Wine & Roses by Susan R. Hughes Page B

droop, replacing it with a solemn expression. “At these events, I can’t help thinking of him, and how much he would have enjoyed himself. Charity meant so much to him, as you know.”
    Abby dipped her chin. “He would’ve been there, for sure.” But without me, she added silently.
    “Jason, the wine you provided for the event was exquisite,” Lorena went on, turning her attention to him.
    “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
    Her thinly plucked brows puckered. “I suppose you’ve heard about Bree and Stephen Blaine, have you?”
    “Heard what?”
    “About their engagement.”
    Jason’s eyebrows lifted only slightly. “No, I hadn’t heard.”
    Tilting her head to one side, Lorena bent to pat his hand in consolation. “Oh, dear, I’m sorry to have blurted it out so callously.”
    “It’s fine.” His tone betrayed none of the annoyance that must have been building inside him. “I’m happy for them.”
    She offered an indulgent nod. “Well, I just thought that after the way she left you, it might be a sore spot.”
    “Lovely seeing you, Lorena,” Jason said mildly, his smile tight. Abby could see his temples pulsing, and wondered how long he’d be able to hold his temper.
    “Yes, nice to see both of you. Enjoy your lunch.” Recognizing that she’d been dismissed, and satisfied with the discomfort she’d caused, Lorena flounced back to her table to join her husband Sid, who glanced over briefly, appearing perplexed by what had just transpired.
    Jason stared down at his menu. “That woman is insufferable,” he muttered.
    “Don’t let her get to you,” Abby said quietly. “It’s what she wants.”
    “True,” he said, though his jaw remained clenched as the waiter arrived with their wine, filling their glasses before taking their meal orders.
    “Did it bother you at all to hear of Brianna’s engagement?” Abby asked, once the waiter had gone.
    Jason snatched up his glass, taking a long swallow before answering. “Why should it? If anything I feel sorry for Blaine. He doesn’t know what he’s in for. I should warn him.”
    “No, Jason, you shouldn’t,” she said, unsure if he was serious. “He wouldn’t listen to you anyhow. Love can make the most astute of us blind.”
    “And stupid,” he added sharply. “That’s the trouble with it, isn’t it?”
    Abby blinked at him in surprise. “Do you really mean that?”
    Jason drew a deep breath, his tone softening as he met her gaze. “Sorry. No, I don’t mean it. Lorena Bloom just has a way of getting under my skin. Going on about Colin like he was some kind of saint, and implying you should walk around in a black veil for the rest of your life.” Hearing the timbre of his voice begin to rise again, he paused to settle himself. “What Colin Bennett did to my father was callous and malicious, but that was business. The way he treated you, his wife —he shouldn’t get off scot free for that.”
    “Colin’s dead, he hasn’t gotten away with anything,” Abby reminded him. “Besides, you’re the one who advised me to leave the past where it belongs. If I can forgive Colin, surely you can do the same.”
    Jason nodded, offering a conciliatory smile. “You’re right. Let’s forget about Lorena and Colin, and poor old blind Stephen Blaine, and focus on enjoying our lunch.”
    “The last one we’ll have together for a while,” Abby added.
    “What time do you need to be at the airport?”
    “About six-thirty.”
    “I can drive you there, if you like,” Jason offered.
    “That’s sweet, and I’d love it. But Marguerite has been dropping me off at the airport for years, and she still considers it her duty. I’d hate to disappoint her.”
    “Ah yes, dear Marguerite,” he said dryly, his jaw tightening again. “My number one fan.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    Jason’s shoulders lifted slightly. “I get the impression she doesn’t approve of me.”
    Abby tapped her fingers on the table, unsure how to reply. She’d hoped