Wes
I’ll be leaving to pick you up in twenty minutes. Are you ready?
Hailey
Yes.
Wes
Hailey ready or Wes ready?
She stuck her tongue out at the screen. One time he’d showed up and she was still in pajamas. Brushing her teeth. But he was ten minutes early!
Hailey
Not telling. I like to keep you on the edge of your seat
Wes
If you’re Wes ready, I’ll spring for extra dessert AND you can choose the movie.
He’d enjoyed When Harry Met Sally. She had not enjoyed Inception. Now, after grabbing groceries on Saturdays, they compromised on a movie at his house. Usually a drama since she didn’t want to overwhelm him with her love of rom-coms. She was, however, getting pretty damn good at those video games he loved.
Hailey
Go ahead and show up ten minutes early
Wes
You’ll do anything for chocolate
* * *
Le Tiens was fancier than she expected. Worth wrangling herself into the dress. More unexpected was the equally elegant and gorgeous Ana Pergo. Hailey hadn’t asked about who the meeting was with. It didn’t matter to her; she was just there to support Wes. The flash of disappointment she was sure she caught in Ana’s gaze suggested that Wes was smart in bringing her if he wanted to keep things all business.
She told herself it wasn’t a whisper of jealousy when Ana looked at Wes like she wished it were just the two of them. Just friendly … protectiveness.
Ana’s brother, Aidan, was tall, broad shouldered, and had a smile that reminded Hailey of the ones she used to see on sets. During breaks, she’d wander around and watch the filming. It always amazed her how fast a person could transform their features into different emotions. She didn’t trust it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hailey,” Aidan said, holding her hand a touch longer than she was comfortable with.
“I’m so sorry we had to reschedule,” Ana said to Wes.
Wes moved to Hailey’s side, put a hand on her lower back. It was one of those moments where she hadn’t realized she was missing something. She didn’t miss being a couple—not really. She sure as hell didn’t miss Dorian. But she missed those little things: a hand on her back or slipping hers into someone’s back pocket.
“No worries. I’m glad we found a time that works. I’m eager to sign the contract.”
Ana patted her satchel. “I have it right here.”
“Your table is ready, Ms. Pergo,” the host said.
They followed the man to a table in the corner with pretty candle centerpieces. Silver cloth napkins sat atop crisp white tablecloths. The arched ceiling was made even prettier by dark wood beams and long candelabras adding a warm glow.
Once they were settled and the wine ordered, the small talk started. This was the first time Hailey had been with Wes in this sort of setting. While he was attentive to the conversation, he didn’t contribute much more than direct answers. When Aidan told a funny story about one of their clients, he laughed politely, but it was as clear as the real crystal glasses on the table that he was rusty at the socializing game. Or it shows just how much he’s dropped his guard with you.
“Tell me about your restaurant, Hailey,” Aidan said.
The waiter brought bread. Hailey picked up a piece and buttered it generously, passed it to Wes, who took it with a quiet nod of thanks, then buttered her own.
“I don’t think it’s in the restaurant category. Maybe an eatery? It’s small and all about salads. Every kind you can imagine in a take-out cup. Not that you can’t eat in but I definitely get more take-and-go customers.”
“Her salads are creative and delicious,” Wes said.
Hailey eyed him, curious that when the topic shifted to something business related, he participated more actively. Was he uncomfortable? Nervous?
“Do you have a card?” Ana met her gaze. There was something in it that pulled Hailey’s nerves tight. Probably her own insecurities. She’d left the world of glitz, glamour, and power gazes behind with Dorian.
“I do!” She didn’t mean to say it so loud and hunched her shoulders, laughing. “Sorry. So many people asked me that in the first month when I didn’t have any.” She passed one over.
“We do company and client lunches all the time. This is wonderful. I’ll definitely be calling you,” Ana said.
Hailey was excited by the thought of new customers. She hadn’t come to help her own business. She didn’t want to step on Wes’s toes and suggest her website so she picked up her water, took a sip.