Or maybe Kane was just leaving them since it looked as if they were finishing up their lunch.
Rather than go in the other direction, she asked the hostess, “Can I have that table right there?”
The one next to Daniel and Diana.
“Sure, go on, your server will be right over.”
She walked in and pulled the chair out and sat.
“Afternoon, Daniel. Hi, Diana. I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m Gale Ridgeway.”
“Of course she remembers you,” Daniel said. “So nice to see you again. Remember, Diana, Gale is Ford’s sister. She’s an attorney in the area.”
The sour pucker face of Diana’s told her that maybe she was talked about more than she cared to know. “I know who you are,” Diana said.
Daniel was looking her over like he always did. Dirty old man. She was used to it. She had to admit Kane was too annoyed just now to give his normal perusal of her body.
Going to give this a little nudge. She slowly crossed her legs, her skirt rising some. Daniel’s eyes zoomed to her knees. Predictable creep.
“How are things going with that writer friend of yours?” Daniel asked. “I heard you were dating and he’s staying with you now?”
That got to Daniel faster than she thought. Guess people talked over the weekend too.
“He is,” she said. “Until he goes back home. We’re going to try the long distance thing at some point. I heard he talked with you and Kane about his documentary.”
“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Daniel said. “I told Diana that too. She’s not so sure, but she doesn’t understand the business like me.”
“If Kane is worried it could bring negativity to the area or potential job loss, then you should listen to him.” Diana said.
“I taught Kane everything he knows and he’s going to remember that,” Daniel said, his voice dripping with more sarcasm than water from a wet rag. “I’m nowhere near ready to retire, so you both better get it out of your heads.”
Interesting bit of news to put aside. Her server came over and took her drink order, gave her a menu, then dropped the bill on Daniel’s table.
He wasn’t doing that great of a job of hiding his wandering eye there either.
Might as well poke the bear some more. “I’ve run into Rocco a few times on the property. Guess Cindy Fryer has had some issues.” Diana snorted and rolled her eyes.
“Cindy always has something to say,” Daniel said. “I’m sure you can handle her.”
“I can handle everyone and everything that comes my way. But when I was talking to Rocco, he mentioned his mother had worked for you for years and then retired. Cindy was discussing retirement and staying in the area or going someplace warm.”
Daniel looked at his wife who was more interested in her phone than paying attention to the conversation. “My wife would like to retire somewhere warm also. It’s a sore subject.”
“Ahh,” she said. “Hence letting Kane take over. I get it, Diana. My father would love for my mother to cut back, but she says she’s not ready.”
“It’s not as if your parents have the same financial stability as us,” Diana said with her nose in the air. “We moved here once against my wishes. There were plenty of other places to go. I’m not sure why we can’t go where I want now. That was the original plan.”
“Now, now, Diana. Let’s not air out our dirty laundry. When I’m ready to retire or cut back, we can travel more, but for now, there is no reason to leave.”
“So you say,” Diana said.
Daniel winked at her, and it felt as if bugs were crawling under her skin.
The server returned to get her order and take Daniel’s bill with his credit card. “Put Gale’s lunch on mine.”
“No, no,” she said. “Thank you, I appreciate it, but please don’t.” She was firm with the server who nodded her head.
“Why won’t you let me take care of your lunch?” Daniel asked.
