Page 92 of Second Dance
“No way. It’s too public,” Seraphina said. “I don’t want my photo out there for readers to find. It’s humiliating that a romance author has absolutely no love in her life.”
“But wouldn’t your readers find it relatable?” Lila asked.
“I don’t care. I don’t want anyone knowing that much about my personal life,” Seraphina said.
“I’m not going to either,” Esme said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because I’m in love with Grady.” Esme set aside her fork and grabbed her wine. “There. I said it.”
“I had a feeling,” Lila said. “Have you told him?”
“What? God, no!” Esme shook her head so vehemently that one of her hoop earrings fell out. “He doesn’t feel that way about me, for one,” reaching desperately for her earring. “And he would be the worst choice in the world. His business is struggling as much as mine.”
“You could be broke together, I guess,” Lila said.
“Nope. Number one reason couples fight is about money,” Esme said. “I already had that with Jeff. Plus, I don’t want to risk losing our friendship. We’re better that way. The kids adore him. If I told him how I felt, and then he stopped coming around, Madison, in particular, would be crushed. She loves him as much as I do.”
“Oh, Esme, I’m sorry.” Lila tilted her head, brown hair spilling over one nicely sculpted shoulder. Thanks to my Pilates classes, I mused.
“It’s okay. I’ve accepted that the loves of my life are my children,” Esme said. “I’ll be fine. Anyway, Grady and I are too much alike. Always ready for the next party instead of focusing on serious stuff.”
“Like what?” Delphine asked.
Esme giggled, shrugging her shoulders. “I don’t even know, which is the problem.”
“Delphine? What about you?” I asked.
“I’m on the fence.” She cut into her steak. “Annie really wants me to try. I feel like I owe it to her to at least be open to the idea. Her father’s death was hard on both of us, and the fact that she’s encouraging me to look for love isn’t something I can ignore. Even though I didn’t like the sneaky way they did it, their hearts were in the right place. And, like Lila, you and Alex have inspired me.”
“I already told you who your perfect match is,” Seraphina said. “But, as usual, you’re too stubborn to consider him.”
“Wait, what? Who’s her perfect match?” Esme asked.
“The new owner of the bookstore,” Seraphina said. “Dorian Flynn. I’ve been working with him on a signing event at the shop, and he’s remarkable. Smart and steady as they come. Quiet, but kind. The dependable type.”
“If he’s so remarkable then why is he for Delphine and not for you?” I asked. “A writer and a bookstore owner seem like a good fit.”
“No chemistry between us,” Seraphina said. “I get the brotherly vibe from him. However, when Delphine and I were in there the other day, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. And they have a ton in common.”
“Like what?” Esme asked.
“That’s easy,” Seraphina said. “They’re both disciplined. Orderly. Dedicated to bringing art into the world. Emotionally mature. He’s loyal and obviously the dutiful type, given his military background. And he’s ridiculously handsome in that silver fox, super fit type of way.”
“How old is he?” Esme asked.
“I think early forties,” Seraphina said. “Prematurely white.”
“Delphine loves that type,” Lila said innocently.
“I do?” Delphine asked.
Lila ticked off several silver-haired actors that Delphine thought were handsome.
“Hmm, okay, you do have a point,” Delphine said. “But let’s move on, shall we?”
We were interrupted when Hunter came by. As we’d been eating and chatting, the place had cleared out, leaving only a few tables occupied. Hunter had a bottle of wine tucked under his arm. “Ladies, I have a new wine I want you to try. A sommelier friend of mine suggested it. Anyone up for it? I’ve had it decanting all afternoon.”
