Irene and Robert exchanged a glance, and I had a feeling they were doing more than golfing and walking.
“Come see what your son’s put together,” I said.
I led them into the dining room, where Vance was at the cheese table, explaining the pinot noir pairing to Alex and Gillian.
“Hey, Mom.” Vance’s face lit up. He crossed the room to hug Irene before turning his attention to Robert. “You brought a friend?”
“Yes, this is Robert,” Irene said.
“Nice to meet you.” Vance looked him up and down but managed a friendly smile. “Are you a wine guy?”
“I am indeed,” Robert said. “I lived in France in my twenties.”
“No way?” Vance said. “Where?”
The doorbell rang before I could hear his answer. It was Dorian, carrying a wrapped package and looking his usual buttoned-down self in a light blue shirt and dark jacket.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said. “Had to close up.”
“You’re right on time. Come in.”
He handed me the package. “For the house. Just something small.”
“That’s sweet, even though I said no gifts.”
“Yes, but my mother taught me never to show up empty-handed.” A shadow crossed his face at the mention of her.
“You must miss her.”
“Every day. I’ve finally stopped picking up my phone to text her, though.”
“Oh, Dorian, that’s so hard.”
“Saying goodbye to those we love is part of life, I guess. But yes, it’s hard.”
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Starved.”
I led him into the dining room, where everyone was gathering. Delphine stood by the window chatting with Gillian.I glanced up at Dorian, surprised to see his gaze resting for a moment on her face.
“She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?” I asked quietly.
“Undeniably so.”
“She’s single, you know,” I said.
“Seraphina mentioned that.” Dorian chuckled. “Your children must have inherited your proclivity for meddling.”
That made me laugh. “Are we that obvious?”
“I’m going to be brave and actually talk to her tonight,” Dorian said. “Last time she came into the shop, I acted like I’d suddenly forgotten English. It was a disaster.”
“Come on, let’s go talk to her now,” I said.
We wandered over. “Ladies, look who it is—our favorite bookstore owner.”
“Evening. Nice to see you,” Dorian said.
