“I guess I forgot,” he muttered, striding toward his side of the duplex.
“Mack!” she called.
Abruptly he turned to face her. “What?”
“You’re still coming for dinner, aren’t you?”
He shook his head. “No, thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.”
Fifteen
Shirley Bliss was curled up on her living room sofa, feet tucked beneath her and a cup of tea in her hand. Her friend Miranda sat across from her, holding an identical mug, also filled with steaming tea. Miranda had recently accepted a part-time job with Will Jefferson, which in Shirley’s opinion was good for Will and for Miranda. Her friend didn’t need the money, but she was at loose ends and Will could use the help. Besides, Miranda had connections that could benefit the gallery.
Her husband had been a well-known landscape artist. Miranda dabbled in art, too, although she lacked the discipline to capitalize on her talent. However, she had an excellent eye and her criticism was incisive.
“I’ve been dying to hear about your hot date with Will Jefferson,” Miranda said.
“I wouldn’t exactly call it a hot date,” Shirley said, not meeting her eyes. Shirley felt mildly guilty for accepting Will’s invitation. In all likelihood, she would’ve found yet another excuse to refuse if not for the fact that he’d asked her to the gallery event, where she’d met Larry Knight. Shirley couldn’t turn down the opportunity of a lifetime.
When they did meet, Larry was everything she’d imagined and more. They hadn’t spoken long. He’d told her he’d lost his wife five years earlier, and an instant rapport had developed between them. Those minutes alone with him—despite being in a room full of people—had been magical.
“Will took you to Canlis, didn’t he?” This was one of the most exclusive and expensive restaurants in Seattle.
“Uh, yes.”
Miranda gave a short laugh. “Apparently he didn’t get the message that you don’t eat red meat.” Shirley wasn’t a full vegetarian and did on occasion eat beef, but not often and never steak.
“He got it by the end of the night.” The message about her food preferences wasn’t the only one. She couldn’t have been any clearer—she wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with Will Jefferson. While she appreciated everything he’d done for Tanni and Shaw, that appreciation didn’t imply any kind of romantic relationship.
“He talked you into letting him display your dragon piece.”
That, too, had been prompted by the guilt Shirley felt over using Will, primarily in the situation with Tanni and Shaw. The dragon was a deeply personal work of art that she’d never allowed in public before and wouldn’t again. He wanted it up for the summer and she’d reluctantly consented, after initially agreeing to only one month.
To her, the dragon symbolized the fiery grief the death of her husband had brought into her life. Shirley had made the fabric collage shortly after her husband, Jim, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Will had taken one look at it and practically begged her to let him display it. After weeks of turning him down she’d finally acquiesced, with the proviso that specific measures be taken to protect it. Will had accepted her conditions.
“Have you talked to Will since last Sunday?” Miranda asked.
Shirley shook her head. His reticence was mildly surprising. He’d been finding one reason or another to contact her every other day and then…silence. Not that Shirley was complaining.
“Does the fact he hasn’t called concern you?” Miranda asked.
Sipping her tea, Shirley watched her friend over the rim of her mug. “Why all these questions about me and Will Jefferson?”
Miranda shifted uncomfortably. “No reason. I was just wondering.”
“I enjoyed talking to Larry Knight for five minutes far more than I enjoyed that expensive dinner with Will.”
“But you would never have met Larry if it hadn’t been for Will.”
That was true enough. “I know.”
“And you feel guilty about that, right?”
Shirley sighed. “Right.”
“I did,” Miranda mumbled, looking decidedly un comfortable.
“You did what?” Shirley asked in confusion.
“I heard from Will.”
“Will Jefferson? He called you about work, you mean?”
Miranda shrugged. “At first I thought he wanted me for the gallery. I’ve already worked a couple of afternoons. However, this time he called and…asked me out to dinner.”
That was encouraging news. “And?” Shirley asked, excited for her friend.
“Absolutely not.” Her reply was forceful. “I wouldn’t go out with the man my best friend’s dating if you paid me a million bucks.” She grinned. “Well, maybe I would for that kind of money.”
Shirley smiled, too. “I get your drift, but you don’t have to turn him down.”
Miranda looked in every direction except Shirley’s.
“In other words, it wouldn’t bother me in the least if you wanted to go out with Will,” Shirley said, hoping to reassure her.
“But it would bother me.” Miranda spoke just as adamantly as she had earlier. “He’s interested in you. The only reason Will asked me is to get a reaction out of you.”
“Why would you think that?”
Miranda rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”