Dating-ish (Knitting in the City #6)(97)

But Kerry and Marcus seemed to be pleased, grinning and dancing their way over to the bar area. Matt and I followed, and I made a mental note to drink only water from this point forward.

A server dressed in hot-pink leggings and an off-the-shoulder sweater approached us just as we reached the bar. "Are you Marie Harris, party of four?"

"That's right." I nodded.

"Okay, come with me." She waved us forward and began walking toward an area blocked off from the rest of the club with another velvet rope.

Beyond the rope was a half flight of stairs that led to a corridor with doors on one side and the wall at the back of the club on the other. We walked past several doors until we reached the very last one.

"Here, this one is for you. Your party is the first to use this room as it was just finished being redecorated this week. And please accept the champagne on the house." She smiled brightly and handed me a slip of paper. "Here's your access code. You can enter directly from the dance floor, but you have to type in the code. If you want drinks, just press the red button on the side of the table. Enjoy."

The server motioned for us to enter and we dutifully did so, trading perplexed but pleased glances. Inside was a small-ish room with dark velvet thickly cushioned couches lining the walls. Tables were on either end and another table was in the middle of the space. On top of the table was a champagne bucket, bottle, and four glasses. Just as she'd said, a red button was in the center of the table.

"This place is awesome." Kerry turned to me abruptly once we drew even with the table.

I noticed another door on the wall facing out toward the dance floor. Both the wall and door appeared to be made of reflective glass or high quality Plexiglass, which allowed the room's inhabitants to look out over the dance floor, but which-I guessed-obscured the room from the partygoers outside of it.

I glanced at the access code, then passed it to Matt, who read it and passed it to Marcus. Kerry was opening the champagne while checking out the lay of the club beyond the room. The music was muted, not nearly as loud as it had been in the main club, but Marcus found a switch on the wall that increased the volume or lowered it.

"It's dark in here," Kerry remarked, lifting her chin toward me. "Do you want some champagne?"



       
         
       
        

"No. I'm good. I think I might go find some water."

"Should I press the button?" Matt asked, like the button was magic. Blarg! Must he be so cute? Must he?

I realized my sobriety was returning faster than I'd expected, and with my sobriety came awareness of how close he was standing to me. "No, it's fine. I'll go grab it from the bar."

"Let me go," Matt offered, leading me to one of the velvet couches and encouraging me to sit. He bent and brushed a kiss at the corner of my mouth, holding my gaze as he stood and untangled our fingers. "I'll be right back with waters for everyone."

Kerry deposited her champagne on the table, "I'll go with you. I'm supposed to convince you to take that job."

"It's not going to happen." Matt shook his head at her, opening the door for his ex, loud music from the club spilling into our little room.

I didn't catch what she said as they left, but I thought it sounded like, "I don't expect it to." Or something like that.

Once the door shut, the sound from beyond once again muted, leaving me alone with Marcus and the poured glasses of champagne.

He was wandering around the room, as though looking for more switches. "Do you think there's a light switch?"

"I think there must be. Why? Is it too dark?" Some of my earlier unease was reemerging now that the alcohol was leaving my system.

Had I really played footsie with Matt at the restaurant?

And why did I feel mostly obstinately pleased about it, rather than concerned?

"Nah." He turned from his search and reclined on the couch across from mine. "Just curious. This is comfortable. I want one of these."

I examined him, thinking, he doesn't look like the kind of guy who's going to be happy with once-a-week missionary.

Yeah, it was a weird thought.

But it was also true.

Marcus seemed laid-back, but he was clearly smitten with his wife.

And before I could stop myself, I said, "I can't believe how cool you are about Kerry and Matt spending time together."

Marcus shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Aren't you concerned about residual feelings? They were married for a while, right?"

"Six years I think. Maybe seven."

"Exactly."