Want Me (Mess with Me 4)

Before the message even ends, I’m already pulling a U-turn in the middle of the road. A horn blares behind me but I ignore it and pray no cops witnessed that maneuver. Speeding back in the other direction I run through my memories of today. Anya was in the office like usual and left around five o’clock. She hadn’t said anything about going out after work but who knows if she had plans. Maybe she’s out with friends or on another date.

I grab my phone and then use voice commands to call Anya.

When it goes immediately to voicemail I realize she must have turned it off. Or it ran out of power. Either way she’s out there somewhere and has no idea that her father is in the hospital. I debate going to her place and checking if she’s there but then I make a snap decision.

At the next light, I take the turn toward George Washington University Hospital.

20

ANYA

By the time I arrive at the restaurant, I’m numb. Actually I’m not even sure how I got here. The entire ride is a blur. All I keep seeing is the back of her head and her arms around his neck.

Did that really just happen? Law was kissing his ex-wife?

He hates her.

“Reservation?”

I look up to find the hostess staring down her nose at me. She’s tall and thin with the type of figure I could only achieve if I ate nothing but salad and ice cubes.

“I’m meeting Seth Barrington here.”

With those few words, I apparently move up the ladder of importance in her mind because she instantly drops the attitude.

“Oh, of course. Mr. Barrington has already arrived. Follow me.” She leaves the front podium and I follow dutifully, wishing that I’d thought to go home and change first.

When I went to my parents’ for dinner this evening, I went straight from work so I have on plain blue slacks and a gray blouse. My shoes are low-heeled and I feel about as plain as paper compared to everyone else in here. Holding my head high, I focus on the hostess’s back as we move through the dimly lit restaurant. It’s hard to believe this is the same place where the GlowUp beta launch party was roughly two weeks ago. So much has happened since then. I almost wish I could time travel back and warn that optimistic Anya to run while she could.

“Here we are.” The hostess gestures to a table tucked into the back. Seth is already seated but he stands when we arrive.

“Thank you, Sybil.”

She preens. “Of course. Please let me know if there is anything else you require.”

He holds my chair and I sit, grateful not to be on display anymore. I swipe a stray lock of hair off my forehead, trying not to feel so disheveled. Seth is back in what I imagine is his usual attire, a tailored suit that fits his athletic body perfectly. Gone is the casual, guy-next-door who met me at the coffee shop. I look around the dim restaurant, at the crystal chandeliers and the elegant linen tablecloths. He looks like he belongs here.

Who am I kidding? He looks like he owns the place.

“I’m glad you could make it. Eating alone is so boring.”

I smile gently. “I’m sure there are plenty of people who’d love to eat dinner with you.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “None that won’t ask me for money when it’s over.”

That surprises a genuine laugh out of me. He grins and leans back in his chair. Just like that the ice is broken and the same comfort we found at the coffee shop blankets the table.

“Don’t take this the wrong way but I’m starting to wish we’d gone for takeout instead. This place is a little intimidating.”

“We can ditch this popsicle stand and go get burgers if you want,” he whispers conspiratorially.

I take a small sip from the water glass next to my plate. Even if the environment is a little stuffy, it’s a beautiful restaurant and known for having fantastic food. I pick up the menu. They have crème brûlée.

Decision made.

“Well now that we’re here, it wouldn’t hurt to eat. Mya has raved about the desserts.” My finger stops on the dinner menu. “Let’s see what we have here. Veal Ragout. Beef bourguignon. Today’s special is the coq au vin.”

He snickers. “And she’s talking about cock again.”