Page 101 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“Let me introduce you,” I said, wanting to put out a fire if one was brewing.
“Sure.”
We walked to Naomi and Sade. “Naomi, this is my assistant, Dahlia. I’m sure you remember her from the gala.”
“Yes, I do. It’s nice to see you again, Dahlia.”
“You too.”
“Are you here for Sunday dinner?”
“By happenstance,” Dahlia said. “I thought you were with Nathan Bullard, so I was surprised to see you here.”
Naomi’s eyes widened, then sharpened, and I turned my attention to Dahlia.
“Wait. What’s happening here?”
She blinked back at me. “What?”
“What? That was rude. What’s going on with you?”
She flustered. “I didn’t think it was rude. That was the last time I saw her. I was only making an observation.”
“One that didn’t need to be made. She’s here with me, not Nathan. And you knew she was my girlfriend before I introduced you.”
“You’re right.” She held her hands up in surrender. “I apologize to you and to you, Naomi.”
Naomi didn’t respond, only glared at Dahlia. Elijah strolled up just in time with a plate of food.
“Thank you, Elijah. I’ll take this to go if you don’t mind.”
“So soon?” He glanced between us and felt the atmospheric change. “Okay. Well, drive safely, and I hope you enjoy your meal.”
“I’m sure I will.” She looked at me. “Christian, check your calendar. I’m a phone call away if you need anything.” She turned to look at Naomi but didn’t say anything, turned and walked away.
I stood there baffled for a few seconds. What the fuck was that?
“There!” Sade announced, putting the finishing touches on Naomi’s hairstyle.
“You look like a princess!”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Naomi’s fingers went to the elaborate braid Sade had created. “You did a beautiful job.”
“Did your friend leave?” Sade asked, noticing Dahlia’s absence.
“She had to go,” I said, settling on the floor next to Naomi.
“Good. I didn’t like her.”
“Sade,” I said, fighting a smile. “That’s not nice.”
“But it’s true. She looked at Naomi like she was mean.”
Out of the mouths of babes. I glanced at Naomi, who was trying not to smile.
“She seemed lovely,” Naomi said diplomatically.
“She was jealous,” Sade said matter-of-factly. “My friend Rebecca gets jealous when I play with other girls. It makes her face look all pinched up.”
