Angels at the Table (Angels Everywhere #7)(23)

His own relationship with Lucie was complicated and getting more so by the minute. It’d all seemed so perfect, innocent even, back on New Year’s Eve. Now, with him working for the Gazette and Lucie part owner of the restaurant he’d reviewed, the possibility of him developing this relationship became that much more difficult.

“She’ll be a fool if she doesn’t contact you.”

Aren and his sister had always been close. Every morning they walked to the subway together. He’d found an apartment close to Josie’s and they met for coffee, carrying it with them as they headed toward their respective jobs.

“Maybe she wouldn’t be such a fool.” Aren had spent a sleepless night mulling over the impossibility of his situation. For one thing, he’d had a complete change of heart when it came to Heavenly Delights. Three hundred patrons hadn’t been wrong. Dinner was a delight and the desserts afterward had been heavenly. His opinion had made a complete turnaround from his previous visit. This time it had earned its name. He’d told the managing editor he intended to write another review, and he would. Furthermore, his change of heart had nothing to do with his feelings toward the chef.

“By the way, is there any chance you can get tickets for Angels at Christmas?” Josie asked.

Naturally his sister would ask about the hottest musical on Broadway. Tickets had been sold out months in advance. And with Christmas approaching they were impossible to find. “Yeah, right.”

“Well, you just might. The newspaper has connections, doesn’t it? It’s just a matter of knowing the right people.”

Aren snickered. As a recent hiree, he had little chance of getting tickets. He’d let Josie dream away. Aren enjoyed his sister’s company, but if he took anyone to see a musical it would be Lucie; that is, if she wanted to see him again.

Following his divorce Aren hadn’t leaped back into the dating world and noticed that Josie hadn’t either, although she was quick to egg him on. Deep down Aren supposed his sister needed to see him willing to risk his heart again before she felt comfortable doing so herself. Brother and sister made a terrific dysfunctional team.

“Let me know what you find out,” Josie murmured as she headed down to her train. “And if you do manage to get those tickets, ask Lucie.”

Aren frowned. “I thought you wanted to go?”

“I will someday. I was just thinking it was an invitation Lucie wouldn’t be able to turn down. I’ve heard that Angels at Christmas is an incredible musical.”

“Don’t hold your breath, okay?” He hated giving his thoughts away, and Lucie had definitely been heavy on his mind.

She gave him a cheery wave and was off.

Aren went to another track to catch his train and then walked the few blocks to the newspaper building. He dropped his backpack off at his desk and headed directly to Sandy’s office.

The managing editor sat at her computer and glanced up when he knocked against the door frame. Looking at him above the glasses perched on the end of her nose, Sandy lifted her hands from the keyboard and swiveled her chair around. “You had dinner at Heavenly Delights?”

He nodded, stuffing the tips of his fingers in his jean pockets.

“And?”

“It was terrific.”

She arched her brows as though pleasantly surprised. “So you had a change of heart.”

He admitted as much. “I can’t account for what happened the first time around. My sister was with me and her meal seemed to be just fine. Mine was a disaster.”

“But not this time?”

“No, the sole was fabulous in every way.” And in ways he hadn’t expected that had nothing to do with the menu items.

“Good. Write your piece and we’ll publish it in this evening’s edition. That should make those supporters of the restaurant happy.” As she spoke, his editor turned back to face her computer screen.

“Sandy,” Aren said, remaining standing in the doorway to her office.

She looked his way, frowning with impatience. “Now what?”

“I can’t write the review.”

“Why not?” she demanded shortly, clearly irritated with him.

“I met the chef and I know her.”

“Did that influence your opinion?”

“No.”

“Then write the review.”

“I’d like nothing better. However …”

She removed her glasses and glared up at him. “What’s your problem, Fairchild?”

“I want to date the chef,” he blurted out.

Sandy frowned and turned back to her computer again. “So date her. She doesn’t need to know you’re Eaton Well.”

Aren was stunned. Not knowing what to expect from his admission, his mind started to spin with happy anticipation.

“Are you still here?” Sandy blurted out.

“Thanks, Sandy, really, I mean it. This is great news.” Aren’s heart was lighter than it’d been in months.

On his way in to talk to Sandy, he’d wondered what she’d say about him wanting to date Lucie. Now it felt as if the weight of ten dump trucks had been lifted from his shoulders.

Sandy glanced his way again. “Why are you still here?”

“No … no reason … I’m on my way to my desk to write the finest restaurant review you’ve ever published.”