Page 37 of Hot Assets: The Carmichael Triplets

“Andrea. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.”

Ugh. He always took things personally, even when they didn’t have a thing to do with him. Plus, he considered my “little job” was more of a figurehead position than one that did real work, so he could never understand why I wasn’t at his beck and call at all times.

“No, not at all. Just busy.”

“I’d like to have dinner tonight with you. Maybe go to The Marble Mansion for steaks?”

The Marble Mansion was the hottest restaurant in Dallas. Its popularity made getting reservations just shy of impossible.

“The Marble Mansion? How did you get reservations? I heard they were booked out for months.”

He clicked his tongue, and the sound grated on me like fingernails on a blackboard. “It’s not what you know, but who you know in this city. Besides, we haven’t been out in a couple of weeks. You’re taking that little job of yours way too seriously. You have a staff. You should use them better.”

I gritted my teeth. My staff was excellent, that was true, but I’d never ask them to do something I wouldn’t. Yeah, it was time to cut this smelly fish loose. If only my mother hadn’t drilled manners into me….

“Tonight? What time? I’ll rearrange my schedule.”

Not surprisingly, I didn’t have any desire to see him…tonight or any night. Plus, I didn’t enjoy conflict and feared breaking it off would bring the kind of uncomfortable situation I dreaded.

Besides, I was supposed to see Zack tonight. Unlike with Richard, the thought of seeing Zack made all my internal lights flash. Just thinking of Zack made me smile. I’d have to call Zack and explain the situation. He’d understand. Heck, he’d probably be glad I was getting myself out of the situation with Richard.

“Why don’t I pick you up at seven? Your office?”

When I’d first gotten my driver’s license and car, I found a freedom I was reluctant to hand over to anyone else. Besides, I wouldn’t put it past him to be mad enough to leave me stranded once he understood I was breaking things off. “Why don’t I meet you there? I have a few things to do at home and it would be better if I had my own car.”

“See you there.” He clicked off without saying goodbye or ta-ta…or anything. I hated that—another strike against him.

Did etiquette say eat first, and then break things off, or should I deliver the bad news at the start of the evening? Crap, I’d have to ask Dee. She was always better at that stuff than either Brooke or me.

Dee answered on the first ring. “So, how was dinner? I thought I could wait for lunch to get the scoop, but my curiosity is killing me. Spill it.”

“What makes you think there’s a scoop?”

“Oh, darn.” Her voice reflected her disappointment.

I grinned. I loved pulling her chain. “But I will confess that Zack sure knows how to kiss.”

“Oh, yay,” Dee said with a laugh. “Tell me more.”

“I’m on a time crunch, so I have to cancel lunch with you today. Do you hate me?”

“No, but I’m disappointed.”

“Well, what is it you want to talk about? I know we can get together tomorrow.”

“I’m dating someone,” Dee said. “I wanted to ask your opinion.”

“Now, I’m intrigued and so pissed that I am slammed for time today. Do I know this guy?”

“I’d rather discuss it in person.”

“Mysterious. Okay, here’s an etiquette question. Pretend you were going to end things with a guy…”

“Uh-huh. You’re dumping Richard. Good decision. Go on.”

“And this guy was taking you to the Marble Mansion.”

“Ohhh. Fancy. Food’s great, by the way.”

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