A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery Page 0,18
he knew that if conversation slowed, she would step in to keep things moving. She was just that kind of person.
He handed his keys over to the valet, then offered his arm to Abby. They walked into the quietly elegant restaurant. She gave her uncle’s name and they were shown back to a table.
Joaquin had done his research on Simon Bradley—he’d even seen pictures of the man—but nothing had prepared him for Simon’s appearance. The starkness of his scars was startling. Even after all these years, they were almost raw in the sharp edges.
Abby saved him from staring by stepping forward to hug her aunt and uncle, then turning to introduce him. Joaquin managed to say all the right things as he shook hands before they were all seated.
“Simon, Joaquin is a very gifted surgeon, so you have that in common,” Abby said.
Joaquin smiled at her. “You’re overselling me.”
“Hardly.” She smiled at her uncle. “He’s supersmart, too. Please don’t start talking in Latin. Montana and I will feel left out.” She turned to her aunt. “Unless you’ve been taking lessons I don’t know about.”
Montana laughed. “No. Sadly I’ve neglected my Latin lessons. I should make more time.”
Simon took his wife’s hand in his. “Not to worry. There will be no work talk tonight. I promise.”
Joaquin’s good mood evaporated. He’d been hoping for a little shop talk to smooth the way. If they didn’t discuss medicine, then how was he to mention the fellowship?
Simon’s gaze settled on him. “But I would like to get to know you better, Joaquin. Perhaps we can set up a time for you to stop by my office.”
“I would enjoy that, sir.”
“Excellent.” He pulled out his phone. “Let’s get it on the calendar right now. Then we can enjoy our dinner with these beautiful women.”
Joaquin entered Simon’s suggested date and time into his calendar and promised he would be on time. He saw Abby looking at him with a combination of happiness and pride. He put away his phone, then slipped his hand under the table and found hers and squeezed. She squeezed back before returning her attention to Simon and Montana.
Things were working out, he told himself. When he met with Simon he would be direct about his interest in the fellowship. With his qualifications there was no reason he shouldn’t be a part of the program. He would continue his training and have the added advantage of being close to Abby. As per usual, things were going exactly how he wanted them to.
* * *
THE DINNER PROGRESSED even better than Abby had hoped. She’d noticed that sometimes Joaquin seemed quiet around other people, but he seemed very comfortable with Montana and Simon. Knowing he was okay allowed her to enjoy the evening—her aunt and uncle were always fun.
Partway through their main course, Montana asked, “Are you ready for the school year to start?”
Abby laughed. “You know it’s still six weeks away, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I also know you. Tell me you’re ready.”
Abby smiled. “You’re right. I am.” She turned to Joaquin. “I officially start teaching the Tuesday after Labor Day, but the teachers begin a week early. And the week before that, I have a couple of meetings with my mentor.”
She paused to sip her wine. “They assign new teachers a mentor to help us through the first year.”
“It’s not just about having more people want to be teachers,” Montana told him. “It’s about making sure they have a positive experience and stay in the profession.”
“I have my lesson plans done and my sub-tub.” Abby sighed. “It makes me so happy.”
“Sub-tub?” Simon asked.
“A tub full of information for a substitute teacher. There’s a lesson plan that details what the kids are doing. Suggested activities, even movies if you want to do that. I’ll update it as I go. Put in notes and give ideas. That sort of thing.”
“You’re going to be an excellent teacher,” Joaquin told her.
“I hope so. There’s a difference between student teaching and actually being responsible.”
His gaze was steady. “You’re going to be excellent,” he repeated softly.
“Tell us about yourself, Joaquin,” Simon said briskly. “Where are you from? Where did you go to school?” His gaze sharpened. “Have you ever been married?”
Abby resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She knew Simon was looking out for her, and while she appreciated the gesture, she wished she’d thought to tell him she’d already vetted Joaquin. Still, a little family pressure probably wasn’t a bad thing. She liked feeling loved and having a