She smiled. “I like a man who’s not ashamed to exhibit a modicum of modesty.”
“I can assure you that I’m not that modest.”
Lamar’s modesty wasn’t the only thing Nydia liked about him. He projected a confidence she rarely found in the men with whom she had been involved. She’d only had two romantic relationships: one as a graduate student and the last one with Danny, and the two men were as different as day and night. She’d made the drastic mistake of sleeping with her taxation professor, who’d conveniently neglected to tell her that he was married and that his wife was living in California caring for her elderly, invalid parents. In that relationship not only was she his appetizer, side dish, but also the deceitful man’s dessert.
She knew very little about Lamar other than what he’d shown her. He was a father who wanted the best for his daughter and had made education a priority for her. Nydia had asked him many questions, despite telling Jasmine she didn’t want to get into the man’s business, because she enjoyed listening to his speech pattern validating he was truly a New Orleanian.
The frivolity was still in effect when they returned to the ballroom. The DJ was spinning upbeat tunes, the dance floor was crowded, bartenders were busy pouring and mixing drinks, and there were lines two deep at the dessert stations. Nydia scanned the crowd for Jasmine but failed to see her.
She eased her hand from Lamar’s elbow. “I’m going to see if I can find Jasmine.” The corners of her mouth lifted as she smiled. “Thank you for the dance, and I really enjoyed talking with you.”
Lamar’s lids lowered, hiding his innermost feelings from her. “Can I count on a repeat?”
“Dancing or talking?” she teased.
He suddenly appeared startled by her suggestion, but then recovered quickly when he said, “Talking. And if that goes well, then I wouldn’t mind dancing with you again.”
“Call me and if our schedules don’t clash, then perhaps we can work something out.”
Liar, liar, pants on fire,the voice in her head taunted her as soon as the words rolled off her tongue. She’d told herself that she doubted whether she would ever see Lamar Pierce again, yet in a moment of madness she had not only given him her phone number but also permission for him to call her.
Lamar inclined his head. “Thank you.”
Nydia smiled up at him through a fringe of lashes. “You’re welcome. And I bet you’ll forget my number.” She turned her back on him, not seeing his startled expression with her unexpected departure. She had said all she wanted and needed to say to the single father who apparently hadn’t let go of his dead wife, because he continued to wear his wedding ring. Lamar was someone she would think of as a friend, but nothing beyond that.
Her life was still too unsettled to even consider dating. Nydia realized she had until the end of October to decide whether she would take over the lease in Tonya’s apartment, which meant she wouldn’t be able to invest in Hannah’s DuPont Inn. She also needed to secure employment with a salary and benefits package commensurate with her education and work experience. Even after she secured permanent employment, she would continue to maintain the books of the three restaurateurs. The money she earned from the part-time gig she planned to invest in her retirement fund.
During her convalescence she’d had her father drive her to each of the restaurants to meet with the owners to set up a computer program where they would electronically input the work hours on each of their employees for her to generate computerized paychecks. Nydia had also recommended a system where payroll checks would be directly deposited into the workers’ bank accounts. However, much to her disappointment, too many of the employees did not have checking accounts but relied on check cashing companies that charged them what she considered excessive fees.
She found Cameron laughing and talking with his frat brothers. She managed to get his attention, and he excused himself. He’d shed his tie, tuxedo jacket, and undone several buttons on the dress shirt. His deeply tanned face was flushed with high color, which made his blue-gray eyes appear lighter than usual. Prisms of light from an overhead chandelier reflected off the silver in his light-brown hair.
“I’m sorry to pull you away from your friends, but I’m looking for Jasmine.”
“Jasmine left and went upstairs a few minutes ago. She said she’s exhausted. And please don’t apologize, Nydia. I’ve never said this, but I have to you to thank for this day.”
A slight frown appeared between her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“Jasmine told me if you hadn’t encouraged her to go out with me when I sent her that text, this night would’ve never happened. I knew she was special when I first laid eyes on her, but I didn’t get to know how special until our first date. Jasmine and I have decided if we have a girl we’re going to name her Nydia.”
Nydia shook her head. “You don’t have to do that. Becoming godmother to your son or daughter is an honor I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Lowering his head, Cameron pressed his mouth to her hair. “Thank you.”
“It has been a long day for Jasmine, and I know you guys are flying to Cabo San Lucas in the morning, so tell her I’ll see her when you come back. Congratulations again. I’m also going to turn in.Buenas noches.”
Cameron had surprised Jasmine several days ago when he announced he had planned a weeklong honeymoon at the Mexican resort. He’d confided to Nydia, and she agreed that Jasmine needed to slow down and not concern herself with looking for items to decorate their new home once the extensive renovations were completed.
Cameron winked at her.“Bonne nuit.”
* * *
Nydia didn’t realize how tired she was until she entered the suite and kicked off her shoes. Exhaustion swept over her like a powerful wave as she walked into the bathroom. She removed her makeup, brushed her teeth, and took a quick shower. Twenty minutes later, an audible sigh slipped past her parted lips when she crawled into bed and pulled the sheet and lightweight blanket up over her limp body. Within seconds of turning off the bedside lamp, Nydia sank into the comforting arms of Morpheus.
* * *
Lamar waited three days before he called Nydia’s cell phone. He’d synched his phone with his car’s Bluetooth feature. It rang three times before he heard her greeting.
“Hola.”
