“So they tell me.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”
“I like him,” Dino said to Stone. “You should keep him around.”
“You two haven’t met yet?” Stone asked.
“Exactly when would that have happened?” Dino asked.
“I…” Stone stopped to think, then frowned. “I guess not until now.”
“Bingo.”
“Stone,” Sara said. “I know we discussed me moving into your empty apartment as soon as possible, but I think I’ll need to postpone for another week or two. At least until Aunt Hillary is back on her feet and doesn’t need any help.”
“Of course. It’s ready when you are.”
“Actually, there’s a possibility I won’t need it at all.”
“Oh?”
She smiled at Ash, and for a moment, Stone wondered if she was about to say the two of them were planning on moving in together.
Ash must have realized how it looked, because he immediately jumped in with, “I vetted several potential properties with your real estate agent today, and narrowed down the list to a few I think Sara will like. The broker will be taking her to view them tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Stone said.
“I’m very excited,” Sara said. “Would it be all right for Ash to join me? Since he’s seen the places already, he might have insights that could be helpful.”
“That’s fine by me,” Stone said. “What time?”
“I’m meeting the agent at eleven.”
“Ash, how does that work with your schedule?”
“It shouldn’t be problem.”
“Then it’s settled. Oh, Ash, one thing.”
“Yes?”
“Before you help Sara tomorrow, stop by my office. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Of course.”
In that moment, Stone’s gaze caught on a guy behind Ash, at the other end of the bar. For a second it seemed as if the guy had been looking directly at him, but then the man turned away and lifted a glass to his mouth. Stone decided he’d probably been mistaken.
“Are you here for dinner or just drinks?” Tamlyn asked Sara and Ash.
“Dinner,” Sara said.
“Joan said this was a good place to celebrate,” Ash added.
“She’s right,” Stone said.
“You two should join us,” Tamlyn suggested. “Unless you’re here on a date.”
“No,” Ash said quickly. “Not a date.”
