Page 26 of Manhattan Bossholes

“And it’s a good thing,” I scolded him, laughing at his angry glare in my direction. “Because when he started, Vincent could barely touch his toes! The poor guy needs all the help he can get in the flexibility department.”

I smiled sweetly at him as he intensified his glare at me.

“I’ve been taking classes forever,” I continued, “so when I noticed he was having a tough time, I offered to help him. I showed him a few workarounds for beginners. I guess he liked my tips, because he asked me to grab a smoothie after class, and the rest is history.” I shrugged and made lovey-dovey eyes at Vincent, who ignored me. “Ever since then, we’ve been inseparable. Lucky me!”

“Yoga,” Richard said, intrigued. “Do you think I could benefit from it?”

The question reminded me of the whole reason why we were at the dinner in the first place.

“Oh my gosh definitely! Come to the studio with me, and I’ll show you the ropes. Vincent can come too! You can check out how much he’s improved.”

“Would it help with my golf game?” Richard asked. “My swing is getting tight. I feel like a gear that’s off the track, you know?”

“Oh, you golf? I play too,” I said. “Maybe we can get out there together someday soon?”

“I would love that! I used to play nearly every weekend with Vincent’s mother, and I miss it.” Richard sighed wistfully. “Kathleen was quite the competitor.”

“She still plays,” Vincent offered gently.

I shut my mouth because I wanted to learn as much as I could about Vincent’s family life. Every tidbit was a key to unlocking my enigmatic boss. I saw tension in Richard’s face. What had happened between them?

“Have you heard from her lately?” Richard asked.

Vincent nodded. “Yeah, we talked just the other day. She keeps saying she wants to make a trip up from Miami to visit.”

“Wonderful, it’s been too long since she’s left Florida. I’d love to meet her for lunch.”

Vincent’s mouth went into a tight line. “Dad, I’m not sure if she wants to see you.”

“No, we’ve been texting!” he protested. “We’re in a good place now. Or, a better place. I’m just not sure I should be the one to suggest getting together, but if you do…”

Ah. They were moving past a contentious divorce. Interesting.

“We’ll see,” Vincent sighed.

“Maybe Piper could come along as well? I can guarantee Kathleen would love you,” Richard said as he glanced between us.

“Maybe,” Vincent said noncommittally.

The waiter brought out an appetizer we hadn’t ordered, which I learned was called an amuse-bouche, and it kicked off the most incredible meal of my life. Every time we put our forks down, the next dome-covered dish appeared, and by the time dessert and coffee came, I felt like I’d need to be rolled out the front door.

Conversation throughout the meal was lively, and as we finished our coffee, I wrapped up a story about my strategy for our upcoming trip to Hawaii, just to sell to Vincent that I was making good on all my promises to him.

“You’re something else, young lady,” Richard said, his eyes twinkling. “I bet you give this guy a run for his money.” He nodded toward his son.

“Oh, you don’t even know,” Vincent answered with a snort.

Richard and I were debating the merits of various golf gloves when someone sidled up to the table. I gasped when I realized it was none other than Maya Russo, supermodel of the moment and my fake boyfriend’s very real ex, looking stunning in a tight brown dress.

Yikes. Things were about to get interesting.

“Well hello! What a fun little tête-à-tête!” she exclaimed. I’d never heard her speak, so I wasn’t expecting the British accent. She looked at me wearing an overwide smile. “Are you a reporter working on a story, darling?”

It didn’t sound like an insult at first, but her subtext was clear; I wasn’t of the right class to rub elbows with the Fordes, so I must be here on official business.

“Maya, no, this is my girlfriend Piper Doyle,” Vincent answered before I could respond.

She ignored the introduction. “Richard, my love, you’re looking well! It’s been too long.”