me last night, he never mentioned it was his charity named after his sister.
“Lee...” I leaned closer so he could hear. “Why didn’t you tell me about the raffle tickets and the baskets? I feel horrible. I should contribute.”
“That’s okay.” He placed a hand over mine, resting on the table. “I asked you to come yesterday. Please, don’t worry about it. And I ordered you salmon. But if you prefer chicken or beef, you can let the waiter know.”
“I’m fine. I like salmon. Thank you.”
“There’s someone I would like you to meet as soon as I find him.” He glanced around. “Anyway, let me know what you think of him.”
Had he asked me to come with him to set me up with his friend? I didn’t want to assume, so I agreed politely.
While we ate, I made small talk with Cindy, who sat next to me. She showed me pictures of her son and her cats. Lee and I didn’t talk much, but that was to be expected. At least he didn’t leave me alone. After dessert, people mingled about, but we stayed seated at our table chatting away.
Lee waved. A man, possibly late twenties, came to our table. Lee rose and they exchanged a manly hug, a quick pat on the back.
“Where have you been hiding?” The man’s green eyes gleamed.
“Hiding?” Lee chuckled. “Stop trying to blame this on me. You were late.”
“As usual.” The man laughed and took a drink from his glass. “Who’s this beautiful woman? She can’t possibly be your date.”
“Not a date. This is Kate. Kate, this is my good friend, Ian Bordonaro. We grew up together.”
I rose to greet Ian and extended a hand.
Not a date. Well, that answered my question. Unexpectedly, his words stung. That’s what you get for getting too attached. Abby was right. I was grateful today was the last day. Yes, I had told my sister Lee and I were just friends, but a part of me wanted more. I just hadn’t wanted to admit it.
Lee didn’t want me. Maybe for a romp in the art room, but not for charity dinners and the like. He wanted someone like that Cassie woman he’d gone out with. He’d only asked me to be polite, a spur-of-the-moment thing. He knew about Steve, so he was involving our family in his cancer research foundation. Lee was being nice, paying it forward.
Ian kissed the back of my cold hand and let go. The candlelight glistened against his pretty brown eyes, sharp nose, and high cheekbones.
“Nice to meet you.” I gave a cordial smile.
“It’s my pleasure,” Ian said.
“Did you come alone?” Lee asked Ian.
“I did.”
“Good. You can join us.” Lee indicated the chair next to him.
Everyone else had left to mingle with others so there were plenty of empty seats.
After Ian sat, he leaned forward, his voice almost drowned out by the music. “So, Kate. Lee told me you’re visiting from Los Angeles. Are you planning to go back?”
Not a date, Lee had said.
“Yes. I haven’t quit my job, but if I don’t go back, they’ll fire me.” I let out a light laugh.
“Well, that’s unfortunate.” He chuckled.
Five minutes later, Lee excused himself to get more wine.
Ian scooted to Lee’s chair. “Are you having fun?”
His question threw me off. I took a sip of wine to delay my answer. “Yes. How about you?”
Ian shifted, leaning his elbow on the table. “To be honest, I don’t like going to these events. I’m only here to support Lee. He’s like a brother to me. We went to the same preschool, and we even went to the same college just so we could be together.”
“That’s sweet,” I murmured.
“Lee is a great guy. He’s always thinking of others before himself. He doesn’t have anyone special in his life and he’s always trying to set me up.”
“He’s the pay-it-forward guy.” I wondered why I said that. It came off a bit sarcastic.
“Excuse me?”
“Oh, nothing. Are you a businessman like Lee?”
“Yes.”
As Ian talked about work, his words went in one ear and out the other. Lee hadn’t come back. It felt like he’d purposely left Ian and me alone. There was no doubt Lee had invited me to set me up with Ian.
I slid back my chair to excuse myself when I spotted Lee. A woman had her hand planted on his arm, and another woman stood beside him, giggling and sipping wine.
Lee said he wasn’t dating because of Bridget. Perhaps it was partially true, but maybe he didn’t want to