“They have good food. We’ll have to go there by ourselves next time.”
Butterflies flipped in his chest, and he loved the feeling. “Yes. It’s a date.”
“But I just called to tell you that I’m going to Sally’s tonight. She’s so distraught. Her soon-to-be-ex is trying to take her for all she has.”
The lobby became full of patrons, and the noise level grew. He stepped out the side door to the patio and stayed next to the brick wall. “She didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement?”
“No.”
Calvin frowned. “Well, let’s hope she can get a really good lawyer then. From the few things you’ve told me about her husband, he’s a real jerk. I’d hate to see him get even one penny of their assets.”
“No kidding. That wouldn’t be fair at all.”
“Let me know if I can help. Call me anytime.”
“I might be late getting home.”
He glanced back inside the restaurant. “Yeah, I’ll probably be late, too.” He chuckled lightly. “But seriously, call me if Sally has any more legal questions.”
“I will. Thanks, Calvin.”
“I’ll see you later.”
“Okay. Bye.”
As he clicked off his phone, he stared at the ground, wondering if they’d ever get a moment together. With both having busy schedules, their marriage could slip right by without them getting to know each other. He couldn’t have that.”
The deep laughter of a woman in one of the nearby tables drew his attention. Out on the patio, the tables were more secluded because of the vine-covered alcove that was sprinkled with tiny lights to make it appear as a night sky. He glanced at the couple snuggling together as the man kissed the woman’s neck. The woman’s gurgled sighs let Calvin know how much she enjoyed her date’s attention.
He quickly turned away, not wanting to hear or see them because it would make him wish that he and Rayne were the ones cuddling and kissing.
“Oh, Eddie...” the woman sighed.
Calvin had reached for the door, but when he heard the familiar name, he froze. Eddie? As in Rayne’s Eddie?
Shaking his head, he tried to convince himself that there was more than one guy named Eddie in this town. But curiosity got the better of him, and Calvin slowly moved away from the door and toward the couple. They both had their backs toward him, and with the seclusion out here on the patio, he wondered if he’d even see them at all.
A waiter moved passed Calvin. An idea sprang to his mind, so he reached out and grasped the waiter’s arm and motioned him to come closer. The young man, whose baby-face made Calvin wonder if he was still in college, scrunched his forehead and he came closer. Calvin reached into his pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill.
As he handed the money to the waiter, Calvin whispered, “Do me a favor. Go to that table over there and ask if they need anything.”
The waiter’s gaze jumped back and forth between Calvin and the couple at the table. “But they just ordered.”
Calvin withdrew the twenty-dollar bill. “Then I guess this isn’t necessary—”
“But I can see if they’d like their drinks refilled,” the young man added quickly.
“Yes. That’s a good idea. But when you go to their table, stand closer to the light. I want to see who they are. I think I know them.”
The man nodded and held out his hand to take the money.
“But don’t tell them I’m here.” Calvin arched an eyebrow.
“Got it.” The waiter nodded, took the money, and moved to the table.
Calvin stepped back, more into the shadows of the building. He watched the waiter interrupt them. When the man named Eddie sat upright, Calvin sucked in his breath. ThatwasRayne’s Eddie!
Fisting his hands by his side, Calvin gritted his teeth. How could he tell Rayne? And if he told her, would she think he was just trying to break them up so that Calvin could have her? Inwardly, he groaned. She needed to know, and yet...
