He looked at her in exasperation. “There was never any expectation that I would take her to the ball. Even she wasn’t expecting that.”
“Maybe not, but it’s always nice when a man exceeds our expectations. If you want me to find out her address, you’ll have to promise you’ll take her to the ball.”
“I will not be blackmailed.”
Mitzy put the phone down. “Then you’ll have to call her office.”
“I’ve told you, this isn’t something I wish to discuss on the phone.”
“Then you’ll have to go to her office.” Better and better, she thought. The office was open plan and there was a strong chance he’d be making his speech in front of Eva’s two friends and business partners, who were two of the strongest women Mitzy had ever met. “Good luck, Lucas.”
“I’m not going to the ball, Gran.”
Oh, the boy was handsome. Handsome, strong and decent. So a part of him was damaged, but that could be healed, she was sure of it.
Yes, Eva was a lucky girl, no doubt about it.
* * *
Eva sat in a meeting with Paige and Frankie, trying to concentrate as they ran through their new business plan for the next quarter. Her mind refused to cooperate, unengaged by talk of growth and client gains. Instead her thoughts were stubbornly preoccupied by Lucas.
Part of her was still upset and offended. She’d been caring, for goodness’ sake. She’d actually thought they’d achieved a level of closeness, but he’d pushed her away and made it clear that any closeness was in her head only.
But even so she couldn’t stop worrying. She hadn’t been able to resist looking him up on the internet, and what she’d read had swiftly diffused her own anger. It turned out that the day she’d shown up at his apartment had been the anniversary of his wife’s death.
He’d been hiding away like an injured beast, and she’d disturbed him.
Right at the point where he’d wanted to be alone with his pain, she’d shown up.
What was he doing now? Had he even left his study? What if he wasn’t bothering to eat the food she’d prepared? It made her heart ache to think of him all alone there.
“Ev, are you listening?”
Eva jumped guiltily. “Of course.”
“You don’t look as if you’re listening.” Frankie was squeezing a stress ball shaped like a can of soda.
Eva forced herself to focus. “I’ll make a list of the top wedding planners and make contact with them.”
“That’s new business finished.” Paige closed the file. “Any current business anyone needs to discuss?”
Who would persuade him to leave the apartment? As far as she knew, even his grandmother still didn’t know he was there.
Something thudded gently into her forehead and she looked up and saw Frankie with her hand raised, grinning.
“Did you just throw your stress ball at my head?”
“I did. The great thing about running your own company is that we can be as immature as we like and no one can fire us. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“Nothing. Even less since you smacked me in the forehead.” Eva forced herself to concentrate. “Everything is set for Laura’s proposal. I emailed you the plan.”
“I saw it. It’s excellent. One perfect Christmas proposal. I envy Laura. It’s a day she’s going to remember forever.” Paige gave her a grateful look. “I can’t believe you’ve put this together at such short notice. You’re so good at fixing things for people.”
Other people, Eva thought. Never myself.
And she hadn’t fixed Lucas. She’d filled his refrigerator and decorated his apartment, but he was still hiding away from the world.
“We should probably add ‘dating agency’ to our list of capabilities.” Frankie retrieved her stress ball. “Remember when we used to work for Cynthia?”