to spend a couple hours eating dinner with Ernest.
Ernest said, “My treat, by the way.”
Toby blinked out of Oz. “No, that’s not fair. I invited you.”
“You invited me for coffee. I invited you for wine and dinner.”
Toby had to grin. “I won.” Maybe Ernest thought he had to wine and dine Molly’s brother to get an introduction.
Toby leaned forward, careful not to squish Cat. “So let me tell you more about Molly. She’s studying computer science and I think she’s going to be amazing—”
That warm hand came back and Toby shivered. Ernest said, “Tell me about you.”
“Me?” His voice squeaked, which was damned embarrassing. He pushed up his glasses. “Uh, I’m a teacher of English at a prep school. Part-time teacher, sadly.” He sighed. “I’ve got a dog, but you know that firsthand.” He shrugged. Jesus, he was dull. “I live in Costa Mesa, and that’s about all there is to tell.”
“No wife or kiddies?”
“What? Oh no. It would be husband, if I had a spouse, but none.” He smiled sheepishly. “The social life problem I mentioned.” He petted Cat like mad. That fur was so stress-reducing. When he glanced up, Ernest was smiling.
The waiter arrived with their wine, and when he’d walked away, Ernest held up the glass in a toast. “To improved social life.”
Toby felt his cheeks flush. “I’ll drink to that.”
“Mr. Albertine?” A woman’s voice came from over his shoulder. Toby turned to see Mrs. Hamilton’s assistant, Tiffany, bouncing toward him, literally, in that she was wearing a sundress and her ample attributes were well on display.
“Oh hello, Tiffany.”
She stared right at Ernest, then back at Toby. “Imagine running into you here.” She stepped closer and extended her hand to Ernest. “Hi, I’m Tiffany Bondurant. I work with Mr. Albertine.”
“Ernest Ross.” He shook her hand and gave her a smile that likely melted Tiffany’s knees, since it sure did Toby’s.
Tiffany cooed, “I’m so delighted to meet you. Family and friends of our teachers are so important at our school and I’m sure you know what an honor it is for Mr. Albertine to be included at this gathering. A real vote of confidence.”
Well shit! Toby wanted to say something to change her impression that he and Ernest were connected, but what was he going to claim? That he and Ernest weren’t friends? That sounded weird. He barked, “Thanks, Tiffany. I’ll call you if I have any questions about the party.” He could call and clear up her misunderstanding on the phone.
“Yes, you do that.” She gave a little gasp. “Oh my goodness, you have a kitty.”
Toby had pretty much forgotten the weight on his lap was Cat. “Yes. He belongs to Ernest.” He smiled and held his finger to his lips and made a shhh sound. “That’s why Ernest and I are here. We were both at our vet’s office across the street and happened to meet up.” His laugh sounded forced, but at least he’d have an excuse when he showed up at the party with someone else or, more likely, no one at all.
“Oh sweet kitty. I hope he’s okay.”
Ernest nodded. “He’s fine. Very well. He just has a special affection for Toby.”
“Isn’t that perfect.” She looked at Toby. “I get to manage the guest book at the party, so I’ll be there.” She waggled her fingers. “I look forward to seeing you both.” With that, she headed back into the interior of the restaurant at speed, as if she couldn’t wait to share her news with someone inside.
Toby was left with his mouth open but no words had managed to emerge. He shook his head. “Sorry about that. I’ll clear it up when I see her at school tomorrow.”
“What party?” Ernest sipped his wine.
“Just a school thing.”
“Sounds important.”
The waiter stepped closer to their table and hovered with his order pad.
Ernest said, “Do you know what you’d like? I’m having the salmon sandwich.”
Toby nodded, his brain far from food. “Yes, I’ll have the same.”
The waiter said, “Fries okay with that?”
Toby nodded just as Ernest said, “Can I have a green salad instead?”
“Oh yes, that sounds better.” Sadly, he loved fries, and his pudging waistline looked like it. He pushed his glasses up his nose.
The waiter said, “Shall I refresh your wine?”
Ernest nodded and waggled a finger toward both glasses. Yep. Molly really would kill him for having such a great meal without her.
When the waiter walked away, Ernest said, “So about this party. What’s the deal?”
Oh hell, he kind of wanted to pour his heart