“And Matt knows how I feel, but I believe he thinks he can change my mind.”
“Like Karlton assumed?”
“Yes.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
“No, because unlike Karlton, Matt has given me advance warning of his intentions. However, I’m not concerned, since I know it will be a waste of his time. No man alive will ever convince me to marry again.”
“So, what’s next?”
Iris smiled again, one larger than the last, and appreciated that this time Pam couldn’t see it. “We have a date this weekend. We also agreed to meet up for lunch whenever we can.”
“That’s good since theWagging Tongueis keeping an eye on you two.”
“TheWagging Tongue?”
“I gather you didn’t see this morning’s paper. Candy was interviewed about that spread in yesterday’s paper.”
“No, I hadn’t.” Although she had an online subscription, she hadn’t bothered to read anything. “What did she have to say?”
“She tried saving face by claiming what you pulled with Matt was nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
Iris laughed. “A publicity stunt? I’m not an actress. I set up publicity stunts for my clients. I don’t participate in them myself. And if she knew anything about Matt she would know he was a private person until he was thrust into the limelight as Sid Roberts’s son. He’s only tolerating it to bring light to his father’s foundation and the importance of it.”
“Like I said, Candy’s trying to save face since that article and photo did not project a positive image. It shows her desperation in trying to remain relevant. It seems her one mistake is claiming what’s happening between you and Matt is a pretense when it’s the real thing.”
“For now, it is.” Iris glanced at her watch. She and Matt hadn’t made plans to meet for lunch today. Maybe she should call to see if he was interested in meeting up with her somewhere. She pushed aside the decision she’d made just that morning not to see him again until this weekend. He was a season ticket holder, and they would be attending an LA Rams game on Sunday. He had suggested dinner and a movie for Saturday, but she hadn’t told him if she would go. Starting out, she felt they shouldn’t overdo anything. “I have to prepare for my ten o’clock meeting, Pam. Give Dillon and the kids my love, and I will chat with you later.”
“Will do.”
Within minutes of Iris disconnecting the call, her cell phone went off. She saw that the caller was Matt. It was as if her thoughts of him had conjured him up. “Good morning, Matt.”
“Good morning to you, Iris. Have you made plans for lunch?”
“No.”
“Would you go to lunch with me today? Alton’s Sandwich Shop has good selections.”
“Sounds lovely. I know where it is and can meet you there.”
“I’d rather pick you up, Iris. I’ll call when I’m on my way.”
She smiled. He was definitely old-school. “Okay, and I’ll be waiting in front of the building.”
“Alright.”
After disconnecting the call, Iris leaned back in her chair. Already, she had noticed how different things were with Matt compared to Karlton and Warren. And she liked it.
* * *
“I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” Matt said, when Iris slid into the car seat. He tried not to notice the flash of thigh beneath her dress. He hadn’t needed to see that to get turned on. He had been aroused the moment he’d driven up and seen her standing there looking good enough to eat. Pleasure had rushed through his body at the thought.
“Not at all. I timed it perfectly after receiving your call, Matt,” she said, buckling her seat belt. “Thanks for the invite to lunch.”
“You’re welcome. How has your day been going so far?”
“I had three appointments scheduled for today. I’ve met with one this morning and the other two are this afternoon. What about you?”