change.
My black Mercedes was parked near the elevator. I got in with a sense of resignation. I’d let her down easy, which would hopefully minimize the fallout. And if she did come after me, I’d handle it. As with any business deal, there were always work-arounds. Ways to cope with challenges and unforeseen problems.
Tulio was an upscale Italian restaurant. Small. Nice atmosphere. Good food. Svetlana wasn’t here yet, so I waited near the front.
I didn’t need to look up from my phone to know she’d arrived a few minutes later. The stir she caused wherever she went heralded her entrance.
Svetlana was beautiful in every sense of the word—physically, at least—and people noticed her. She’d been blessed with the best of nearly every feature, and had bought the rest. Perfect facial symmetry. Large eyes. Sleek nose. Full lips. Stunning curves. Just enough of her Bulgarian accent remained so she sounded pleasantly exotic.
She smiled at me, but I didn’t return it. Just nodded to the hostess that we were ready to be seated. We followed her to a table near the back. Svetlana paused while I pulled out her chair, but I didn’t kiss or touch her.
Her lower lip protruded as she took her seat. “You’re especially cold tonight.”
She hadn’t asked me a question, so I didn’t give her an answer. Just took off my coat and sat across from her.
“I have no idea what to order here,” she said, looking at the menu. “Everything has carbs.”
“Hmm,” I said, ignoring her thinly veiled complaint about my restaurant choice.
The waitress came back and asked if we’d like something to drink.
“Should we get a bottle of wine?” she asked.
“Nothing for me.”
She scowled and plucked the drink menu off the table. “Pomegranate martini, then.”
“I’ll be back with your drink,” the waitress said. “Then I can take your order.”
I decided I wasn’t ordering dinner. I had too much work to do.
“Svetlana, I’ve booked a ten-day vacation for two at an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii.” I reached into my jacket and pulled out an envelope with the information she would need. “Everything will be taken care of. Flights. Meals. Drinks. Even entertainment.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, Shepherd, are you serious?”
“Yes, but I won’t be joining you.” I put the envelope in front of her. “You’re welcome to take anyone you’d like. Get in touch with my assistant to finalize the details. I’ve enjoyed your company the last couple of months, but we won’t be seeing each other anymore.”
Her mouth dropped open and she stared at me. “You’re leaving me?”
Leaving me. It wasn’t the fact that English was her second language that made her choose that phrase. It made it sound as if I were divorcing her, not ending a casual fling.
“This has run its course,” I said.
“And what is that?” she asked, gesturing to the envelope. “You never take me anywhere, and now you’re getting rid of me by sending me on vacation by myself?”
“I said you can take whomever you like.”
“I can’t be bought, Shepherd.”
I raised an eyebrow. That was a fucking lie if I’d ever heard one. “Indeed. I thought it might be a pleasant distraction.” I plucked the envelope off the table. “But if you think I’ve insulted you, apparently I judged wrong. My apologies.”
Knowing she’d ask for it back, I made a show of tucking it back into my pocket.
“Well…” She paused and rolled her eyes. “I might as well use it, if it’s already booked.”
I set the envelope in front of her just as the waitress came back with her martini. I looked at the waitress. “Her dinner is on me. She can order whatever she’d like.”
“Of course, Mr. Calloway,” the waitress said.
I stood and grabbed my coat. “Good night.”
Without waiting for a reply from either Svetlana or the waitress, I turned and left.
That had gone much better than expected. In a few days, Svetlana would be off to Hawaii. When she returned, I had no doubt she’d find someone new. A woman like that wouldn’t be alone for long.
I would be, however. Having a woman in my life had never been anything but a complication. A distraction.
A disappointment.
Pushing aside the thoughts of Svetlana—and my dissatisfaction with dating in general—I went to my car. I had work to do tonight.
4
Everly
The little bistro my sister and sister-in-law had chosen for dinner was adorable. It was colorful, with funky decor and a great menu. I found them already at a table, leaning in close together and laughing about something.
Annie was three years younger than me,