friend kind of thing. Just a onetime deal. And if she suggests doing this again, I’ll tell her that you are more than capable of helping her, as she well knows.” Merilee smiled, trying to be ingratiating and friendly. From what she’d heard about Gayla, she figured there was a chance she’d walk out to the parking lot and find four flat tires on her car. Or a pipe bomb in her desk.
