Page 23 of Miles & Mistletoe

“We’re friends,” I finally answered, and when her warm smile grew tenfold at my answer I felt like I’d won the fucking lottery. A strange feeling considering I’d been born with more wealth than ninety-nine percent of the population.

“So what’s on the agenda tonight, friend?”

Shaking my head, I smirked. But just when I was about to tell her about the museum event, our waitress interrupted. I ordered Stacia the eggnog coffee the restaurant had on the menu for the holidays. I’d quickly become attuned to her penchant for all things eggnog over the previous few weeks. I also ordered french toast, eggs, and sausage for the both of us as I handed the menu back to the waitress.

“You’re getting good at my breakfast order. Keep it up and you might have a shot at a career as a flight attendant. You know, if this whole Zerlinger Beer and Spirits mogul thing doesn’t work out for you.” She giggled at her own joke, causing me to chuckle.

“That sounds nice.”

I wrinkled my forehead in confusion. “What does?”

“The sound of your laughter.”

I froze. It had been a long time since I’d laughed freely around anyone.

“I’ve been out of practice with it,” I confessed.

“See? That’s the value of friendship. What good is the ability to laugh if you don’t do it every day?”

“Every day?” I questioned on a raised eyebrow.

She nodded. “Absolutely. It’s good for reducing stress, as well.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” I answered just as our waitress brought us our breakfasts.

As we ate, I told Stacia about the night’s event at the museum. It would be showcasing a number of new and local artists.

“And you’re looking forward to meeting some business colleague or dealmaker tonight?” she questioned after swallowing a bite of french toast.

I paused, wondering how to answer, and before I realized what was happening, the truth spilled out. “No. There will be important business connections there just like every other event I attend, but this one is more personal.”

She angled her head in that adorable inquisitive way she often did. “How so?”

“I am somewhat of an admirer of art. It’s always good to support new artists.”

“So there is something you’re passionate about outside of work!”

Yes, you, my brain immediately responded as soon as the words fell from her lips. Thank God, I had the presence of mind not to say them out loud.

“Yes,” I answered, lowering my gaze and wiping my mouth with the napkin. “Art is an, uh, interest of mine.” Not the full truth but that’s as deep as I was going to get with it for the time being.

“We have a lunch scheduled for one o’clock.”

Stacia nodded. “I’m well aware. And you have meetings all morning between now and then. I will meet you in the lobby at twelve-thirty to head to lunch.”

We both stood from the table. I really needed to get going in order to make my first meeting on time. However, when Stacia moved to step away from the table, I caught her by the hand.

“What will you be doing for the next few hours?” How she spent her time when she was out of my sight had begun to consume my thoughts more and more. Not that I thought she was doing something untrustworthy, but more so wondering if she was enjoying herself.

“I’ve got a list. I’m going to try to see the Space Needle, and if there’s enough time head over to do a walking tour of Pike Place Market. I told you, I know how to keep myself occupied. It comes with the trade.” She squeezed my hand as if reassuring a needy child, or worse, a needy boyfriend.

She had told me before that being a flight attendant had taught her how to keep herself busy while on layovers. On some of our trips, she’d even told me about parts of certain cities I hadn’t been aware of.

“I’ll see you later. Enjoy your meetings.”

“These aren’t the type of meetings one usually enjoys.”

Stacia shrugged. “Try to anyway.”

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