Page 29 of It Had to be You

"Surprising that she left? Or that she knew you might be interested in someone else?"

"Both?" He reached out a hand and pushed his fingers through his hair. "She was so busy with business, I didn’t think she’d noticed… I didn’t even really think about it until today."

Martina’s laughter wasn’t mean, but it pricked his pride nonetheless. "Women multitask, Alexander. That’s not a skill to take lightly."

He nodded. "No kidding."

"So, the flowers and that hat are for-"

"Tatum."

"Okay then." Martina nodded. "Glad to know you’re as smart as I thought you were."

He had the box tucked under his arm before he realized exactly what she’d said.

"Wait." Alexander saw the glint of humor in her dark eyes. "You matched me with Blair."

"Yes." She gestured with one hand. "But I also matched you with Tatum. When I saw your video, I knew I had to give you what you asked for. And Blair Sexton knows what she wants. She wants that ‘right man’ but I worried she wasn’t going to be able to put in the time to connect with that man. She was, exactly what you’d asked for."

"True." Alexander had to admit she was exactly right. "And Tatum? You really brought her for me?"

She half-shrugged and half-nodded. "I was already going to ask her to be on staff. She’s a stellar teacher and a more incredible dancer. I knew that having her here would be a real coup, but when I saw your video something just clicked for me."

"So, when I told you I wanted to talk about something… you knew it was going to be about my… situation."

"I met with Ben and Pearl when they came back from the tour. They were just gushing over you two. If you’re not careful they may try to adopt one or both of you."

"Well, I’m glad they enjoyed themselves. They deserved it."

"And they said you deserved a lot of credit for giving up your spot."

"No, no." He laughed. "I was perfectly happy to do it. I had a feeling Blair wasn’t going to

show up and they really wanted to go. I couldn’t see going by myself and taking up the space."

"I don’t think you need to tell me what you did with your time on the island."

He shook his head. "It’s no secret. We worked our way through a bunch of food stalls and had a nice conversation. I think you know how wonderful that is for me. I didn’t feel like either one of us was in control or needed to be. Having some time alone with Tatum was the best day I’ve had…" he tried to think back as far as he could, "for as long as I can remember."

Martina reached out and touched his arm. "I’m happy for you, Alexander. Just remember that this is just the beginning."

"Oh, I know." He gestured to the box, "and I’m not about to let things fall to the wayside. So, I think I should ask you if you have any issues with me dating one of your staff members."

"Issues?" She took a moment to think. "Not on my end as long as you don’t keep her from teaching her class. I’m fine."

"And dinners? I’m more than happy to pay for any costs for meals or other activities."

Martina held her hands up. "Hey, it’s all fine."

"Great!" Alexander let out a breath and felt like the air he took back in was different. Cleaner.

Full of life. "I don’t have Tatum’s phone number. I forgot to ask earlier."

"You forgot to get her number?" Martina shook her head. "You know I can’t just give it to you."

"I know, but you can ask her to meet me for dinner. I don’t know where her room is."

Martina gave him a look and nodded. "Okay. I’ll ask her to meet you for dinner in the restaurant."

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