Page 37 of Silver Foxed

She lets out a high-pitched laugh. “No, no. Though I still think you should give Brad a second chance.”

I wrinkle my nose. Anyone named Brad only gets one chance in my book. “He was over thirty minutes late to our date last week and used a fork to pick chicken from between his teeth. Who does that?”

“Okay, fine. You’re right. But I’m not talking about Brad.”

“Please tell me it’s not another man you’re trying to set me up with?”

“I wish, but no. Elijah will be here—we should be sitting at a table with him.”

My steps falter, and the hair rises on the back of my neck. “Oh, that’s nice of him to come,” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t sound too squeaky.

“He insisted when your dad told him. I know you guys spent time together last month at the lake house. I can’t believe your dad and I did that to you both. I’m still so embarrassed.”

I take a shallow breath, trying not to flush. “It’s fine. We made do.”

She smiles at me, completely oblivious that when I say “made do” I mean we fucked all over her beloved lake house for an entire weekend. My thighs clench together at the memory.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. Your dad said he’s a completely different man since he came back. Says his spirit is lighter. He leaves work on time now and even asked if he could take on some more creative work, reshape his role a bit.”

“Oh?” I ask curiously as we walk through the entrance to the ballroom. Voices and music drift around us as glassware clinks loud in my ears.

“Yes. Normally, your dad doesn’t talk much about him, says their guy time is sacred or something, but he wants to offer Elijah the lake house more often. Says it’s good for his business.” She laughs.

My stomach turns as we walk further inside. I should be glad that Elijah is doing more of what he wanted. That he’s happy. It seems he took my advice and spoke to my dad about his position at the company. But a selfish part of me was hoping he’d be miserable, missing me like I’ve missed him.

For the last month, I’ve tried anything and everything not to think about him, even going on that horrendous date with Brad. But I can’t seem to shake him. Elijah’s literally burned himself into my corneas. Into my skin. I swear, every man I see with gray hair is him. And when I close my eyes at night, I gaze into his sapphire-blue ones and feel his warm hands caressing my body.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “That’s good. I think I’m going to stop at the bar before I sit. Do you want something?”

“Sure, honey. A white wine would be lovely. Your dad texted that he’s backstage right now talking to the organizer but will be out in a minute.”

“Sounds good.”

Mom walks off, and I don’t bother to see where she goes. I’m sure I’ll be able to spot her and Elijah’s silver hair from a mile away.

Thankfully, the bar line isn’t long, and I’m quickly at the front of the line.

“I’ll take the best red you have and a chardonnay,” I tell the bartender with a smile. He’s cute with short blond hair and dimples. He’s probably around my age or a tiny bit younger.

He smiles at me, revealing a row of straight white teeth. “I’m afraid the best red I have is an overly warm blend.”

I cringe. “Didn’t spring for the good stuff, huh?”

“Not with wine, at least. But I can offer you some nice vodka, or I hear the champagne isn’t too bad.”

I debate taking a shot but then decide against it. My stomach is already nervous because I know Elijah will be here. I don’t want to make it worse or get drunk and accidentally let my dad know I slept with his best friend.

My body grows hot. “I’ll suffer with the overly warm blend.”

“I respect that choice,” the bartender says. He pulls out two glasses and pours the cold chardonnay first before doing mine.

“You come to these things often?” he asks, his eyes moving up and down my body as he slides the wine glasses forward.

“No, not really. Do I look like I do?” I ask, attempting to keep my voice level so he doesn’t think I’m flirting with him.

“You fit in.” He looks down my dress again, lingering longer than I’d like when he reaches my cleavage. “Though it seems like you don’t want to be here.”

I pull open my clutch and grab a tip for him, feeling slightly uncomfortable now. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll have to work on my poker face.”

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