“I don’t know,” Topaz sighed, massaging her neck momentarily, “I just figured they’d always been close friends and she was just very protective of him. That and the fact that she’s never approved of me.”
“Does she know y’all just about have the same backgrounds? Hell, yours is probably even more lucrative.”
Topaz grimaced. “It’s more than a money/background issue with your cousin, Alex. De doesn’t like the image I project.”
“Mmm,” he grunted, needing no further clarification as he thought about Topaz’s image. It could easily instill insecurities in another woman.
The remaining time on the dance floor was enjoyed without further conversation. Afterward, Alex led them to a small table set for two.
“Order anything you like,” he urged while studying the menu he held.
“The chicken fettuccine is my favorite,” she told him.
Silence settled again. When Topaz looked away from her menu, she found Alex watching her. “What?”
“I have something else to say about your involvement with this whole buyout situation.”
Topaz slammed down her menu and closed her eyes. “Why did you have to bring that up when we were havin’ such a good time?” she asked, strained laughter following her words.
“I’m about to make another decision for your own good,” he announced.
Topaz did not respond. Her eyes clouded with confusion as they narrowed.
“Casey Williams is working on a story about the buyouts. He’s got a source he’s not naming, but I don’t have to ask who she is, do I?”
Topaz leaned back in her chair. “What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t want you involved with his investigation in any way. I don’t even want him discussing it with you.”
“You can’t do that!” she blurted, gasping when Alex’s striking stare sharpened dangerously. “Why?” she whispered.
“You know why. I don’t want you getting hurt over this.”
“Bullshit. You think I’m some helpless, silly woman who can’t handle her own business,” she accused.
“I don’t have to explain this to you, Topaz.”
“The hell you don’t,” she argued, leaning forward. “What’s goin’ on with these buyouts is my business.”
“And that paper is my business. Casey works for me, remember?”
“So you’ll order him not to tell me anything?”
“I won’t have to.”
Topaz fixed him with an incredulous gaze. “Why, Alex? Because you know I’ll do as you’ve dictated?”
“I’m not being a dictator here,” he said, returning his attention to the menu. “I hope it won’t come to that and I hope you’ll let it go.”
Somehow, Topaz maintained her regal composure. The only clues to her true emotions were the slight trembling of her bottom lip and the minute flaring of her nostrils. Knowing it would be unwise to let her anger show, she stood and left the table. After no more than five steps, Alex’s hand closed over her elbow. She gasped at his hold and he released her.
“I think our table’s this way,” he said and waited for her to precede him.
Topaz studied his expression, which revealed nothing. Finally, she abided by his unspoken request and headed back to their table. The waiter arrived shortly to take their orders.
“I’ll have a steak and cheese, fries, Heineken. Topaz? Topaz?” he called, waiting to gain her attention. “You ready to order?”
Topaz passed the menu to the waiter. “House salad’s fine.”
Alex nodded toward the waiter, then looked back at Topaz. “Are you upset with me?” he asked, propping his handsome face against his palm.
She shook her head.
“Can’t you say so?”
“I’m not upset. I’m just not in the mood to talk, okay?” she retorted, running her hand through her hair as though the gesture were calming her. In truth, nothing could take her mind off the man who just sat across the table watching her. “Could you stop staring at me please?” she finally whispered.
He did not stop. “Does it make you nervous?”
“Uncomfortable,” she admitted, feeling her stomach tighten in response to his bright, observant gaze.
“I’m sorry,” he said, smiling at the disbelieving glare she flashed him.
The rest of the lunch date passed without conversation.
“Maxine! Thanks for returning my call.”
