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Strangely, the day played on like any other day. Meetings, calls, and schmoozing on behalf of Carrington’s. Didn’t the universe know that her future hung in the balance? As she packed up for the day, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Helen.

She slid on. “Leighton Morrow. Exhausted human.”

“Ran into Jamie and she tossed out the idea of dinner tonight. She’s dating someone and thought we’d want to come. A double. Yes?” That was the thing about Helen and the phone. She didn’t hesitate before launching in and unloading everything that was happening in her orbit. Leighton kinda wished they’d take a minute with each other. Regardless, she replayed the ambush of information. Jamie. A double date. She closed her eyes. She couldn’t think straight. “Sure, whatever you want.”

“Thought you’d say that, which is why I already said yes. Ruffiano’s at seven. It’s near Too, and I’m told they have amazing bread service.”

“Our first double date.” Her stomach flip-flopped. It would be fine, though. A chance for both her and Jamie to grow in this new capacity of having partners. Very mature of them, if she did say so herself.

“Let’s meet there,” Helen said. “I want to swing by a sample sale on the Upper East Side first. I know the designer, and they’re pulling some strings to get me in early.” Helen had a tendency to collect important people. Seek them out. It wasn’t a flaw. Just something to note. Distantly, Leighton wondered if she was, in a small way, a showpiece for Helen, who often wanted to bring people up to the apartment to show off the view. Let them know Leighton was actually a Carrington. It was wrong of Leighton to suspect such a thing. Helen was awesome. End of story.

“What is wrong with you?” she murmured and checked the clock. She’d have just enough time to swing by the apartment for something a little more casual for dinner. And it would be a great dinner. It was Jamie, after all, and they’d laugh and eat and likely have the absolute best time ever. Nothing to stress about.

Chapter Twenty-one

Ruffiano’s was known for the best handmade pasta in the neighborhood. It was also an adorable little place just outside the theater district, with about twelve tables with white tablecloths, a small bar, and aromas from the kitchen that could send a girl to church. Jamie used all of these details to distract her from the awkward feelings that descended on her the minute she arrived with Tegan to find Leighton seated at the table alone, a customary glass of red wine in front of her. She waved as they approached and blossomed into a beautiful smile that took over the room. Jamie felt the blush infuse her face.

She swallowed and smiled over at Tegan, giving her hand a squeeze. This was their fourth date, and things between them were progressing at an appropriate pace. Two good night kisses, one a little longer than the other. They’d passed a handful of texts between dates. Friendly and flirty in the right combination. Tegan was proving to be a really nice woman.

But she wasn’t Leighton.

Underneath it all, Jamie knew that was the headline in her heart. And it was a problem.

With every day that passed, it became more and more apparent to Jamie that no one would ever be Leighton. Instead, whoever she was with would live forever in the shadow of the woman Jamie had, somewhere along the way, fallen in love with. She had to find a way to get her feelings in order and on the shelf. Leighton was happy with Helen, and Jamie had been offered every opportunity to tell Leighton how she felt. That ship had sailed.

“I hope you don’t mind that I started early.” Leighton gestured tothe wine and stood as they approached. She focused on Tegan first. “Hi. Leighton Morrow. Really nice to meet you. Jamie says great things.”

Tegan accepted Leighton’s hand and gave it a hearty shake. Points for enthusiasm. She had her dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail and wore a green military jacket with black jeans and a braided bracelet. “Tegan Murphy. I’ve heard all about you, too.”

Leighton looked down at their hands with wide eyes. “You have a good grip, Tegan Murphy. Impressive.” She shifted her focus and softened. Jamie’s heart squeezed at the change.Dammit. “Hi, Jamie,” she said, leaned in, and kissed her cheek. “You look great.” The soft scent of her lotion enveloped Jamie and whisked her to memories far tucked away.

“Hi. You, too.” Leighton wore a red jersey dress, both chic and soft. “I’m happy we’re doing this,” Jamie said. “Helen’s coming, right?”

“Yes, but you see, there was a sample sale that led to some sort of private reception, and Helen has trouble saying no to those.”

Helen was sure dialed into the elite New York social scene. Jamie had seen as much for herself. Helen chased parties and always glowed when she scored an invitation. Quite the contrast to Leighton, who was happy at home with good company. Maybe Helen brought out her extrovert side. Quietly, Jamie wasn’t sure she liked anyone changing Leighton. “Well, if she can’t make it, we’ll have to do this again,” Tegan said. Jamie smiled at her.

“Tegan, are you a big fan of wine and coffee?”

Tegan laughed and leaned to the side. “I do enjoy a good glass of wine, but coffee is kind of my least favorite beverage.” She passed Jamie a look. “I’ve already let Jamie know, so she can ignore my calls if she chooses.”

“It is her life’s work,” Leighton said with an added wince.

Hmm. Defensiveness flared and Jamie patted Tegan’s hand. “We forgive them for what they don’t know they’re missing out on, right?”

“If you say so.” Leighton sipped her wine. That comment was not like her. Jamie let it go, and they spent the next few moments perusing the menu and hearing about the specials from their server, Aldo.

“What about a bottle of pinot grigio?” Tegan asked, eyes on the menu.

“Jamie likes merlot,” Leighton said evenly.

“Oh.” Tegan’s gaze shot up. “We can certainly have merlot.”

“Actually, I’d prefer white tonight,” Jamie said, her eyes never leaving Leighton’s. She tried to shoot daggers. She wasn’t sure if it was working. What was Leighton trying to do with these subtle comments? Why did she have to wear that jersey dress that showed off her amazing arms?

“Great. Pinot grigio it is.” Tegan looked from Jamie to Leighton. “Leighton, you’re welcome to join us.”

“I’m good. I’ll stick with red,” Leighton said with an overly friendly smile. She then looked to Jamie as if to saySee, I can be super nice.