Page 29 of Between the Lines

“And now?” he asked.

“Things are stirred,” Paige said. She shrugged. “So we deal with it.”

Their food arrived then, looking good and smelling even better. Paige picked up her fork. She wasn’t going to let Darcy ruin her life. “I don’t like that she knows something private,” she said. “But I’m not going to stop living my life because of her.”

Graham nodded. “Nor should you. That’s giving her power.”

“I agree.” Her phone buzzed again, this time with a text to the group from Althea. At least she’s showing her cards early. If she says yes to that interview, I trust you to dig deep, Cece.

Cece wasn’t long in responding. I’m going to do my best.

Paige smiled faintly at the screen, then set the phone aside. Early was good, she thought. If nothing else, that gave her time—well, Maude and Cece time—to find out what they could.

She and Graham dug into their food and the conversation shifted to lighter subjects. Cece’s new podcast, which Paige thought he’d be fantastic for. When they might go see Joe at Shooters again. Graham’s impending new role as grandpa.

She was glad to talk about something else. She honestly didn’t like giving Darcy so much mental energy. But as they finished their dinner, Graham set his fork down and looked at Paige over the rim of his glass. “Have you told Randi about this woman?”

Paige shook her head without hesitation. “No.”

“Because you don’t want her to worry,” he said. There was no accusation in his tone, but Paige understood this whole Darcy thing was bothering him. Maybe even more than it was bothering her.

“Because I don’t think it warrants worrying her,” Paige said. “Not yet. And maybe not ever.” She reached for her napkin and folded it once, neatly. “Randi has her own life. Her own stresses. I’m not going to give her more of that with something that will hopefully turn out to be trivial.”

“And if it’s not?” Graham asked.

“Then I’ll handle it,” Paige said. “Myself. She has enough bother with her father trying to insert himself back into her life. I’d much prefer to be the parent who protects her instead of the one who adds to her burdens.”

He nodded, considering that. “I suppose you’ve gotten good at that role over the years.”

“I’ve had to,” Paige said. “My ex is a lot for her to manage. He’s a very demanding man. Thinks he’s owed time with his grandson, which part of me understands, but it’s not exactly something he’s earned.”

“I can appreciate that.” Graham reached across the table and squeezed her hand once. “If this woman becomes a problem, I really think Randi should know. But I also understand it’s your business.” He sighed. “There were things I kept from Andrew that I wish I hadn’t.”

Paige nodded thoughtfully. She knew Graham wished his relationship with his son was stronger. “I promise, if it really becomes something, I’ll let Randi know.” And she meant it, but it would take a lot for her to lay this on Randi.

Graham took the bill before Paige could reach for it, glancing at it, then handing it back to the server with his credit card and a look that told Paige this wasn’t up for discussion.

“I can pay once in a while, you know.” She gave him a teasing glance. “In fact, it would only be fair.”

“Next time,” he said. Which was what he always said.

The server returned with his card, and he tucked it back into his wallet, then nodded toward the rear of the pub. “What do you think?” he said. “Fancy another go at darts?”

“Lead the way.” She got her purse and followed him to the board, amused. “You realize I’m terrible at this.”

“That’s all right,” he said, collecting the darts from the board before returning to her side. “So were most people when they started. You, however, have the benefit of an excellent teacher.”

She laughed. “All right then, teach me.”

He handed her a dart and stood close enough to adjust her grip, careful and precise. “Don’t throw it like you’re shooing a fly,” he said. “Plant your feet. Focus on the spot where you want it to land and really commit to it.”

She focused and did as she was told. The dart hit the board, but nowhere near where she’d aimed.

“See?” she said. “Terrible.”

“Not terrible at all. You hit the board. That’s better than the last time,” he said.

They took turns, Paige improving in irritatingly small increments. At least according to Graham, she was improving. She wasn’t so sure, but they laughed and had fun, the pub noises in the background adding to the moment.