Chapter 8 #2
She ordered the grilled lobster for both and sat back to take in the heavy lunch traffic.
The crowd was an eclectic mix of celebrities, politicians, and movers and shakers in the movie industry with a few businessmen blended in.
Luce was a popular restaurant that was also a meeting place for people who wanted to be seen as well as ones who wanted to make connections.
"I see our VP is still as colorless as ever," she mused as their waiter hurried off to fill their order.
"And still hopeful that he's going to step into the President's inadequate shoes."
She laughed at his dry tone. "I missed this. Us, together, having a meal. So, I have been making a list."
"Oh?" Picking up his glass of water, he cocked a brow at her. "What kind of list?"
"A shopping list, you idiot. It's almost Christmas, and I intend to spend my hard-earned inheritance."
He grinned at her. "Will I be on that list?"
"Of course. You top it." She let her gaze skim over his well-cut charcoal suit jacket and the crisp lavender shirt. "What does one get a man who has everything?"
"Not everything." His tone was casual, but she knew him too well not to notice the hint of sadness.
Waiting until their basket of freshly baked bread was placed in front of them, she commented, "What is it, darling?"
"Nothing." He forced a smile and reached for a roll. Breaking it in two, he handed her a piece. "I want children."
"Of course you do."
"I want to start a family. I've wanted that since I met her." He smiled slightly.
"And that's not what she wants?"
"She does." He nodded. "I've been using protection because she insisted on it." He put aside the roll and took up the glass of water to take a sip. "The need has become even more intense."
"Have you mentioned it to her?"
"No." He shrugged. "I promised that I would wait until the time is right."
"Darling," she broke off as her phone rang. Plucking it from her pocket, she stared at the screen. "I'm sorry, I have to take this."
"Go ahead."
Pushing back the chair, she made her way over to the corner, where a potted palm provided privacy. He was about to make a phone call when a shadow fell over the table and had him looking up.
A surprised smile touched his lips as he saw who was standing there.
Pushing back the chair, he greeted the woman with a warm hug. "As I live and breathe. Constance Merrick. What on earth are you doing here?"
The stunning brunette kissed him full on the mouth and kept her arms around him.
"I've been in town for three days and was about to storm your office.
" Her blue eyes danced merrily as she stared at him.
"Leon Whitlock, is it my imagination, or have you grown even better looking since we last saw each other? "
"I think it's a trick of the light." He grinned at her and turned as his sister came back to the table. "Constance, you remember my sister, Lisa?"
"Of course." Keeping one hand on his arm, she held out the other to be shaken.
"The famous opera singer. I'm a huge fan," Lisa shook her hand briefly.
"Always enjoy hearing that. As I recall, you're some sort of doctor, aren't you?"
"Something like that." Lisa did not take offence at the woman's careless dismissal of her career but found it very amusing. Turning to her brother, she continued, "That was the hospital. An emergency with a patient. I've asked them to package my lunch to go. Sorry, darling."
"Duty calls." Easing away from the woman clinging to his arm, he wrapped his arms around his sister and kissed her cheek. "Call me later."
"Will do." With a wave, she walked away.
"I disturbed your lunch. And since I am here and your sister has deserted you, why don't I keep you company, and you can tell me all you've been up to for the past three years."
"Three?" He lifted a brow as he pulled out the chair for her. Signaling to the waiter, he placed another order. "That long?"
"Absolutely. And please begin by telling me that you're still single."
He jolted at the blunt statement and had no idea how to answer. "It's complicated," he finally responded.
Picking up his glass of water, she took a delicate sip, one tapered brow lifting.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to explain that to me." One delicate hand with the talon red nails settled over his. "I've never been much for riddles."
Forcing a smile, he pulled his hand away from hers. It just occurred to him where they were and that reporters were always lurking around for a story. "I'm afraid you're going to have to be content with that much. Now tell me what's been happening with you."
On the drive to the office, he allowed the bad attitude to take full rein.
Several times Constance had circled back to the topic of his 'availability,' and those times he had to skirt around the topic.
