The Man Who Has No Love (Soulless 3)

Margo’s eyes softened. “You were friends first. Those make for the best relationships.”

Tess returned with the wine and the appetizer. “Have you guys decided?”

“Oh, we haven’t even had a chance to look at the menu,” Margo said. “My son was just telling me that he and this lovely woman beside him are an item.” She smiled at both of us, oblivious to Tess’s bitchy reaction.

Her eyes narrowed on my face, like she thought I was too plain for a man like him.

Maybe my looks were plain compared to hers, but my heart certainly wasn’t. And that’s what Deacon cared about.

“I’ll give you a few minutes.” Her attitude was no longer warm. Now, she was cold as an icicle. She turned around and walked off.

I was going to get something gross in my food, but it was still worth it.

Deacon moved his hand to my thigh under the table. “I think I’m going to get the steak again.”

“Good choice. Then I’m going to get the same too.” I set my menu on top of his.

Margo looked over the menu as she rubbed her lips tightly together. “Hmm…I should get the salad, but we’re celebrating, so I’ll get the lobster.”

“I’m buying, so get whatever you want,” Deacon said.

“Ooh, my son is quite the gentleman.” She put down her menu. “He’s good to you, Cleo?”

I almost laughed. “He’s the best man I’ve ever met,” I blurted, speaking from the heart.

She smiled. “He is, isn’t he?”

Tess returned, still annoyed. “What can I get you?”

Deacon ordered for everyone at the table. “Could you also bring more bread as well? My girl likes it.”

My girl. Aww.

“Yeah, whatever.” She left the table.

Margo picked up on the hostility and watched Tess walk away. “Looks like you broke another heart.”

Deacon ignored what she said.

“She was our waitress last time,” I explained. “She gave her number to Deacon, but he wasn’t interested.”

“Ooh.” She chuckled. “Well, she’ll get over it.”

After she spat in my food.

“You’re much prettier than she is anyway.” She grabbed her glass and took a drink.

I wasn’t, but I appreciated the way she made me feel welcome, that I was good enough for Deacon. “Thank you.”

Once the meal was finished, Margo eyed the dessert menu. “I’m not sure why Deacon hates sweets so much, because he didn’t get that from his father or me.” She was in a teal blouse and white jeans, her hair curled. She was always dressed in a classy way, and her features showed that she was a gorgeous woman in her heyday. Wasn’t surprising considering Deacon’s phenomenal looks. “Should I get the sundae?”

“I got that last time,” I said. “It was delicious.”

“Then that’s settled.” She set down the menu. “When Ms. Hissy Fit returns, we’ll get two of them.”

I liked that she was on my side, like she was my mother or aunt or something.

Deacon didn’t say anything bad about Tess, not participating in the conversation at all.

“So, what else is new?” Margo asked. “When is Derek returning for a visit?”

Tess came to the table with the tab, giving the impression she was in a hurry to get us out of there.

Deacon didn’t open it, as if he was afraid to look inside. “We’re going to order dessert.”

“Sure.” Her hands came together, but she looked irritated. “What?”

Margo shook her head. “It’s not very ladylike to take that tone.”

“Mom.” Deacon silenced her before it got out of hand. “Two sundaes. And bring the tab with them.” He handed the current one back to her.

She snatched it out of his hand and walked away.

“Wow, what a sore loser,” Margo said with a laugh.

Deacon wore an irritated expression, like he wished this problem would just go away.

“So, what were you saying?” Margo asked.

Deacon was quiet, as if he needed a few seconds to switch topics. “Actually, Derek will be here soon—”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said. “I love my grandson, and not just because he’s the best grandson in the world. It’s like having Deacon as a child again, so much alike.”

I smiled, having noticed the same thing.

Deacon didn’t appear moved. “He and Valerie are moving here…permanently.”

“Really?” She pressed her hand to her chest and looked at me, like she needed me to verify this.

I nodded.

“Oh my god, that’s spectacular,” Margo said. “I can see my little boy whenever I want?”

“Yes,” Deacon said. “For the most part.”

“I’m not thrilled about Valerie, but I’ll take it.” She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Wow, we’ll all be out here now, in the greatest city on earth. That means Derek will be attending school here in just a few weeks?”

“Yes,” Deacon answered. “Cleo got him into the best school in the state.”

“Great,” she said. “That’s really wonderful. And having his father close by to help him learn and grow… What a blessing.”

Deacon nodded slightly.

“I’m glad Valerie did the right thing,” she said. “Makes me hate her a little less.”