"He's a friend."
"He's more than that and we both know it. Honey, if it's your intention to start something up-"
"I don't know what you mean." She turned towards the stove to stir the caramel sauce. She had to keep an eye on it, or else it would get too brittle and lose its flavor.
"You know what I mean." He sighed as she continued to stir and ignore him. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"I'm a grown ass woman. And I'm used to it."
"That's my point exactly. He chose someone over you."
"We were just friends."
"Oh please! He knew how you felt about him, but you were just good enough to be a shoulder to lean on and someone to help with his damn assignments. He used you."
"No!" The spoon clattered on the stove top as she whirled to face him. Her magnificent eyes flashed fire as she glared at him. "He never did. You don't know him that well. Vincent was sweet-" She shook her head in remembrance. "He was kind and thoughtful." She lifted her hands and dropped them helplessly. "I won't have you blaming him for something he did not do."
"I can do more than blame him. He broke your heart." Rising, he came around to clamp his hands on her shoulders. "The man is a wreck, Thea. I saw him just a month ago at the governor's ball and he looked lost. He was with some actress, and the poor thing was doing her best to pull him into a conversation, but he was staring right through her.
"He hasn't gotten over Lizzie. You'd be competing with the dead; and darling, that's the worst competition there is. He has already canonized her in his heart. No matter what she did when she was alive, it means nothing now that she's gone. You don't stand a chance."
"I can be his friend."
He shook her slightly, frustration rife. "Are you even listening to me?"
She smiled at him serenely. "Nope. You're forgetting how very determined I am. I intend to be part of his life, whether he wants that or not. Before long, he will realize what is in front of him."
He felt like shaking her again. Resisting the urge, he stepped back and shook his head. "God, I hate it when you're like a mule."
Reaching up, she kissed him on the cheek. "Now, seriously go away and let me finish."
"I am taking a couple of these for my trouble."
Before she could object, he snagged four tasty treats and danced away.
"That's four!" she called after him. Removing the caramel from the flame, she fiercely concentrated on finishing up. She wanted her mind free and clear from everything Vincent in order to do a superb job.
*****
"I had no idea it would be this crowded," Vincent commented as he looked around the crowded space. It was one of theirs, a stand-alone conference center more geared to providing somewhere for meetings and such. It was ideally situated far back from the road, with easy access to the building. There was ample parking and valet services were included in the package. It was a wide open space with the options to be sectioned off if the parties renting the place so desired.
And he would have rather stayed home to tuck his son in. He had spent a very pleasurable time with him on the boat. The boyloved the water, and it had been gratifying to see the happiness on his face.
To be a child where pleasures were so simple, he thought cynically and wished himself there. He spotted several members of his club along with their wives. It was a very good turnout. She had decorated the place with her craft in mind. Glossies of several delicious looking items revolved all around the room, forcing people to take it all in. There were no photos of her, which was surprising.
He jolted slightly when his sister tucked her hand through his arm. Their mother had already gone in the direction where she had seen several friends of hers.
"Let's go check out that table. Everything looks yummy."
"I thought you were on a diet."
"That's so mean-spirited of you to remind me." She poked a finger in his ribs as they strolled over to the table. They were stopped at intervals and forced to make conversation with acquaintances. He wasn't hungry as he had succumbed to David's pleas and ordered pizza, much to Mrs. Paddy's disapproval.
Letting go of him, Jacklyn took up a plate and started piling on some tiny sweets. The minute she popped one into her mouth, her eyes widened.
"Oh Christ Jesus!" she moaned.
"That good?" her brother asked sardonically.