It did not help one bit that they had been lovers several years ago and that they had remained friends.
That he had once contemplated taking it further, until her career had gotten in the way.
She was a beautiful and ambitious woman and had made something of herself.
Her incredible talent had catapulted her to instant stardom, but it was her determination and drive that had kept her there when much younger women had popped up on the scene.
He liked her. She had grit and style and was unapologetically frank.
It pissed him off that he could not tell her or anyone else that he was in a relationship.
Pressing on the horn, he whipped around a slow-moving SUV with unusual impatience.
And he realized that at the rate the anger was churning inside him, it was going to take a hell of a lot of deep breathing to get it under control.
"Call David," he said tersely. When his assistant came on the line, he instructed him to push back his one PM appointment.
"Is something wrong?"
"Just do as you're goddamned told."
The silence that followed his explosion had him swearing silently. "Look, I don't want to get into it right now, but I'm in a lousy mood."
"Enough said. See you soon."
Heaving out a breath, he turned off the road and went straight to the park.
It was one of theirs. At least, it had been a part of the renovation project they had taken on a few years ago, and the result was breathtaking.
Even the chilly air could not take away from the brilliance of the flowers that surrounded the various winding paths.
The rides had been reconstructed. At this time of the day, there were just a few people loitering.
The sounds of children's laughter were missing.
A few ambitious joggers were using the trails.
Pushing the door open, he got out and stretched himself. He needed the frigid air, needed the time to get himself settled. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his outer coat, he started walking.
He wanted to call her, but the mood he was in, it would not be a good idea.
Taking the trail to the left, he avoided the joggers and could feel his anger settling to a simmer.
He wanted to shout it to the world that he was married to the most beautiful woman in it.
But his hands were tied. He had told his sister that he wanted to start a family, and he meant it.
The yearning inside him was getting stronger.
Stopping beneath a towering oak tree, he leaned against the thick trunk and lifted his eyes to the sky.
Filtering through the leaves, he saw the slate gray, with patches of clouds trailing by.
It was going to rain, he mused absently.
Which was going to drop the temperature even lower.
As if his thoughts had made it happen, he felt the few drops sliding through the leaves and splashing on him.
The wind whipped up, slicing through his protective clothing.
Wrapping his jacket around him, he hurried to his vehicle and got in just before the sky opened.
*****
Good old David did not pout or ask for an apology. As soon as he stepped in, the man took a discreet look at his face as if to gauge his mood and went straight to the coffee pot where he had a fresh brew going and poured a large cup of it.
"Notes on the meeting. I was able to hold the board off for the past few minutes.
" He handed Leon the coffee and the folder.
"McGregor is requesting a meeting. And a reporter from the local newspaper wants to sit down with you.
I already told him I would have to consult you on that.
It's about the clinic. I was thinking that since your darling sister is equally involved and she happens to be a doctor, she could take the meeting. "
His boss's nod of approval had him beaming. "The old man wants to see you as soon as you're free."
"Did he say why?" A sip of the excellent coffee had him feeling much better.
In response, David merely rolled his eyes. Shaking his head, Leon laughed. "I get it. He wouldn't lower himself to give you a reason. Thanks. I really mean that."
"I'm expecting the usual hefty Christmas bonus."
"Already done. Anything else?"
David bent his head to his device and did not answer for a few seconds.
"David?"
"Constance Merrick has been calling for the last few minutes. I think she believes I am hiding you somewhere. She wants you to call her back ASAP." He stared at his boss in that steady way of his. "You had lunch with her."
The anger came again and with it the damn guilt.
"It was not planned. She just happened to be in the same restaurant." He put his cup down. "Lisa had to leave for an emergency, and she sat down. I couldn't very well tell her to leave. Besides, what the hell is wrong with that? She's an old friend."
"And an old lover. One that meant a great deal to you at one time." David gave him a speculative stare. "Or still does."
"She's a friend," he repeated tightly. "So the hell what?"
"You're getting angry for no reason. In my opinion—"
"Which you will keep to yourself." Shoving from the desk, he grabbed the folders. "And know your bloody place."