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“Yes!” Serenity said, rolling her eyes.
“De-tails!”
“Mark Stapleton is quite fond of Mark Stapleton. This arrogant man invited himself to my house so he could show me what a great lover he could be. I’ve known him for what—” she looked at the clock on the dashboard “—three hours. Ugh!”
“No!”
“Oh, yes!”
“What did you say?”
“I let my tires do the talking.”
“What a pig!”
“Great minds...” Serenity realized she was speeding. Both her driving and her heart rate were accelerated. “And his love for himself is unnatural. In that short amount of time, I already know which name brands fit him best. He drives a Range Rover that he bought all-cash. He’s the best engineer his company has seen in decades. His employers didn’t actually say it, but that’s what he believes and felt compelled to share with me. That man’s arrogance is off the charts. When I told him I had to go home because of early appointments, he was clearly annoyed. You should have seen his face twist when he thought I had kids. Let’s just say we’re not compatible.”
“Shame! He’s so damn good-looking!”
“I won’t deny that. But I need more than a gorgeous face. How about a man that I can actually hold a conversation with, one who’s willing to hear what I have to say and doesn’t expect me to have sex with him on the first date? I have a feeling that if I had met Mark before I lost all the weight, he wouldn’t have given me a first look.”
“You were beautiful then, and you’re beautiful now.”
“Of course,” she said, chuckling.
Several moments of silence passed between them.
“Are you upset that it didn’t work out?”
Serenity could detect the caution in Rayne’s question. “Nah.” She waved off Rayne’s concern virtually. “You know my schedule is nuts. I’m trying to spend any extra time I have working off these last ten pounds.” Serenity threw her head back and grunted. “These suckers are clinging to me like a leech.”
Serenity talked with Rayne until she reached home. Their conversation turned from Mark to weekend plans to Rayne’s upcoming engagement party.
“Hey!” Serenity perked up at Rayne’s sudden excitement. “I could introduce you to one of Ethan’s friends at the party.”
“Rayne, no!” Serenity laughed as she pulled into her apartment complex. “Conversation over, lady. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Serenity cut off Rayne’s snicker by ending the call.
Rolling to a stop in her designated parking spot, Serenity shut the ignition off and flopped against the back of her seat. Reflecting on the horrible date, she thought about what characteristics she’d actually like in a man. She didn’t mind confidence and ambition. In fact, she found those traits rather attractive, but intelligence combined with a little humility and compassion made for a winning combination. She didn’t require a male supermodel. More important than anything was honesty. After uncovering a few lies her ex-boyfriend, Jason Ruffin, had told, which he had labeled as misunderstandings, she felt compelled to add that to the list of must-haves in a relationship.
Casting those thoughts aside, Serenity climbed out of the car and made her way to her apartment. Closing the door behind her, she looked around, treasuring the coziness of her space. The decor was personal, reflecting the things she loved—music, art and kids. The living room had an energetic feel, with instruments propped on floating shelves, mix-matched yet eclectic furnishings stylishly pulled together. Every item held significance. Warmth radiated there.
She’d been alone for a while now—a little over a year. Not lonely, just alone. For the first time in a long while, she wondered what it would be like to carve out space in her life for a man.
Chapter 2 (#u89e3b525-76d0-54fb-b187-5b30021c0034)
Christian Chandler sailed through The Reserve wine bar and headed toward the back offices, taking in the tempo of the jazz music that flowed through the sound system. Inside his office, he tossed his car keys on the desk, one of three in the rectangular room. The other belonged to his partners, Kent Adams and Raymond Gray. Chris looked at his watch. Kent would be walking in any moment, but Ray would be late as usual.
Picking up a pile of mail, Chris sorted through it absentmindedly, as the music faded into the background. Last night’s date moved to the forefront of his thoughts. He wished it had gone better. He was sure the curvaceous beauty had a lot going for her, but the only thing he remembered being on display were her voluptuous boobs. He’d grown enough in his years since grad school to desire more than just a set of impressive curves. The old Chris would have continued dating her, but recently he found himself wanting something different.
Chris placed the mail back on the desk, when their restaurant manager knocked on the door. Sitting down, he called for her to come in.
“Hey, babycakes.” Trina was also the establishment’s equal-opportunity flirt. Her tall, shapely frame made it easy for men to receive her harmless advances. She always had an ego-enhancing compliment handy. “How’s it going?” Trina sat on the edge of his desk.
“Pretty good. What about you?”
“Just marvelous. I’d be even better had my date ended well last night.”
“You too? That seems to be going around.”
Trina rolled her eyes. “It’s getting harder to find good ones these days. I’m glad Ray found someone that he seems to adore. You and Kent are the last two great catches standing. Too bad I don’t date my bosses.” Her snicker made Chris laugh. “Anyway, I didn’t come to complain about my dating misadventures. A gentleman stopped by to ask about playing a live set. He’s a violinist.”
