Page 85 of One Bossy Date

She chuckled. “Did you need me for a reason?”

“No, not really.” I looked around, then into her eyes. “Just hoped for a little real talk. I think I’m out of small talk already, and we haven’t even sat down for dinner yet.”

“Don’t worry.” She put her hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure dinner will be easier. Just keep your mouth full of food.”

This time, I chuckled.

Right on cue, a waiter approached us.

“Sorry, sir, we’re ready with the food. If you’ll please ask your guests to be seated?”

“No problem, thanks.” I took Zoe’s hand in mine, preparing to address the crowd, but Zoe had other ideas.

“Can I do it? Please?” she asked, excitement in her eyes.

“You want to make the announcement?”

“I’ve always wanted to do the glass-clinking thing, like in the movies.” Her smile was infectious and adorable.

“Sure, go ahead.” I squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back.

Zoe stood to the side of the crowd next to the table and used a fork against her glass.

Cink-clink-clink.

“Could I have everyone’s attention,please. Thank you. The food will be served soon if everyone will please find their seats. There are name cards…oh, Aunt Gwendolyn, wait right there, I’ll help you to your seat.”

“Don’t stress, I’ll help her,” I said to Zoe and moved through my family to Aunt Gwendolyn’s side.

When I’d walked her over and found her seat—pointed out by Zoe—I sat her down and made my way to Zoe’s side again. We were seated across from the Humphries, with my mom at the head of the table next to Zoe, and Dax at my other side.

Starters were served, and the chatter picked up again while all drinks were mercilessly topped up by the waiters.

30

ANDERS

“So, Mr. Windham,” Charles addressed me, setting his drink down.

“Anders, please.”

“Anders, I wanted to apologize for having to cancel your presentation last week.”

“There’s no need, Mr. Humphries. I heard your granddaughter was born—that’s a good enough excuse if there ever was one.”

Charles leaned back and Helen smiled, replying on her husband’s behalf. “You would know. What, with a baby coming your way soon. It’s very exciting!”

“It is, isn’t it, Helen?” My mom touched Helen’s arm excitedly. “I can’t wait to start buying all the tiny little clothes and toys.” She turned to me. “Right, Anderson?”

“Right.” I gave her a nod. What else could I say?

They chatted on about some baby outfits they’d bought when they were pregnant. Zoe smiled, eating her creamy butternut soup with breaded cauliflower chunks on the side. She tried to express excitement about her apparent pregnancy, but I could tell she was taking her own advice—keeping her mouth full.

I took the opportunity to get back to the presentation. “I’d love to set up another appointment for the presentation if possible.”

“Of course, we’ll need to talk about it in the new year.”

I inclined my head, wondering how I could bring this back around to discuss now.

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