“What’s doin’, girl?” DeAndre stood up and placed a kiss on my cheek as Louis followed suit. “Love those shoes!” DeAndre remarked as he eyed up my Christian Louboutin peep-toe sling-back pumps.
“Oh, thanks, these were a super duper clearance find at Neiman Marcus.”
He placed his fingers over his lips to shush me. “You’re not supposed to tell anyone that.”
Louis ordered me a pinot grigio from the bar just as the hostess came over to let us know our table was ready. We took a seat and scanned the menus, and by the time the waiter came over, I realized I hadn’t come up for air since we sat down. I had told DeAndre and Louis all about my upcoming trip and how I quit my job on a whim.
“Well, we’re lucky we’ve been to this restaurant before and know the menu because missy here has not stopped talking,” DeAndre said to the waiter.
“Sorry.” I shrugged and smiled guiltily. Since this was one of my and DeAndre’s regular meeting spots, we did have the menu down pat, so we each ordered our usual, salmon a la pesto. Salmon topped with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and mushrooms in a pesto cream sauce. Louis, who was dining here for the first time, looked over the menu a little more carefully before settling on the filet mignon.
“Okay, back up the bus,” DeAndre said once the waiter took our order and walked away. “You quit your job?”
“I did. You know, it’s not like I hadn’t been thinking about it for a while. I guess I just finally had enough. I have more than enough money coming in with my consulting work. So I just decided I don’t need the bullshit anymore.” I took a piece of bread from the basket, broke it in half, and popped it in my mouth.
“Wow! That’s gotta feel empowering,” Louis remarked. “But at the same time are you a little nervous?”
“Surprisingly, I’m not. It was something I should’ve done a while ago, and if my consulting jobs dry up, I’m pretty sure I can find a job with another company.”
“Don’t you hate the way she lacks self-confidence?” DeAndre teased. I laughed because normally I didn’t have that much confidence in myself, but when it came to my work, I knew what I was capable of as well as my worth. I had competing companies contacting me all the time, and I foolishly chose to be loyal to Martin Landow. “Seriously though, Jillian, I think it’s great that you did it. Not to mention…maybe you’ll be able to extend your little trip and get to know Mr. Handsome a little better.”
I shook my head. “I’m going to England to visit Kate, not start some torrid love affair with her brother.”
Louis laughed. “DeAndre loves playing matchmaker!”
“I try.” DeAndre shrugged.
“Well, thanks for trying, but I’m not ready to get involved with anyone, especially not Theo,” I said.
“Okay, in all seriousness, I get that you’re not ready, but if you were ready, why not Theo?” DeAndre’s playful demeanor from moments ago turned more serious.
Why not Theo? That was a question that wasn’t as easy to answer as I thought. He was handsome, easy to talk to, and the perfect guy as far as friendship went. But I was fairly certain those perfections shifted once he crossed over to that next level of a relationship, and I wasn’t willing to take that chance. What was I even doing, toying around with such an idea? It wasn’t like he was interested in me in any way beyond a friend either. “I don’t know. He’s a good friend. His sister is a good friend and being in a relationship complicates things. I guess I wouldn’t want to ruin that friendship we have…not to mention, he lives too far away.”
“She’s right, DeAndre, the moment that next step is taken and sex is involved everything changes,” Louis added. “Plus, long-distance relationships are nearly impossible.”
“Thank you.” I patted Louis on the hand. “And, DeAndre, if and when I’m ever ready, I’ll make sure to get your input.”
“Deal,” he relented.
CHAPTER 13
THEO WAS WAITING for me as I made my way out of the baggage area. He had that same boyish look that was so hard to explain. On the outside he was a handsome man, but something about him still reminded me of an adorable mischievous little boy. He was dressed casually in jeans and a chambray oxford-type shirt that looked as if it could use a little ironing. His sunglasses were resting on top of his head, and for the first time I noticed the slight graying at his temples. Why was it that men always appeared more debonair with a smidge of gray, while women just looked old? It was such a double standard.
“Hey!” I greeted, wrapping him into a hug and inhaling his woodsy cologne.
He took my suitcase and wheeled it along until we reached a black BMW in the parking area. He popped the trunk and placed my bags inside, laughing and redirecting me when I started walking over to what would be the passenger side at home.
“Oops, forgot about that.” I grinned.
Kate lived in a town called Maidstone, about an hour or so away from the airport, and a half hour away from Theo’s house. Theo maneuvered effortlessly around the
