A few people gasp.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I say sincerely, and he nods.
“Thank you, it was a while ago. But I just recently stopped wearing the ring,” he says, glancing at his empty ring finger.
“When he first spoke to me, he had it on, and I told him I don’t go on dates with married men.” Delaney giggles, then reaches out and grips his hand where it rests on the table. He takes it in his as he wipes his mouth with his napkin with the other. James has a receding hairline, and while he says all the right things, something is definitely off about him.
I just don’t know what.
“He told me about his wife, and, well, I agreed to go out with him not long after.” She smiles at us, still holding his hand.
“Best decision I made was asking you on a date.” James smiles warmly at her.
The rest of the night goes smoothly. I drink four glasses of champagne and am glad I have a driver to take me home. After dessert, most everyone takes off, leaving only Delaney, James, and me.
“Del tells me you’re a big name in real estate around here,” James says as I sit across from him. Delaney is in the kitchen, grabbing another bottle of champagne.
“I sure am.”
“And do you enjoy it? I hear it’s a cutthroat business.”
“I do. I’ve been doing it for many years.”
“I see.” He nods. “Is that why you’ve never married?”
“Who told you I was never married?” I raise a brow at him.
“I guessed, to be honest. You don’t have a ring, and you seem career-focused.”
“I am. I love my job. A woman doesn’t need a man to feel secure in her life,” I tell him with a smile, even though that smile is fake and his words feel more like an insult.
“Yes, I guess that’s true. But it helps, right?”
I don’t answer him as Delaney walks back in. She pours us another glass, but I stand to leave.
“I have to get going, but it was lovely to meet you, James. Delaney, walk me out, please.”
She nods, then leans down and kisses James on the cheek, telling him she’ll be right back.
When we get outside, and after I’ve made sure my driver is waiting, I turn to her. “This is what you want?” I ask, putting on my jacket.
Her brows pinch together as she looks at me. “What do you mean?”
I nod toward the door. “Him. Is this what you want?”
“Yes, but I’m unsure why you’re even asking me that question. Do you not like him?”
“I don’t know him well enough not to like him, but there’s something odd there, Delaney. I trust your judgment, but I had to ask.”
She hugs herself. “I like him a lot.”
“Good. I just wanted to be sure.” And to see if she’s seen any red flags. But, from her words, she hasn’t. “I love you. Have the best weekend away. Call me if you need anything.”
She pulls me in for a hug and whispers, “He’s good. He’s one of the good ones. I swear.”
I hug her back and hope to God she’s right. Her last relationship wasn’t the best; the guy treated her like shit. But since then, she has gone through so much.
I just hope and pray she’s seeing correctly and not with rose-colored glasses.
