I felt compelled to be honest with him.
“I’m going on a date tonight. I don’t feel right taking your car.”
There was nothing but dead silence on the other end of the line. I swore he’d hung up.
“Are you there?”
“Yes.” He began to trip over his words. “I’m just a little stunned, to be honest. I haven’t been…I mean, I…”
“You haven’t been what?”
“I haven’t been seeing anyone. I just assumed…”
He was having trouble saying it.
“You assumed that I wouldn’t date anyone during this break?”
“I guess I was just hopeful.” More silence before he asked, “Where is he taking you?”
“Bistro Nine.” I sighed. “It’s nothing serious, Dex. I don’t plan to let him…do anything.”
His breathing became heavier.
“Are you okay?”
“I have to go,” he abruptly said.
“Alright, I—” He’d hung up before I had a chance to say anything further.
Later, when I arrived at the office, there was a package sitting on my desk. Upon opening it, I realized it contained the photos from Joel’s shoot at Dex’s house. Dex was supposed to have chosen his favorites to be used for the article. From the ones that he vetted, I would choose three or four images.
The first couple of shots were of Dex in front of his window overlooking the park. I marveled at his beauty: his lustrous black hair, his tall stature, his impeccable clothes, his big, masculine hands. In one of the pictures, he reminded me of a more handsome version of James Bond as played by Pierce Brosnan, but with more facial hair.
There were two more shots featuring him in front of his fireplace. The next couple of photos were from the ones he’d shot of him and Bandit on the couch.
My heart clenched. The last one was framed and had a note on it. Mr. Truitt wanted you to have this. It’s not for the article.
It was the photo of Dex, me, and Bandit, the one where the dog had a paw on each of us. It was making me emotional. He’d clearly sent this over before our conversation this morning. Guilt set in.
Damn you, Dex.
The reality was that I didn’t want to go on this date with Eamon. I was forcing myself to do it to prove that I still had the capability to connect with someone else in the event that my heart was to be destroyed by Mister Moneybags. It was a self-protective mechanism. Deep down, I knew that…but Dex didn’t.I was sure Eamon could tell I was preoccupied. I kept checking my phone to see if Dex had texted. He hadn’t said a word since my date revelation this morning, and it made me wonder if I’d royally screwed things up.
I mentally scolded myself for obsessing over Dex while on a date with another man.
Trying to make conversation to move my mind into a different place, I said, “What’s new on your end at the magazine? What’s the next project?”
“I’m setting up an interview with Harry Angelini of Markel Corporation next week. But honestly, your exclusive with Truitt is all anyone seems to be talking about.”
Great. So much for getting my mind off him.
“Yes. It went really well.”
“I haven’t had a chance to read the first draft, but people keep saying how thorough it is, as if you’d spent months with him.”
“It was…an ongoing format.” I cleared my throat. “I found that to be better than rushing it.”
“I think you might have something there.”
The waiter came by with a small plate. “Some dessert for you.”
“We didn’t order dessert.”
“Yes. Well, actually, it was courtesy of someone who called in and wanted you to have it.”
When I looked down at the plate, I nearly gasped. Sitting atop a drizzle of caramel were two gigantic chocolate balls.
“What is this?”
“It’s tartufo. Ice cream balls.”
Balls.
My face felt flush. Dexter. It had to be.
“Okay. Thank you.”
“What was that all about?” Eamon asked.
“I’m not sure,” I lied. “Will you excuse me? I have to use the bathroom. Please start on the dessert without me.”
Once in the stall, I texted him.Bianca: Are the ice cream balls from you?Three dots immediately appeared on the screen.Dex: Yes. Enjoy them.Bianca: You really shouldn’t have.Dex: Well, I know you like balls. And I wanted to apologize for my strange behavior this morning. You have every right to see whomever you want.Bianca: Thank you, but no need to apologize. Your reaction was understandable.Dex: I’ve instructed Sam to wait outside of the restaurant in the event that you need a ride. If he’s not parked, he’ll be circling around the block. I’m not using him tonight anyway. If you decide not to take advantage of the ride, that’s fine. But he’s there if you need him.Bianca: That’s very nice of you. Thank you. What are you doing tonight that you don’t need a car?Dex: I’ve decided to stay in.Bianca: Okay. Well, have a good evening.