So it seemed tonight’s fun was about a heart-to-heart. Like the time they stayed up all night on the high school bleachers, talking.
“They’re in Europe. Still working all the time. When I was out west, they sold their house and bought a condo near the airport. We get together. When they’re in town.” Elizabeth knew his story, how his parents prioritized their career over him, leaving him alone with nannies until he was a teen. “I’m grateful to your family for adopting me. Jeff found me like a lost puppy and took me home.”
“I’m sorry your parents didn’t see you as their greatest achievement.”
“Will you see your children as your greatest achievement?” The pointed questions seemed a bit harsh, but he wanted to know.
“I must seem selfish and driven like your parents with all my talk of master’s degrees and Fortune 100 jobs, but it’s my only goal. I’ve never wanted anything else. Dad and I started talking about my career when I was in eighth grade. I worked hard to get into MIT. I overcame sickness to graduate. Now the end of the journey, the master’s degree…” She held up her fingers. “It’s so close. I can see it, smell it, taste it.”
“Too close to give up now.” Ryder held her gaze for a moment. “I understand. I came along late in my parents’ lives. Their identities were in their careers. They loved me in their way, but hauling a kid across Europe or through Asia was not their idea of a good time. Just count the cost of career over marriage and family, Elizabeth. They can’t all win.”
“No, I guess not.” She regarded him for a moment. “What about your brother? Where was he in all of this?”
“He was fifteen years older,” Ryder said. “I was three when he went to college. Nine when he got married and moved to North Carolina, where he was ensconced in his wife’s family.”
“You used to say you wanted nothing more than a family of your own.”
“We talked about it a lot that night on the bleachers.” Ryder set down his pizza, then took a sip of his soda. “Jeff told you I saved his life, but really he saved mine.”
“By inviting you into the family?”
“Yeah, it was Christmas, and my mom was stuck in London, and Dad in Taiwan or some place. Karl had gone skiing with his wife’s family. He said I could join them, but it felt like one of those obligatory invitations. Then Jeff came along, asked what I was doing over the holidays and invited me to stay with them. The tradition was for all the cousins, except the babies, to sleep over Christmas Eve at your grandparents’.”
“I mostly missed out on that tradition.”
“I was all in. Being with the Dorsey clan felt more like family than my sister-in-law’s.”
“We do have a strong family vibe, don’t we?” Elizabeth opened a package of wet wipes. The pizza was good and greasy.
“Yes, and that story made me sound like a sad sack if ever there was one. I’m bringing down the whole vibe. How did you like that pizza?”
“For what it’s worth, Ryder”—Elizabeth leaned toward him—“the Dorsey family loves you like their own. You’ll always have a place at Granny’s table. And what’s not to love about Angelo’s? Best pizza in the state.”
The server refilled their drinks and asked about dessert. Elizabeth said tiramisu in harmony with Ryder.
“One piece, two spoons.”
The jukebox changed to Frank Sinatra singing “The Way You Look Tonight.” Ryder slid out of the booth and offered his hand. “Can I have this dance?”
“I’m not a good dancer,” she said, scooting out of the booth, suddenly shy, feeling awkward.
“That’s okay. I am.” Ryder led her to the small corner dance floor.
“Even with your bum knee?”
“I forget about my knee when you’re around.” Ryder slipped one hand around her waist and held her hand with the other. Slowly, they began to turn, inching closer and closer until she rested her chin on his broad, firm shoulder. Ryder rested his cheek against her hair. “Have I told you you look very pretty tonight?”
She shook her head, warming all over. She’d gotten a few compliments from guys in her life, but never ones that made her swoon. Yet this wasn’t supposed to be a date. This was just two friends dining out, having fun.
When the song ended, he looked into her eyes, but she stepped out of his arms. “We should get back to the table. Our tiramisu has arrived.”
It was an excuse, but it got her out of the Ryder swirl.
Three bites into a creamy, coffee-soaked ladyfinger, Elizabeth’s pulse found its normal beat. Even if she wasn’t so determined about her MBA, she was definitely determined about love. Another moment in his arms and he might have tried to kiss her, and she could not let that happen.
When the server brought the check, she said, “You two make a cute couple.”
“Oh, we’re just friends,” Elizabeth said. A little too loud. A little too forceful.
