“I’m uncomfortable with her not taking any money.” Alonzo turned from the door. “She’s done so much work.”
“I’ve been thinking of getting her a gift.” Doreen took a deep breath. “Thanks to her we’ll have our June twentieth wedding.”
“Yes, we will.” Alonzo smiled as he stepped away from the door. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“Are you happy about that?” Doreen fell into step beside him as they walked back to the living room.
“Of course.” To his credit, Alonzo seemed surprised by her question.
“You don’t seem happy, Alonzo.”
He frowned but didn’t return her gaze. “I’m just—”
“Tired.” Doreen repeated the excuse he’d been giving her for weeks.
He looked at her in surprise. “It was—”
“A long day.” She heard the rising irritation in her voice. He must have heard it also.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
“The truth. That’s all I’m asking for, Alonzo. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing.”
“That’s not true.” Doree
n stopped in front of the sofa but didn’t sit. “I can see it in your eyes. I can sense it around you. Why won’t you talk with me?”
“I am talking with you.”
“But you’re not telling me anything.” Doreen wrapped her arms around her torso. “You’re starting to scare me. What’s so bad that you won’t tell me?”
Alonzo held her upper arms in his strong, gentle hands. “I love you, Doreen. Is that enough?”
Doreen backed out of his embrace. “If you loved me, you’d share with me whatever’s troubling you. But you’re not doing that, so you tell me if it’s enough.”
She turned on her heels and left the room. She didn’t want to look at him while he continued to lie to her. What was she supposed to believe?
“Hi, Doctor Brooks, Doctor Stark. How are you?” The young hostess at Trinity Falls Cuisine, Kelsey, was a junior at TFU. She was well known and well respected on campus. The honors student seemed uncomfortable in her skinny black pants, starched white shirt, and narrow black tie.
“Fine, thank you,” Vaughn replied, aware that his appearance at the restaurant with Olivia Stark would be all over campus by tonight. He could hear it now, “Do you know that Doctor Brooks and Doctor Stark are dating?”
“Hi, Kelsey. I’m fine, thanks.” Olivia’s pleased smile brightened her beautiful features. She gave the young woman a hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good.” Kelsey returned her professor’s embrace, then stepped back. Her dark eyes were full of questions as they flash between Vaughn and Olivia. “Are you two here for dinner?”
“Yes, thank you.” Vaughn followed Kelsey and Olivia farther into the restaurant.
He’d been to Trinity Falls Cuisine three times since the restaurant had opened two years ago. Each time he’d been with Benita. Although he and Benita had ended their relationship, walking in here with another woman still felt wrong. Vaughn shrugged his shoulders to ease his sense of guilt. It didn’t work.
The restaurant was heavy with the scent of tangy spices and rich sauces. As Vaughn followed Kelsey and Olivia to their seats, he observed the beige-and-gray stone walls with their dark wood trim. The restaurant’s lighting was low, creating a romantic ambience. Despite the dim lights, he recognized a few of the diners—neighbors, community leaders, other faculty and staff from the university. They exchanged nods of greeting. Vaughn gritted his teeth. How will the campus interpret their date?
Kelsey stopped beside a booth in a quiet section of the restaurant. “Carl will be your server. Enjoy your evening.”
She handed them each a menu. Vaughn and Olivia thanked her, then she disappeared.
Vaughn opened his menu. “Carl plays clarinet in my concert band.”