Page 198 of His Flash Mate
Me:I’m thinking of you.
Konni:I’m thinking of you, too.
Me:Make sure you have snacks in the room before I take you to Pound Town tonight.
I watched the ellipses start and stop several times and grinned, knowing I’d probably just wrecked what little concentration he had.
“What are you grinning about?”Kaya asked me.
“Tormenting Konni.”
She chuckled.“Remind him he agreed to five so he doesn’t try to steal you sooner.”
Me:Tonight’s schedule: dinner at 5:30, all-you-can-eat dessert in our room at 6; Pound Town from 6:30 until 11, with brief snack and shower breaks.You in?
Konni:Not yet, but I will be promptly after I eat my fill.
“Did he argue?”Kaya asked as I put my phone away.
“No, he’s fine with five and dinner at five-thirty,” I said, fighting to keep the pleased smile off my face.
Harlow parked in front of Clay and Leaf and went to open Mom's door so she wouldn’t bump her arm.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling at him.
I did a double-take, and Kaya nudged me.When I looked at her, she smirked and shook her head.The need to turn and study Mom was almost impossible to resist, but I managed.Not once since she and Dad split had she ever shown any interest in a man.At least, not anywhere in my vicinity.
A list of questions started to grow in my mind, but I didn’t ask any of them.I’d wait to talk to Konni about Harlow tonight during one of our breaks.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Kaya loopedher arm through mine.“Are you ready for the first phase?”
“I was, but now I’m not sure.”
She patted my arm.“We’re in this together.Chin up and back straight.Don’t let them see your doubt.”
I nodded, ready to “fake it till I make it.”
The Clay and Leaf’s attendant opened the door for us.
At first glance, the entry managed quaint vintage charm without trying too hard.An antique desk anchored the space.The hostess stood beside it, reservation tablet already in hand.She, and every other person working there, wore the same medium-grey vests, light-grey pinstripe shirts, darker-grey ties, and black slacks.Trendy enough to feel planned.Traditional enough to match the decor.The blend worked really well.
“Do you have a reservation?”the hostess asked.
“We’re here for the social.Steele party of three,” Kaya said.
The woman beside her stepped forward with a professional smile.
“Right this way, please.”
As we walked through the central space, I noted the eclectic tables and chairs and mismatched tea services that made the space homey and elegant rather than hodgepodge, since the colors and designs all complemented one another.
A hallway that ended in a set of double doors opened to the prettiest paved garden I’d ever seen.The attendant left quietly as I took in the tree-shaded tables already set with tea service and small cakes.
Women mingled and chatted in groups at or around the tables.
One saw Kaya and rushed over to clasp her hands.
