When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,35
in front of anyone was mortifying enough, but I had to do it in front of this man of all people. But I liked that he was observant and engaging with me. For a little while, I’d forgotten he might be married, and I brushed away any attention he had given me. He was being nice—that was all.
Lights went on when the movie ended. I squinted in the brightness. Some parents left in a hurry, while others gathered to talk to each other as their children chased each other around the room.
After we filed out of our row, I waited by the entrance door with Tyler. He wanted to chat with his friends before we left.
“That was awesome,” Tyler said. “I want to see it again.”
Leonardo and I stood next to each other and waited patiently for the kids to give us a green light to go home. While we listened to the kids’ conversation, occasionally our gazes met, and then I looked away with a smile.
“That was fun,” Bridget said.
Leonardo cleared his throat. “I’m glad you had fun, Bridget. But, it’s time to go home.”
Before he could take a step, I said, “Thank you for the popcorn suggestion again.” I raised my voice amidst the voices and shuffling of chairs. “Oh, you forgot to stop by to pick up Cupid.”
Leonardo blinked as if he remembered something. “Thank you for the reminder. I had meetings all day and I couldn’t make it. You’re still holding it for me, right?”
I wrung a strand of hair around my ear. “Yes, of course. You already paid for it. We can hold onto it as long as you like. Pick it up at your leisure.”
“Thank you. Well, have a nice evening.” He dipped his head, a goodbye gesture.
I pivoted to leave when someone came between us.
“Oh, there you are, Lee.” Jessica linked her arm with his. “It’s hard to find people when they’re all bunched up together.” She stroked his arm, batting her eyelashes.
Either she was single or not a very good wife. Looked like shopping with her son meant shopping for herself. Jessica wore a stunning black dress, showing more than she should at a family event. A crystal necklace and earrings sparkled on her neck and at her ears, and a Louis Vuitton purse hung over her shoulder.
Leonardo stiffened and slowly retrieved his arm. “Can I help you with something?”
From his professional tone, they weren’t lovers or even friends.
“You already have.” She giggled. “Just having you here at our little soiree makes me happy. You make people smile, Lee. It was wonderful of you to donate your time and this place. I love charity work. It’s so rewarding. We should host something together. Can I call you?”
I wanted to puke at her fake voice and her transparent pickup line. Leonardo met my gaze with a panicked help me look. I snickered at that. Poor guy. I had turned to sneak away when Leonardo spoke.
“Have you met Miss Summers?”
“Yes, I have. Hello.” Jessica gave me a one-second glance before turning back to her main goal. “So, what do you say, Lee? Put our efforts together for a good cause?”
“My name is Leonardo, but let me see if I can fit it in my schedule. My assistant will contact you if I have time.”
His name is Leonardo, but his friends call him Lee. The cab driver’s words. Clearly, she was not his friend.
“Oh.” She drew back her shoulders, surprised. “I see. That’s fine. When you’re not busy then.” Jessica glimpsed my way, her cheeks coloring. “Well, I better go find my son. Thanks, bye.” She hurried off in her towering heels.
Leonardo rolled his eyes and scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry about—”
“Don’t apologize.” I let out a light laugh. “I’m sorry I didn’t save you, but you did fine on your own.”
He offered a crooked smile and gazed into my eyes. We stayed like that for who knew how long until a man stepped between us and introduced himself to Leonardo. I backed away a step. The more people surrounded him to thank him, the farther I retreated.
My vision narrowed until I saw only him. Even as he chatted with the other parents, he met my gaze often and gifted me that gorgeous smile, as if he didn’t want to let me go.
I fought the urge to stay and finally broke away from this spellbinding moment to search for Tyler, leaving Leonardo alone to deal with the appreciative community.
He might be taken,