Page 125 of The Seven Rings
“Ace says it’s his lucky day when he can take two pretty girls to lunch. One o’clock at the hotel.”
“Oh, that’s— We’d love it. Which restaurant?”
Brisk turned almost amused. “It’s Ace, two pretty girls, lunch. What do you think? The fancy one. One o’clock,” she repeated. “Table for three. He won’t care if you’re late. But I will, so don’t be.”
So warned, Sonya moved a little faster.
Chapter Sixteen
Sonya wasn’t afraid of Ace, but anyone who wasn’t at least a little afraid of Sadie had ice water in their veins rather than blood.
She wasn’t late.
Since her lunch date had chosen an upscale restaurant, she thanked Molly again for the wardrobe choice, and her hairdresser for the punch of style in long, loose waves.
She walked in and saw, of course, Ace Doyle had the perfect table by the wall of windows overlooking the bay, the boats sailing on it, the lighthouse in the distance.
And of course, he already sat at that perfect table in one of his sharp three-piece suits, complete with pocket square.
He rose when he saw her, then took both her hands, kissed both her cheeks. “You’re a vision.”
“I couldn’t be less and have lunch with the most dashing man on the coast of Maine. This is a bright spot on a bright day.”
He pulled out a chair for her. “These old bones are glad to feel the sun again. Now, what can I get you to drink?”
“It’s been a busy morning. I’d love a Coke.”
He turned to the hovering server. “My lovely companion would like a Coke.”
“After I spoke with Sadie,” Sonya began, “I wondered about Eddie. Is he okay?”
“More than. I sent him off to court with Trey today. We knowSadie can handle all of us and then some. Eddie needs the experience, and some exposure to Trey’s style of litigating.”
“What’s his style?”
Ace sat back as the server brought out Sonya’s drink.
“There’s an old saying for lawyers. When the facts are on your side, pound the facts. When the law’s on your side, pound the law. When neither’s on your side, pound the table.
“My grandson never pounds the table.” Pride coated every word as he continued, “Facts, law, logic, reason are his tools, and he never forgets to give the emotions a little tug.”
“Sounds like a good lawyer.”
“Damn good lawyer. And here’s my other date.”
He rose again as Cleo came in, dressed for it in a sheerly layered mini with white flowers over ocean blue.
“Another vision. I’m the envy of Poole’s Bay.”
“Since you’re the most charming man in Poole’s Bay, I’d say we’re the target of envy.”
The server stopped by as Ace pulled out Cleo’s chair. “I’ll have sparkling water with lime, thanks. Since I just finished a painting, and I’m driving, I’m going to pretend it’s champagne.”
“What did you paint?”
“I finished the tree in front of the manor, dressed for summer. Fall and winter to come.”
“I look forward to seeing all four seasons. And what made your morning busy?” he asked Sonya.
