Medium Well (9781101599648) by Meg Benjamin Page A

scowling in his general direction. Boyfriend? Danny had never thought of Biddy with a boyfriend before, but now it made perfect sense. The guitarist leaned down and muttered something to her, and she broke into a heart-stopping smile, shaking her head.
    Then she walked across the restaurant toward him.
    â€œGee,” she murmured. “You came. I didn’t know if you would.”
    He couldn’t seem to wipe the grin off his face. “Wouldn’t miss it. You were even better this time than last.”
    â€œThanks.” She pressed her lips together. Her surprisingly full, soft lips. “We had a good night.”
    â€œâ€˜Minnie the Moocher’?”
    She shrugged, grinning. “Cab Calloway. I thought it would work for an encore.”
    â€œWon’t it wreck your voice, singing like that?”
    â€œIf I did it all the time, it would. But once in a while doesn’t hurt. I mean, you should hear Guy Forsyth.”
    â€œI have.” Danny grinned back, happy to be there suddenly, happy to be talking to her, looking at her. “Have you had dinner?” he blurted. He didn’t know where he was headed, but he decided to let his impulse drive take over.
    She shook her head. “Just some tea. I don’t like to eat before I sing.”
    â€œLet me take you to dinner then.”
    Biddy glanced behind his left shoulder, and he followed her gaze. The guitarist, the bass player and Sideshow Bob were standing about two feet away. They looked like they’d dismember him at the drop of a cocktail onion.
    â€œAm I supposed to ask them if it’s all right to take you out?” Danny muttered.
    She shook her head. “I’ll take care of it.”
    â€œBiddy?” Sideshow Bob raised an eyebrow.
    â€œIt’s okay, Gordy. This is my boss from Vintage Real Estate, Danny Ramos.”
    The band didn’t look much happier to find out who he was, Danny noted. What exactly had Biddy told them about her job? He raised a hand and gave them an anemic version of the royal wave.
    Sideshow Bob narrowed his eyes. “You’re sure?”
    â€œI’m sure.” She gave him another of those dazzling smiles. “I’ll be fine. You go ahead.”
    Sideshow Bob gave Danny one more narrow-eyed look, apparently a threat of gruesome retribution if he made a misstep.
    Danny decided he could relate. He watched the band stalk back across the room to the exit. “I thought they were going to require something from me in writing.”
    She shrugged. “They’re just protective. Sometimes guys hit on me when we do a show. It’s nice to have the band to back me up.”
    â€œMaybe. I’d just as soon be without backup tonight, if it’s okay with you.”
    The corners of her mouth edged up, her eyes dancing.” Oh, Mr. Ramos, it’s totally okay.”
    ***
    Biddy glanced around the wine bar where Danny had taken her, prodding an olive with her forefinger. A lot nicer place than she normally went to—high ceilings, black slate tables with deep leather couches, subdued lighting. Very subdued lighting. And the couch was so deep it almost made them slide together. Biddy anchored herself a little more firmly at her end.
    She nibbled on a slice of cheese and wondered just what to say to Danny Ramos. Talking about the office was probably out since talking about the office meant talking about the carriage house, and she was pretty sure that would give him heartburn. So maybe they could talk about the other things they had in common.
    What other things?
She’d never really talked to him about anything not related to selling property.
    Danny seemed to be having the same problem. He took a nervous sip of wine. “So how long have you been a musician?”
    She shook her head. “I’ve never
not
been a musician. My mom used to say I headed straight for the piano with the first steps I took.”
Mom’s piano.
Biddy found herself