Page 161 of Temporary Vows

He dips his head then leaves. I turn back to the glass wall and wonder what tonight will bring.

Dinner with Jack. I couldn’t wait.

* * *

The Black Key is a swanky restaurant in SoHo, where low lighting and shadows do most of the work.

We have a corner table with a good view of the city that stretches out beyond the glass. Elodie sits beside me, her fingers turning the stem of her wine glass in slow, absent circles.

This dinner thing was her idea, but it’s obvious she’s worried. Worried either Jack or me will say the wrong thing and we’ll argue. There’s a nine out of ten chance it will, but it won’t be me who starts it. Jack has a way of running his mouth.

I got us here early on purpose, so we’d have a few minutes to ourselves.

I reach across the table and still her hand. "Relax, Lamb."

She exhales. "I’m trying."

"You're spinning that glass like you're trying to start a fire."

She laughs, and the tension in her shoulders drops just enough. "I just want tonight to go well."

"It will." I don't know if that's true, but she needs to hear it.

“I’m happy you both agreed to this. It means a lot to me.”

I nod. That’s the only reason I’m here. “Come here.” I crook my finger. She smiles and meets me for a kiss.

I barely get to kiss her before someone’s clearing their throat. I inch away with a frown, ready to put whoever that is in their place, but my rage calms when I find Jack staring at us.

I guess he decided to show up early too.

“Nice to see we’re still in the honeymoon phase,” he says with a smirk, his eyes on me.

“Jack. It’s good to see you.” Elodie gets up and rushes around the table to give him a quick hug. I stay where I am.

“Hey sis.” Jack smiles for her but his face resumes its previous sternness when he looks back at me. “Dorian.”

At least he’s acknowledging me. “Jack. Have a seat.” I’m trying, big time, but this was already feeling uncomfortable.

He sits and Elodie takes her place back next to me. She looks more at ease now that he’s here.

“Nice place,” Jack says looking around.

“Dorian picked it,” Elodie replies, smiling at me.

“You always had good taste.” He gives me a clipped smile and I’m not sure if I sensed sarcasm in his tone. Knowing him, I probably did, but that was his version of being nice.

I signal for the waiter to come over with some more drinks. He does, scuttling over with a bottle of vintage wine.

He pours our drinks and saunters away when I nod.

“So, how are you?” I ask, looking Jack right in the eye.

He dips his head. “As good as can be. Business is finally picking up and doing well. Obviously not as good as yours. And I won’t be a billionaire anytime soon.”

Elodie stiffens beside me and picks up her drink.

“It’s Vale Global. What can I say?” I will never apologize for success. That’s another route to failure.