Chris narrowed his eyes.
“I know. I told him that we focus on jazz, but then he whipped out his instrument...” Trina paused and let the innuendo hang in the air. She smirked, obviously amused with herself, and then continued. “His violin, that is,” she said, winking. “He proceeded to play the most beautiful rendition of the latest release of that hot new R&B artist, Champagne. I had him leave his contact information and then looked him up online.” Trina handed Chris the musician’s card. “He’s a-mazing!” Her eyes rolled back, emphasizing her appreciation for the man’s work. “He’s pretty popular for his creative renditions of songs, from pop to jazz to classical. I’d love to have him come in and give us a preview, but I wanted to run it by you guys first.”
Nodding his head, Chris turned the card between his fingers. “Thanks. Set it up. How’s everything else?”
“Outstanding! Also, I received another call from that magazine editor. She’s scheduling interviews and photo shoots with the honorees and wanted to get the three of you on her calendar.”
“Really!” Chris’s brows lifted, and a smile swept across his face. “Check with Kent and Ray, and let’s settle on a date soon.”
“Cool. You deserve the recognition. You three are doing a great job at making The Reserve a hot spot. It happened so fast.”
“Thanks, Trina!” He grinned with a modest amount of pride.
Tilting her head, Trina gave Chris a delightful smile. “Seriously. I’m very proud of you guys.” She patted his hand. “And I’m happy to be a part of the team.”
“You are part of this. Thanks for all you do.”
“You’re welcome, babycakes. See you at the staff meeting. This girl has some real work to do. I can’t just stand around being pretty.” She blew a kiss as she left the office.
Things were going well for Chris—the family business, their foundation and this fairly new venture with his longtime friends. Every area of his life seemed to be thriving with a flowing momentum. Dating was the only aspect that was still uncertain. Recently he hadn’t met women he was interested in seeing beyond the first few dates. His access to beautiful ladies was still plentiful, but lately most seemed interested in his pedigree. He was over women who wanted him to be attached to the Chandler legacy. Something was changing, and Chris wasn’t sure if it was the women or him.
Ray entered their office with the force of a hurricane. “What’s up?” His energy charged the room.
“You’re here early,” Kent kidded, walking in behind him.
“It’s three o’clock.” Ray’s brows furrowed.
“Yeah. On time is early for you!” Chris jumped in on the joke, sharing a laugh with Kent.
“Ha!” Ray clapped his hands. “Let’s get this party started.” He removed his suit jacket, tossed it on the back of his chair and sat down with his feet up on the desk.
Kent plopped in his chair and swiveled to face Ray. “You seem happy. What’s good?”
“Everything!”
Chris laughed, shaking his head. “How’s Brynn?”
Ray’s smile nearly split his face at the mention of his girlfriend’s name. “Brynn’s good. I just left her.”
“I still can’t believe you two met online. I’ve always been skeptical of that.” Chris shrugged, reaching for a notepad.
“Me too, man,” Kent agreed.
“I was too, until I found Brynn. I can’t believe our paths never crossed before—especially after discovering that we knew so many of the same people. I keep telling you guys to give this online thing a try.”
“Maybe I should!” Chris said jokingly. “Do you think it would stop my mother from trying to hook me up with her friends’ daughters?”
“Dates chosen by mothers never work out well.” Kent chuckled.
“Try it. What can it hurt?” Ray asked.
“It’s just not for me.” Chris sucked air through his teeth.
“Sounds to me like regular dating isn’t working out so well either.”
“Very funny, Ray!”
“He’s got a point, Chris. We’re the ones who are still single.”
“By choice,” Chris said pointedly, with a lifted index finger.
“Exactly! That’s because you’ve already dated most of the women you know, player!” Kent howled. “Save some for the rest of us, man.”
Laughing, Kent offered Ray a high five.
“I can’t help it if I’m in demand.” Chris gave his collar a smug tug.
Kent and Ray looked at each other and burst into laughter once again. Chris couldn’t help but join them. The irony was evident. As eligible a bachelor as he was, his options were narrowing.
“You may have a point, Ray. Maybe it’s time for Chris and me to look outside our usual circles. This can be a way to meet new women. It’s not as creepy as it used to be. Some pretty decent relationships started online—like yours.”
“See? It’s not so bad, Chris. Brynn isn’t crazy at all.” Ray’s comment generated another round of laughs.
“Trina said Eclipse magazine called. The editor wants to set up an interview.” Chris was happy to change the subject. He had too many reservations about this online thing, and he also had a reputation—no, a legacy—to protect.
