Free Interview with Love by Lisa Y. Watson Page B

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    â€œSure, Sienna is a wonderful lady. She’s smart, has an unusual sense of humor and she’s flat out beautiful.”
    â€œDoes she have a sister?”
    Vaughn laughed. “I don’t know. Like I said we haven’t exactly had a chance to converse much.” He nudged her. “Playing matchmaker for your dad again?”
    â€œSomebody needs to. All he does is work.”
    â€œHe wants to make sure you are well provided for, Angel.”
    Angella turned her face toward the window. “Because mom’s gone,” she said, flatly.
    Vaughn felt that familiar tug in his chest whenever Carlton’s wife was mentioned. She’d died when Angella was only three. Vaughn took his godfather duties very seriously and had immediately stepped in to help his best friend cope with losing his wife and raising a toddler. He took her hand in his. “Sweety, are you okay?”
    â€œI just want daddy to be happy.” she sniffed.
    â€œAngel, he is. Each day he gets to wake up to your smiling face makes him happy.”
    She turned toward him. “How do you know?”
    â€œBecause he told me. That was a direct quote from him, kiddo.”
    That made her smile. That one gesture made Vaughn’s heart lighter. He took the off-ramp onto Route 55 heading toward Apex. “Wanna stop at McDonald’s and get a McFlurry?”
    â€œDad would kill me if I had something sweet this close to bedtime,” Angella replied automatically.
    Vaughn noticed that she didn’t say no. He grinned. “Oreo or M&M’s?”
    Angella’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Oreo. Definitely Oreo.”
    An hour later, Vaughn was sitting on the patio with Carlton having a beer. He took a swig, and then sat the bottle down on the glass table. “You have some explaining to do.”
    Carlton’s eyebrow rose. “Really? About what?”
    â€œLet’s start with why my goddaughter is inquiring about a possible date for me with Sienna Lambert.”
    His friend had the temerity to chuckle. “I suppose she may have overheard us on the phone.”
    Vaughn rolled his eyes. “Ya think?”
    â€œWhat’s the big deal? I think you ought to consider asking the woman out.”
    â€œI did, remember? She turned me down. I was hoping to get to know her better, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to work out.”
    This time it was Carlton’s turn to roll his eyes. “You’re in advertising, Vaughn. Since when don’t you have another pitch on hand?”
    Vaughn was thoughtful for a moment. He glanced over at his friend. “There’s more. Angel thinks it’s high time you got out there as well. You know, look for something serious.”
    Carlton sat his beer down. “She said that?”
    â€œYep. She wants you to be happy. She asked me if Sienna has a sister.”
    â€œDoes she?”
    â€œYou two are definitely related,” Vaughn said, dryly. “I’ll tell you like I told your offspring. How do I know? Sienna and I haven’t talked long enough to cover any personal details, so back to you.”
    Vaughn couldn’t see his buddy’s face, but the timbre in his voice when he spoke was tortured. “I can’t.”
    Silence permeated the night. Eventually, Vaughn spoke. “Carl, I am absolutely the last person that would ever try to diminish your grief, but it’s been six years. You don’t think you’re ready to go past casual dates?”
    Carlton looked over at his friend. Sadness etched his features. “I can’t,” he repeated.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI love her too damn much.”
    Vaughn lowered his head. “I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to push.”
    â€œYou weren’t. I know it’s what Angella wants—more than anything, but I just can’t extend myself that far. Not yet, at any rate.”
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    By the time Vaughn arrived home it was