“What?” Topaz whined.
“Love, as much as I’d like to have you at my house, I wouldn’t put you on the spot like that. Especially when we just met.”
Topaz could only smile.
“So, tomorrow night?” he proposed.
“Tomorrow night,” she accepted.
Josie Sharp raced around her quaint business district apartment. Her arms were filled with clothes. The City Council committee’s dinner with Alex Rice was that evening and she’d been unable to choose an outfit for the date.
“Josie, girl, this is not a date,” she softly reminded herself, deciding against the long border-striped wrap skirt and coordinating sweater set. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t look my best,” she added, tossing a short chic dark tweed skirt and a curve-hugging cobalt turtleneck to the bed.
“Perfect,” she decided, just as the phone rang. DeAndra Rice was on the other end of the line.
“How are you, Dee-Dee?”
DeAndra replied with an exaggerated groan, “Busy beyond belief trying to plan this benefit for the African Heritage Preservation Society.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot you were in charge of that this year.”
“Mmm, and it’s proving to be one large headache.”
Josie laughed, deciding against the turtleneck sweater she’d chosen. “This can’t be my old friend Dee-Dee Rice complaining about planning a party.”
DeAndra responded with her usual staid laugh. “There’s a first time for everything, dear. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about getting Councilman Greene to attend the gathering.”
“Councilman Greene?” Josie absently inquired as she tried to decide between a lovely V-neck floral-print sweater and a wine flutter-sleeved blouse.
“Mmm, I know he’s voiced his opinion more than once regarding the importance of museums in the city. The benefit would serve as the perfect sounding board, and Councilman Greene’s attendance may prompt the other guests to be more ... generous with their donations.”
“Well, you’ve certainly sold me,” Josie drawled, choosing the flowing blouse and laying it next to a matching skirt. “I’ll talk to him first thing in the morning,” she sighed.
“Josie, is it my imagination, or did I call at a bad time?”
“What?”
“You sound distracted.”
“Nooo,” Josie whispered, stepping before the dresser mirror to fluff her curly locks, “I’m just getting ready for this dinner with Alex.”
De’s giggle resembled the delighted laughter of an evil witch. “Well, well, well, no wonder you sound so anxious. Trying to pick the right outfit for a date with my cousin.”
“We’re eating with the rest of the council, so it’s not a date,” Josie corrected.
“It could be,” DeAndra countered. “Alex is a free man and he adores women. All you have to do is dazzle him.”
“Dazzle him, huh?” Josie said, frowning at the way her natural curls hung in limp lifeless coils over her head. “Well, I could use some help, if you know what I mean.”
DeAndra sucked her teeth. “Sweetheart, if you wanted me to fix you up, all you had to do was ask.”
The two old friends dissolved into peals of laughter.
The Red Ribbon was an upscale steak house that boasted choice cuts shipped from its own farm in Salisbury, North Carolina. The restaurant resembled a lovely old farmhouse, while the parking lot was scattered with layers of crisp, golden hay.
Simon covered Topaz’s hand where it rested on his arm. Pride shone on his handsome dark face as he escorted the statuesque beauty into the dining room. The seductive black jersey dress with its flaring, slitted sleeves and hem emphasized the stunning shapeliness of Topaz’s long legs and lovely figure. Caramel and chocolate suede pumps added a few inches to her height, which surpassed Simon’s.
“Why did I let you go?” he asked as the host escorted them to a table.
Topaz laughed. “You didn’t have a choice,” she sang. “Besides, we were just too different. You know that.”
“But opposites attract, right?” Simon asked, while nudging her shoulder.
Topaz’s expression took on a faraway look. “Sometimes, I think some things still have to jibe, though.”
“You really know how to hurt me, sweet.”
Topaz smiled at his solemn expression. “You know I still love you,” she crooned and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
“This place has the best food. I don’t know what to order,” Simon was saying once they’d taken their seats and were scanning the menus. “I haven’t tried their T-bones yet, but I’m hungry enough to try one tonight.”
“Would you two care for drinks and appetizers?” the waitress inquired, holding her pen poised over a pad.
