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“Ms. Barron?” He draws back the chair for me to sit.

“Thank you.” Taking my place at the table, I scan the room for any sign of my blind date. Let’s hope this won’t be a total disaster.

My phone buzzes in my handbag, and I pluck it out only to see Mr. Answer Me’s name flash across the screen.

Mr. Answer Me: You didn’t say it’s a date. End it. Now.

Gemma: You are married. Go disturb her.

Mr. Answer Me: Engaged, and I told you it’s fake.

Gemma: Potayto, potahto.

Mr. Answer Me: End your date, or I will.

“Gemma Barron?” An unfamiliar voice appears behind me.

“Yes.” I put down my phone and turn to see a man. Tall, impeccably dressed, and undeniably wealthy, but something about his face already rubs me the wrong way.

“I’m Benjamin. Nice to meet you.” He offers his hand.

“Nice to meet you, too.” I shake his hand. His grip is quite firm.

“I have to say, your photos don’t do you justice.” He sits down across from me, making a show of looking me over.

I ignore the urge to roll my eyes. “Why, thank you.”

“I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about this whole blind date thing.” Benjamin waves a hand. “But you’re quite the catch. Maybe we’ll make this work after all.”

His condescending tone sets my teeth on edge.

“So, Gemma, what do you do?” Benjamin signals the waiter for a drink. Straight to business, then.

“I just moved to the city and I’m hoping to get my foot in the door with some of the bigger fashion houses.”

“Hmm?” He blinks. “Fashion? Can’t say I know much about all that. Though I hope you don’t take offense if I question how well that... crafty hobby of yours will serve you financially in the long run. But good for you on chasing your dreams.” He says it in a patronizing tone, as if my aspirations are cute but not to be taken serious.

Asshole.

“Thanks.” I bristle but maintain a polite facade.

“Still, interesting career choice for a woman of your background.”

My back stiffens at the implication. “And what exactly is ‘my background’?”

Benjamin shrugs one shoulder. “You come from money. Most women in your position simply marry well and focus on charity events or something.”

“Been there. Didn’t like it.” I’m not sure if he’s intentionally trying to provoke me or if he’s genuinely that arrogant.

“You didn’t have the right man. You know what they say. Behind every successful woman is a wealthy man.” He winks.

I choke on my drink. “Excuse me?”

“A joke. No need to get your panties in a twist.” He laughs at his own crude remark. The nerve of this asshole!

“What about you, Benjamin? What do you do?” I take another sip of water. One hour. One hour, so my mother is satisfied, and then I’ll leave.

“I went to Yale, and now I work in finance.” Of course. “My firm handles investments for high net-worth individuals and families.”

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