Page 82 of A First Sight

Since the restaurant was just opening, we got a table right away. As soon as we settled in, Dale came through the door.

I watched as his eyes scanned the room, lighting up with the usual arrogant possessiveness when he spotted me. Then his gaze landed on Drake, and it was instant fury.

I ignored the scowl and waved him over. The anger on his face grew, and he stalked toward us. For a moment, I thought he’d simply walk up and punch Drake.

His expression suddenly changed, his mouth curving into that obnoxious smile he used when he wanted to charm someone.

“It’s good to see you, Mags.” Dale leaned down like he would kiss me in greeting, and I felt Drake tense next to me.

I held out my hand to shake. Dale froze, his grin widened, and he shook my hand, lingering long enough for me to have to be the one to pull away.

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?” he asked as he sat down. He didn’t look at Drake, acting as if the two of us were having a private meal together. “You should come by the house. We can spend some time together. Maybe go see my parents.”

“Maggie won't have time for that,” Drake interrupted.

I could practically hear him grit his teeth. Without looking at Drake, I squeezed his hand under the table.

“We’re not here to talk about my plans,” I said, keeping my tone pleasant.

“I should’ve known you only wanted the money.” Dale sneered.

I wanted to snap at him. I didn’t need his damn money.

“I thought you wanted me to drop the destruction of property charges,” I countered.

Dale reached into his pocket and pulled out a check.

“I don’t know how much your violin was worth, but it was pretty old. Couldn’t be much.”

I glanced at the check as I folded it and noted the number. My mom’s vintage Stradivarius was worth ten times the amount, but I wasn’t going to call him on it. This wasn’t about the money.

“So you’ll take care of those charges, right?” He smiled at me.

“I’ll withdraw my complaint,” I said. “And you’re going to leave my family alone.” I looked at Drake and then back at Dale. “Leaveeveryonealone, right?”

“I don’t have any interest in anyone but you.” He leaned toward me, giving me that disarming smile. “I want us to be friends again.”

The server interrupted to take our order, but Drake sent him away.

“C’mon, Mags. We have to work together. Play together.”

“You’re right,” I said before taking a sip of water. “And we can be completely polite while working, but that’s all.”

He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I glanced at Drake. He gave me a slight nod.

“It means, Dale, that we will not be friends.” I could see the fury building under his polite mask. “We stay away from each other as much as possible and keep the conversation to a minimum.”

“Now, Mags–”

“No.” I didn’t give him the chance to finish whatever condescending bullshit he was about to spout. “That’s how it is.”

I stood, and so did Drake.

And before Dale could do or say something stupid, Drake and I walked out of the restaurant. I was damn glad it was over. If I never had another conversation with Dale again, I’d be a happy woman.

FIFTY-NINE

---