What would a Chandler look like, searching for a mate online? He didn’t express his thoughts aloud in order not to offend Ray. Chris, Ray and Kent had been close friends since high school. Finding beautiful women to date had never been an issue for any of them, so when Ray said that he was trying the online thing, Chris and Kent were shocked. They teased Ray through the entire process but shut their mouths when he introduced them to Brynn. Not only was she beautiful but also grounded, intelligent and apparently completely sane. Kent asked if she had a sister, cousin or mother that he could date. After that, Kent was open to online dating, but Chris still had his reservations.
Chris joined the others in swiping through the calendars on their phones.
“I can do next Wednesday.” Kent spoke first. “What time do they want to interview us?”
“Do they want us to come to their offices in the city, or will they come here? That will help me figure out what’s best. My calendar is looking a little crazy right now.” Ray shook his head. “But I’ll be in the city already on Wednesday so, if they want us to meet there, that might work.”
“I’ll have Trina call and ask. Should we leave Wednesday open either way? Does that work for you?” Chris directed his question toward Ray. His phone was cupped in his hand with his thumb hovering over the screen. Ray nodded. “Cool,” Chris continued. “We can let Trina know at the meeting.”
“So, fellas. We have a big night coming up tonight, huh?” Ray clapped his hands and rubbed them back and forth.
“Yes, we do!” Chris agreed. “This place is going to be packed. Alfonzo Blackwell is a huge draw.”
“How’d you get him again, Chris?” Kent asked.
“He’s an old friend of Jewel’s. She called in a favor.” Chris turned to Ray. “Brynn joining us tonight?”
“For sure! She wouldn’t miss a chance to see Blackwell play.”
There was that gleam again. Whenever Brynn’s name flitted into the atmosphere, Ray appeared lighter—his smile instinctual as if it generated from somewhere well beyond his lips. Chris wondered what that felt like. He thought he had come close in grad school. He figured he had loved Danielle but couldn’t recall feeling what Ray seemed to feel, which appeared to transcend emotions and come alive in their very presence.
“You really like this girl.” With his head tilted, Chris said those words as if the weight of them had just landed on him. His friend was in love.
Ray sat back in his chair, smiled and exhaled as if the air he released carried away every problem. “I think she’s the one.”
Chris’s and Kent’s mouths fell open. They looked at one another and then at Ray.
“Whoa!” Kent held his hands up. “You think so, man?”
An assured nod.
With hands in the air, Chris made a few attempts to speak, closed his mouth and shrugged. His hands fell to his side with a slap. “What can I say? I’m happy for you, man. I have to admit, happiness looks good on you.”
“Thanks! One down and two to go.” Ray raised his brow.
Kent held up a palm. “Hey! Don’t speak so fast. I’m still having fun.”
Chris laughed with them but stayed mute. He liked what he saw in Ray, and a part of him wanted to know what that felt like. He just wasn’t sure if he’d find it online.
Chapter 3 (#u89e3b525-76d0-54fb-b187-5b30021c0034)
Serenity took the dress the attendant handed to her and looked it over. She’d lost the weight but wondered how the dress would actually fit. Peeking at the size, she heard the woman say, “Don’t be concerned about that. European sizing is quite different.”
That gave her small comfort. The number on the tag was what she wore after losing her first twenty pounds.
“Try it on. I can’t wait to see it on you!” Rayne nudged Serenity toward the fitting room. “And you try on this one, Elisa.” Their friend took the second dress and nodded her approval. “We’ll see which one looks best, and the two of you can choose.”
“Let’s do this!” Elisa lifted her eyebrows at Serenity.
“Let’s do it!”
Serenity stepped into the narrow box of a room and closed the door. Leaning against the wall, she took a deep breath. She’d lost a total of forty pounds so far, and trying on clothes was still a chore because of her curves. People told her all the time how amazing she looked. She received their compliments graciously, but their enthusiasm made her wonder what they were really saying about how she looked before. Her confidence had never been tied to her dress size. But now people treated her differently, especially men, and she wasn’t sure she liked that. Inside she was exactly the same person.
Slipping into the dress, Serenity appreciated how the inside layer, with its comfortable elasticity, glided over her curves, yet also fit her waist. The top layer was the same champagne hue but made of lace. The dress settled just off her shoulders, and at the bottom a slight train caressed the floor behind her as she moved. Twisting side to side in the mirror, Serenity smiled, taking a calm breath. It was a good fit. Maybe she didn’t need to lose those last ten pounds. Her and her mother’s new lifestyle had already proven beneficial to their health and their shapes.
Stepping out of the fitting room, Serenity was met with gasps from her friends and strangers.
“Oh my goodness!” Both of Rayne’s hands covered her mouth. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”
Elisa stepped out of her fitting room with the champagne halter dress that Rayne had handed to her. “We’re wearing that dress.” She pointed to Serenity. “Turn around, girl.” She took Serenity by the hand, and led her in a ballerina twirl. “This is it, Rayne. What do you think?”
