In the Cards(68)

“No, open it later. It’s only something small.” I wish her mother would disappear for ten minutes, but that won’t happen. “I’ll leave you ladies alone and talk to you tomorrow. Enjoy your afternoon.”

I turn to Helene and affect a slight bow before stepping toward the back door to make my escape. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“Levi, you should join us for dinner tonight.” Helene’s offer ambushes Lindsey and me, and I sense Lindsey’s concern from across the room.

“Thank you, but no.” Part of me is disappointed to miss out on an up-close look at Lindsey with her parents. Seeing them together would give me the insight I need to advance my own agenda. “I’m sure y’all prefer some private family time after these months apart.”

“Nonsense. I always make it a point to know my daughter’s friends. Apparently, you’ve become someone I should get to know.” Helene’s smooth, and intent on her prey. “It’s unlikely I’ll have another opportunity to do so anytime soon. Plus, Bill will welcome another man at the table tonight. He hates to be outnumbered.”

I’m not interested in being her quarry.

“That’s very kind, but Lindsey probably wants to visit with you alone.”

Without even looking at her daughter, Helene waves her hand dismissively.

“We’ll have alone time this afternoon. Tonight, you’ll join us. I insist. We’re dining at Spago at eight o’clock.”

I offer Lindsey an apologetic expression before accepting the invitation. Just then, the doorbell rings, thankfully interrupting the awkward silence and tension in the room.

Lindsey leaves me with the tiger lady and goes to answer her door. She returns carrying a large vase with three dozen long-stemmed red and pink roses, which she places on the coffee table before she reads the card. Helene observes me to determine whether I sent them, which I did not. I can guess who did, and now she can, too.

“How gorgeous, dear.” She clasps her hands in front of her chest. “Who sent them?”

Lindsey shifts her weight to one leg and fiddles with the card between her fingers. “Rob.”

“How thoughtful, especially under the present circumstances.” She gazes at me, smiling, as she hammers the wedge. “Don’t you agree, Levi?”

“Hmmm.” I nod and don’t dare utter a negative word about the manipulative SOB. “Well, ladies, have a pleasant afternoon. I look forward to meeting Mr. Hilliard.” I nod to Lindsey and take my leave.

This night promises to be exhausting. Helene’s openly challenging me, knowing I can’t fight back without alienating Lindsey. She used my feelings for Lindsey to lure me into her trap, proving once again my pop’s wise advice about the danger of letting your emotions run amok. Damn.

I need to approach this dinner like a poker game and leave my feelings at the door. Otherwise I’m bound to blow everything.

At seven, I shower, trim my whiskers, and dress in a jacket for dinner. After considering several strategies for dealing with Lindsey’s parents, I decide to be honest. Truth is, they’ll never approve of me anyway. I don’t share Rob’s pedigree and I’m geographically undesirable, too. Ultimately, it’s all up to Lindsey, so I’ll place my money on her good sense and the progress she’s made these past couple of months.



Lindsey

My mother’s machinations today set me on edge. All afternoon I sidestepped her efforts to pump me for information about Levi. She also pressured me about Rob, but I remained silent on that topic, too. Admittedly, my resolve is weakening after mere hours with her.

She can be nearly rabid about getting what she wants. Despite her overreaching, I know she loves and misses me. I’m her only child. We did everything together for years. She thinks she still knows best what I need. I can’t convince her overnight of my differing opinions. But however good her intentions are toward me, I dread how she may treat Levi tonight.

He’s a cool cucumber. I’m fairly certain he’ll handle whatever she dishes out. I’m only sorry he’s been forced into this situation. Perhaps Dad’s presence will keep her from baring her fangs. My stray thoughts are interrupted by Levi’s knock at the front door.

The sight of him takes my breath away. He’s dressed in white linen slacks and a crisp pale-blue shirt, paired with an unstructured, navy, linen-silk blend jacket. He looks as if he stepped right out of an Armani advertisement. I almost reach out to touch his refined five o’clock shadow.

How utterly embarrassing!

“Wow, you clean up well, Levi.” My pulse thunders in my ears.