“You do?” I wanted to hear his take. We might be lovers, but we were still learning about each other.
“Of course.”
Our Uber lurched to a stop at a red light. We were on our way to a sushi place on Columbus Avenue we could’ve walked to, but it had started to rain. The bright lights from the passing streetlights flickered over his face as the Uber took off again, and his golden brows drew together.
“Parties and premieres and all the social events are part of my job, Roe. They aren’t how I willingly want to spend my free time. It gets tiring standing around making small talk and eating finger food all night. When I was in my twenties, it was fun to say I went to this or that opening, but it quickly got old. I’m tired of the fly-by-nights. I want what Ross and Arden have. Stability. Trust and love.”
“I do too.”
He took my hand and squeezed. “Then we’re good. I’m all in with this relationship. I know we have things to work on and work out, but I didn’t come back to you to play games.”
Warmed by his words, I kissed him. “Then we’re on the same page.”
Carmen and Amy sat at a corner table in the half-full restaurant. After a round of hugs and hellos, we sat facing them. Carmen’s sharp gaze traveled between Ezra and me, while Amy’s placid yet knowing smile led me to believe they already had an idea what this dinner was about.
“So,” Carmen said in her direct way, “anything new you want to tell us?”
Ezra nudged me. “Might as well start from the beginning.”
I relayed the story from the beginning, but it wasn’t until I revealed my grandmother’s scheme that they both burst into laughter. Some of the other diners frowned in our direction, while the rest I could tell would’ve loved to know what we were talking about.
“Nettie for the win.” Amy pumped her hand in the air while Carmen wiped her eyes and let out another peal of laughter.
“Roe, I have to say, I know you probably didn’t find it funny when it was happening, but that is some seriously hilarious shit.”
“I’m glad you find my love life amusing.” I arched a brow and took a sip of my water.
“I’m glad you finally have one we can laugh about,” Carmen shot back at me. “I told you when we met Ezra, the man wasn’t a player. He really cared. Plus, he’s still so damn fine.”
Preening a bit, Ezra tipped his glass to Carmen. “Why, thank you. Roe makes fun of me, but looking good is part of my business.”
“You must meet so many famous people.” Amy propped her chin on her fist. “Are they nice, or do they have a different face for the public?”
“I’d rather talk about new faces I’ve discovered since returning to New York. Like you. I’ve looked up your work, and I’m really impressed with your use of mixed media. Do you have an agent representing you for gallery placement?”
Surprised at his pitch, I wanted to break into their conversation and tell him Amy wasn’t interested, but she beat me to it and shocked the hell out of me.
“I don’t, but I’d love to talk about it.”
“Really?” I asked. “I didn’t think you wanted to be featured in galleries.”
“Why?” she responded. “I’m looking for exposure like anyone else. I’m not above making money.”
Chastened, I ducked my head. “I’m sorry, Amy. That was silly of me.”
Ezra took out a card. “We should talk. I’d love to help you. Call me.”
On cue, Ezra’s phone buzzed, and he slipped it out of his pocket, glanced at the screen, and put it away. The relentless buzzing continued, but Ezra ignored it.
“What’s going on? Is that your parents?”
Ducking my question, he picked up the menu. “I’m hungry. How’s the sashimi here?”
“Ezra.” Frustrated by his avoidance, I put my hand on his arm. “You should talk to them.”
Carmen and Amy stayed silent yet watchful. The noisy chatter from the other restaurant patrons rose around us yet remained somehow muted, as if we sat in a bubble.
He shook me off without meeting my eyes. “I don’t want to.”
