Cherished - By Kim Cash Tate Page 0,81
sat back. “Might be some fireworks this weekend. I’m . . . just . . . sayin’.”
“It won’t be a big deal. He knows Brian’s a thing of the past.”
“Mm-hmm,” Lindell said. “I’m not sure I know that, based on the two of you at church Sunday.”
“And don’t forget Six Flags,” Cedric said.
Kelli ignored them.
“So what’s up with dude hopping a plane to St. Louis last minute?” Cedric asked. “You really just found out he was coming this afternoon?”
Kelli nodded. “We’ve been talking about getting together. He said he realized this morning he didn’t have anything on his calendar past noon, so he checked getaway fares on Southwest and decided to come. But . . .” She lifted the water glass at her place setting. “I think it was spurred by the fact that he called while I was at Six Flags. Even asked who I was with.” She took a sip.
“Oh, really?” Stephanie cocked her head. “Did you name Brian?”
“I said a group of friends.”
Cedric chuckled. “Dude’s antenna went up. He’s checking up on you.”
“And staking a claim, I’d say,” Lindell said.
Cyd laughed. “You guys, cut it out. You’ve barely met the guy, and you think you’ve got him figured out.”
“So what’s the deal, Kel?” Cedric asked, looking to make sure Miles wasn’t near. “I know you’ve been with the guy awhile, but how special is he?”
“Very.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Brian’s not the only person who’ll ever be special in my life.”
Cedric looked incredulously at the others. “Did I say anything about Brian?”
“You implied it. Just give Miles a chance.”
Cedric lifted his hands, grinning. “Absolutely!” He leaned in closer. “He’s living right, though . . . right? ’Cause dude ain’t staying at the house otherwise. Cyd told me y’all talked about him taking the sleep sofa.”
“He didn’t mention booking a hotel, so I figure he needs a place to stay. And it’ll be fine. He knows the boundaries I’ve put up, and he’s always respected—”
Stephanie gave her a look, and Kelli clammed up.
Miles took the empty chair next to Kelli and pulled up to the table. Seeing their party complete, the server stopped to take their order. Miles bowed to the recommendations of the others as to which pizzas were good.
Cyd smiled at him when the server had gone. “So you grew up in Dallas, Miles?”
“Yes, in Plano. My parents both work for Texas Instruments, and I’ve followed in their footsteps, I guess.”
“Sounds great,” Cedric said. “What do you do for them?”
“Information systems. Your job sounds great too,” he added. “VP of an executive search firm? Hopefully I’ll move high enough up the ranks in corporate America to use your services one day.”
Cedric sipped his Coke. “I have no doubt.”
Miles turned to Kelli. “So you finished your first week on the job. Haven’t had a chance to ask how it went.”
“Real well. I love the project I’m working on, which happens to be for a ministry Cedric had a hand in starting.”
“And what’s the plan? You’ll keep looking for a real PR position while you’re doing that?”
Kelli’s brow wrinkled. “This is a real position, in communications.”
“Well, I mean it’s part-time, and it’s at a church . . . I’m assuming you still want a position at a boutique PR firm or corporation to start your career.”
“Actually, Miles,” Cedric said, “just so you know, Living Word is a church of thousands. Its ministries reach around the globe. The experience Kelli’s gaining there is a fabulous start to her career.”
“Sounds like a mini-corporation,” Miles said. “I didn’t realize it was that big.”
Even if it weren’t . . . Kelli chewed a piece of ice, slightly irked. She’d seen glimpses of this, Miles measuring a person’s worth based on his or her career, but he’d never done it to her. Maybe he just wanted the best for her, what he perceived to be the best anyway.
“Soooo, Miles,” Stephanie said, “what do you like to do in your spare time?”
“I’m an admitted workaholic, but when I can, I love to golf.”
Lindell leaned forward. “Seriously? I took it up last year. If you’re up for it, we can hit the links tomorrow while Kelli’s in the studi—ow!” He looked at Stephanie, who pretended she didn’t have a clue why.
Everyone but Miles was suddenly thirsty.
He looked at her. “That’s what you have to do tomorrow? Something in a studio? Is it job related?”
She set her glass down. “It’s . . . another project I’m working on. But I’ll definitely explain it all . . . later.” She