felt a twinge of disappointment. What would Allison look like flirting? What would she sound like? She was so straightforward, so genuine and direct, it was hard to imagine her giving a sidelong glance or a sultry smile or using that low, sweet voice to make an innuendo.
Not that she needed to do any of that. She was taking her first sip of the wine and he couldnât take his eyes off her. She set the glass back down on the table and smiled at him.
âWow. I mean⦠wow. â
âI thought youâd like it,â he said, feeling pleased. He was watching her taste it again when he noticed a familiar face a few tables away.
âJackpot,â he said, and Allison started to turn her head.
âNo, donât look,â he said quickly. âMy God, this is perfectâeven better than the Gazette reporter who just came in and sat down at the bar.â
âWhatâs perfect?â she whispered, leaning toward him.
He grinned at her. âMy grandmotherâs best friendis here tonight, and she just got up from her table. Iâm happy to report that weâre between her and the restroom. Weâll be seeing her in about ten seconds.â
Rick managed to look surprised when the silver-haired woman paused at their table. âShirley! I didnât know you were here tonight.â He rose to his feet politely, giving the older woman a quick peck on the cheek. Allison had risen to her feet, as well.
âMrs. Donovan, how nice to see you,â she said.
Shirley looked startled. âItâs nice to see you, too, Allison.â
âMrs. Donovan is one of the Star Foundationâs patrons,â Allison explained to Rick, who was obviously surprised that the women knew each other.
âFor goodnessâ sakes, call me Shirley. Iâve known you for three years.â Her sharp black eyes flickered between the two of them. âI must admit Iâm a bit surprised to see the two of you together. Are you here on aââ
âDate? You bet,â Rick said, smiling at Allison.
âWell, well. Youâll pardon me, dear boy, if I say that I admire your taste more than Allisonâs. No offense, of course.â
âNone taken,â Rick murmured. He knew Shirleyâs opinion of him was about on par with his grandmotherâs.
âAllison is a person whom I admireâand whom Iâve tried to fix up with my nephew several times. With no success, I might add. How did this good-looking rascal convince you to go out with him?â
Rick was about to answer for her, not wanting Allison to feel on the spot, but he never got the chance. âI lost a bet,â Allison said cheerfully.
Shirley blinked. âA bet?â
âRick said I couldnât beat him at darts after five shotsof whiskey, and of course I had to take him on. My honor was at stake.â
âOf course,â Shirley said, starting to smile. Rick was looking at Allison with his eyebrows raised.
âAlas, it turns out that Rick is some kind of darts prodigy. If his company ever folds, he could fall back on a career as a barroom hustler. His winnings were a date with me, and the rest is history.â
âI see,â Shirley said, shaking her head but still smiling. âIâll have to tell my nephew heâs been using the wrong approach. Richard, I trust youâll treat this young lady well. Sheâs not like your usual dinner companions.â
âBelieve me, Iâm finding that out.â
Rick watched her walk away, noting that she didnât make it five paces before she was pulling her cell phone out of her purse. Unless he missed his guess, his grandmother was about to get a call.
He turned back to Allison, who was grinning at him.
âI didnât realize you had such a gift for storytelling,â he said as they sat down again.
âWell, now you know.â
âOn the bright side, I take it you still feel relaxed.â
âI do.
1802-1870 Alexandre Dumas