“Ooo, Dylan, you look good enough to eat.”
Her teasing comment drew Rae and Zabala’s attention, and they stared. Dylan’s ears went hot. Her remark matched her text messages and the few telephone chats they’d had. After Jasmine’s comment, he’d found Cynthia’s YouTube channel and watched a few of her videos where she discussed interior design issues. She had a nice balance between talking business with peers and keeping things simple for people like him who knew nothing about it. She was well spoken, though she did tend to turn flirty whenever she had a male guest on her show.
He’d thought he was used to it. However, in the very public parking lot, in front of Rae and his father’s business partner, it seemed to draw attention to Dylan’s inadequacies. He’d never been into that kind of girl himself, so he hoped she wasn't putting too much stock into their little date. It was obvious to him “they” weren’t going to connect, even if he hadn’t already been into Rae.
Cynthia moved toward him in a fluid, graceful motion that seemed to ooze sex appeal. She had Zabala’s attention for sure. With Rae on his arm, he watched—practically drooling—as Dylan’s date approached. If Rae’s smirk hadn’t shown how it amused her, he’d have been angry on her behalf. He took his cue from her and greeted Cynthia with a kiss on the cheek. He met Rae’s gaze and gave a small eye roll which almost made her laugh out loud.
His shoulders relaxed for the first time. Dylan was glad she was there with him. They were bound to laugh over it when the double date was over. He wished all their dates could be doubles. It might actually be fun.
“The other couple is over there.” He offered Cynthia his arm at the same time he indicated Rae and Zabala.
He knew it as soon as Cynthia met the attorney’s gaze. It was like something tangible zipped between them. Dylan looked at Rae who was watching it happen with raised brows. Were they seeing love at first sight? Since he knew them both, Dylan made the introductions.
“Didn’t expect to see you here, Rademaker,” Zabala said.
“I wondered if Ruben and Ben were the same person.”
The attorney flushed. “I like to keep my personal and business lives separate.”
“Do you?” Cynthia asked. “I can’t.”
“What do you do?” Ben asked.
She began a long explanation while they entered the restaurant together. Dylan and Rae were left to follow.
“I’ve never felt so much like an afterthought in my life,” Rae said, looking like she was still trying not to laugh.
“Do you think they’d notice if we left?” he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. “We’ve got a babysitter for the night. Is there something you’d rather do?”
“You’re here. I’m here. We arranged this date with Ruben and Cynthia. If they’re so absorbed with each other, we can still have a nice meal. At least this way, we’ll have something to report to Amelia.”
“Good answer. By the way, I told Mr. G.”
“Did you?” Rae asked, pausing. “When? What did he say?”
“I’ll let you know later. Let’s go catch up with ourdates,” Dylan said with a chuckle as he offered her his arm.
* * *
Ruben was still chatting awaywith Cynthia as he paid for his half of the meal. Rae was reaching into her purse to pull out her phone when Dylan’s went off. It was his father’s ringtone. In the last nine months, she’d only heard it twice and both had been about Nora.
“Excuse me,” Dylan said, fumbling to grab it. “I have to take this.”
Rae didn’t know what to do since she was technically Ruben’s date. While he and Cynthia continued to talk, Rae watched Dylan where he paced back and forth near the entrance. Even at that distance, she could tell when his shoulders slumped. Something bad had happened.
“Excuse me, but it appears Dylan and I may have a joint emergency. Same sitter, you know,” Rae said, rising. “Thank you so much for the lovely dinner, Ruben. Cynthia, it’s been a pleasure to meet you.” She didn’t wait for a response but grabbed her purse and hurried to Dylan.
“Well, thank you for calling to let me know.” Dylan ended the call and looked at Rae. “Nora’s overdosed again.”
“Is she—” Rae couldn’t bring herself to say the word.
“No. No.” The last word came out barely a whisper.
“Where do they have your sister?” When he named the hospital, Rae said, “I’ll bet your father refuses to see her.Youhave to.”
“I plan on it.” Dylan rubbed his face, looking lost. “Will you come with me?”
“Of course.” Rae’s heart ached for him as she took his hand. “I’ll drive.”
