The Anti-Boyfriend

“If you don’t mind my asking, why do you think she would be opposed to splitting it between the two ballet companies?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I guess, perhaps, she figured a higher amount given to one company could make a bigger difference. She asked that it go to the company we felt deserved it the most. I have to follow her wishes.”

“I see.”

“I’m not as well-versed in the arts as my mother was. But my father tasked me with overseeing this decision. I’ve learned a lot by visiting the two companies, and this experience has given me a greater appreciation for something my mother loved so dearly.”

“Well, we’re extremely grateful for your consideration. I think it’s safe to say there’s no wrong decision.”

He took a sip of his espresso. “I have to tell you, you’re a lot more gracious than your competitor.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The gentleman I spoke with over there seemed to point out all the reasons I shouldn’t give my money to City, rather than trying to sell me on why his company was the best fit. Turned me off a little, to be honest.”

Charles. I knew it had to be him, but I didn’t dare mention his name so as not to have to get personal with Neil.

“Anyway, today has been a…refreshing change,” he said. “And that’s due mostly to you.”

He was definitely giving me a vibe that he might be interested in more than just my expertise on the ballet.

A couple of minutes later, I was surprised to see Deacon walk in. Well, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. He hit this Starbucks daily, but it was rare for me to be in here.

When Deacon spotted me, his eyes went wide. “Carys…hey.” He turned to Neil and extended his hand. “I’m Deacon, Carys’s neighbor.”

“Neil Spectra.”

Deacon nodded a few times before he turned to me. “I didn’t expect to see you here at this time of day. Thought you were across town at work.”

“I am…at work, actually. Neil is a potential investor. So this is a business meeting. We just had it here so I could get home in time.”

“It is a work meeting,” Neil interjected. “But Carys has done a tremendous job of making me forget this is still business. She’s a joy to be around.”

Deacon stared at Neil for a few seconds. “I’d have to agree with you.” He looked at me and nodded. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your meeting. Just gonna grab a cappuccino and head back.”

“Okay…” I smiled. “See you later.”

Deacon proceeded to the line. Was it my imagination, or was this run-in a little awkward? My eyes wandered to where Deacon stood at the register. He seemed fidgety as he waited for his drink. I wondered if it bothered him to see me with Neil. Maybe that was wishful thinking.

A few minutes later, Neil was talking when Deacon walked past us with his coffee. Rather than interrupt to say goodbye, he winked at me before heading out the door. My eyes lingered on the exit. I wondered if Deacon thought there was something going on between Neil and me.

It was as if Neil could read my mind. “So, I hope this doesn’t come across as inappropriate, Carys, but I’ve really enjoyed your company and was wondering if perhaps before I return to Palm Beach next week you might let me take you to dinner?”

Oh boy. Neil was decently attractive, smart, and successful. It was tempting to take him up on his offer. But there was no point, especially since he didn’t even live here. And mixing business with pleasure was never a good idea, as I’d learned the hard way.

“That’s really nice of you to offer, and I’m flattered, but I don’t think I have the availability. Not sure if Cynthia mentioned it, but I have an infant daughter. I’m a single mother. So, it’s not easy for me to get childcare on a whim.”

His eyes widened, and for the first time today, Neil seemed speechless. “Cynthia hadn’t mentioned that, no,” he finally said. “You’re so young. I never imagined…”

“Yeah. She was a surprise.”

I could’ve used this opportunity to tell him the man he’d met with over at our competitor was also the deadbeat father of my daughter, but I didn’t. And Neil didn’t try to convince me to go out with him after my revelation. Apparently having a child was enough of a deterrent.

We stayed at Starbucks for the better part of the next hour as the conversation moved back to business. He grilled me about my history as a dancer and asked for my honest opinion about how the money might be put to use at both companies.

When five o’clock finally rolled around, I was relieved to have to walk only a block down the street to get home.