DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
Mary St. Clair picked up her wine glass and took a sip, licking her lips afterward. She stared at the hunky accountant sitting opposite her. She could tell by the way he was gazing at her that he was really into her. Maybe tonight he’d join her in bed. A thrill rushed through her body, and she laughed out loud.
“Share the joke,” Hale said, reaching his hand out to touch hers.
Mary grinned. “I was just thinking about how handsome you are. I can’t believe you’re still single.”
He chuckled. “Well, I have been dating many times. It’s just that you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, and I’m stoked. Can’t believe you’re still single either and want to go out with me.”
“Aw. You’re so sweet.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
Over at the door of SAN restaurant, Ruby, Nikita, and Isabella came through. A hunky waiter greeted them as the girls began the process of taking off their scarves and gloves.
“Table for three, thanks,” Ruby said.
“Of course. This way,” the young waiter said, leading them to a table behind Mary and her date.
“I’m so excited for Alex,” Nikita said as they took their seats. “Just can’t believe the lab actually paid for her to go to a conference in New York City. Can you believe it? Now I wish I did lab science.”
“I’m so jealous,” Isa muttered, pouring them each a glass of water.
Mary straightened up and glanced behind her. She saw the three geeks and glared in distaste.
“Do you know them?” Hale asked curiously.
“Kind of,” she replied curtly.
Behind them, Ruby said, “Did you get her e-mail?”
“Yeah,” Niki replied.
“Me too,” Isa put in. “She is so lucky. She said she has been to Central Park, the Met, not to mention Tiffany & Co. Can you believe it? Tiffany and Company!”
“I know, right?” Ruby commented. “I wish I could go to Tiffany’s. Man! I would just love to see all the jewelry.”
“Yeah. In your dreams.” Niki chuckled.
“Hey, you never know,” Ruby retorted. “Remember, I plan to do my big OE next year. Maybe I should put America in as one of them, even though it’s only for six weeks.”
“Oh yeah? And what about this hunky English guy you’re seeing?” Niki asked cheekily. Is that the whole reason you’re going to do this big OE of yours? Huh?”
Ruby laughed. “Don’t be silly. Brian is only a friend. He’s going to give me a tour when I’m in the UK.”
“Yeah right,” both Niki and Isa said in unison.
By this time, Mary was pissed off with the girls. She couldn’t concentrate on being charming to Hale, and she wanted them to go sit somewhere else. Or better yet, go to another restaurant. But she was also itching to know what exactly they were talking about. Plain Alexandra had gone off to New York City for a conference? Surely not? She was only a lab scientist. Nothing special about that. And she had been in Tiffany’s? That was surely and utterly ridiculous. No one would let her in. The doorman would take one look at her and tell her to bugger off.
She turned and said, “Hello, guys,” a fat, fake smile playing on her face.
There was stunned silence all around the table, and then Ruby said, “Mary? Mary St. Clair?”
“Yeah.” Mary nodded, grinning. “So how have you all been? Haven’t seen you since the last year of high school. Can’t remember when that was. Too long ago.”
“Yeah,” Isa muttered, frowning with suspicion at Mary.
“So there’s always the four of you, right? Where’s Alex?”
The three girls glanced at one another.
“Just curious and all. How is she? Haven’t seen her at all.” Mary lied, leaning forward, her brows rising in question innocently.
Knowing the other two were refusing to talk to the popular Mary, Ruby said, “She’s working in the hospital. Aren’t you a medical student there? Can’t believe you never seen her.”
“Yeah. Can’t believe it,” Niki added, her voice stating otherwise.
“Well, I’m busy. Med isn’t just for anybody,” Mary stated. “So Alex?”
“Alex is good. She’s in New York City right now for a conference. She’s doing very well.” Ruby smiled, nodding her head with pride.
“Yes, she is doing very well,” Mary remarked sourly. She wanted to add, for a plain geek. But instead she asked, “So no boyfriends?”
At this statement, the three friends looked at each other. Mary reached her hands out and touched Hale, to show them she wasn’t short of a boyfriend. “Good luck, aye? So Alex? No boyfriend, too?”
Ruby glared at Mary and snapped a, “No,” at the woman.
Mary grinned, enjoying herself. “Have fun, guys,” she said, turning her attention to Hale and kissing him on the lips.
The three girls looked at each other. “Disgusting,” Isa muttered under her breath.
* * * * *