The Right Time (16 page)

“I did at first, because it kept me from doing all the fun stuff I wanted to with my friends, but at some point I started looking forward to going in.” He’d even picked up extra shifts whenever he could. From washing dishes to waiting tables to cooking on the line, he learned a lot in those two years. He no longer felt adrift in a boat without a paddle or motor or even a compass to guide his way. The routine and no-nonsense attitude of the owner gave him the structure he needed.

Ryan took a swig of beer, his eyes trained on the kids as Ryker pushed Madison in one of the swings.

“Higher, Wyker! Higher!” she yelled.

“There’s no law against changing careers,” Ryan said. “People do it all the time.”

Ransom let out a little laugh. Sophie had said something similar. “So I’m told.”

“So are you telling me you plan to quit practicing law to open a restaurant?” His brother still sounded confused about the direction of the conversation.

“No.” Ransom lifted the beer to his lips and swallowed.

Walking away from Abraham, MacKenzie & Wong was an unfathomable decision when he was so close to achieving his goal. He couldn’t live like Shawna and Ryan—at least, he didn’t think he could. They weren’t poor, but they certainly weren’t rich, either, and although they didn’t seem to want for anything, he doubted he’d be satisfied living as simply as they did.

A partnership meant more than just money to support his lifestyle of expensive clothes, luxury cars, and fine dining. It offered the prestige of saying he’d arrived, and effectively showed his doubters that he was successful and better than just “shit.”

“What kind of food would you serve if you did open a restaurant?” Ryan asked.

“Pure Americana, farm to table. Hearty burgers, fresh vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth steaks. I might even incorporate a vegetarian menu.” Thanks to Sophie, he’d considered incorporating more vegetarian options.

“Sounds like you’ve thought a lot about something you don’t plan to do.”

Ransom didn’t deny or agree. “One of these days I’ll cook and have you guys over for dinner.”

The door behind them opened. “Dinner’s almost ready. Come in and get cleaned up,” Shawna called.

His niece and nephew raced ahead of them, and Ransom and Ryan followed more slowly. They helped Shawna place the food, plates, and utensils on the table.

Seated in the dining room, they all held hands and Ryan said grace. As Ransom watched his family—Ryan and Shawna with their heads bent and the kids fidgeting impatiently in their chairs—he envied their domesticity a little bit. He used to think thirty-seven was young, but in truth, he was nearing middle age, and he was nowhere near having any of this. No complaints about screaming kids climbing into bed early on Saturday morning to rob him of sleep. No wife to comfort him after a long day, or nag him when he needed to do better. He didn’t have any of that. Not even close.

There was something missing, a thought that crossed his mind more and more lately—ever since a certain gray-eyed beauty came into his life.

A tasting party was a brilliant idea, and Sophie couldn’t wait to see what Ransom had in store. He promised a variety of small-plate dishes, including a substantial selection of vegetarian options, but didn’t elaborate or offer a hint of what was on the menu.

She arrived at his door with a combination of excitement and trepidation in her stomach. She finally settled on pale-colored slacks and a green shirt, but she’d lost track of how many times she changed clothes, and couldn’t admit even to herself that the real reason she’d struggled with what to wear was because she wanted to impress Ransom and his brother and sister-in-law, who were also attending the dinner. He’d told her she could bring a couple of friends, and she invited Brenda and Jay, two foodies she knew would give their honest opinion but would also enjoy a night out with a great meal.

A young woman opened Ransom’s front door. Her appearance so surprised Sophie, she forgot to be polite and just stared, sizing up the other woman and unable to find fault. She was pretty, blonde, and wore a generous smile on her friendly face.

“Hello! I’m Sandy. You must be Sophie?”

Sophie snapped out of the shock and returned the smile. “Yes, I am.”

“Nice to meet you. Ransom’s in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on one of the dishes.”

Sophie entered and was immediately blown away by the transformation. The large front room had been rearranged into an intimate setting. A table was covered with a pale yellow tablecloth with seating for eight. Large clear vases strategically placed around the room held small votive candles. Sample-sized food lined the middle of the table and the large cherry wood buffet against the wall, with the name of the dishes printed on a small rectangular card that sat in front of each platter. Piano music played softly in the background.

Sophie was amazed at the spread, which was a feast not only for the eyes, but for the nose. “Wow. This looks amazing.”

“Thanks. We’ve been hard at work all day.”

We?

Sophie eyed the woman, wondering where she’d come from and why he’d invited her. Now she, Sophie, would be the odd man out because she was the only one in attendance that wasn’t part of a couple.

In the kitchen, she found Ransom chopping parsley. In his big hand, the knife moved swiftly along the cutting board. She felt a stirring in her belly as she watched him.

“You cooked for an army,” Sophie said.

He sprinkled the chopped herb onto individual cubes of lasagna, lined up on a long, narrow serving dish. “I had to increase the number of dishes because
somebody
doesn’t eat meat.”

He was wearing a black stud in his ear tonight, and for some reason the addition of the jewelry stepped up his sexy quotient. She’d always been indifferent about men wearing jewelry, particularly earrings, but it worked for Ransom. The air of edginess definitely permeated his appearance, especially when coupled with the slate-gray long-sleeved shirt and dark pants, both of which seemed to make him appear taller and broader than usual.

“How long did it take you to prepare all of this?” Sophie asked.

“All day. I’m exhausted.”

“But you’re smiling.”

“I feel…alive.” He frowned. “And maybe even a little nervous.” He laughed.

“Well, the others better get here soon, or we’ll have to start without them.”

“Ransom, since you’re all done, I’m going to head out.”

Sophie had forgotten Sandy was standing behind her, and she felt almost guilty at ignoring the other woman’s presence.

“You’re leaving?” Sophie asked, surprised but unable to stop the jump of excitement her heart made.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. I hope you all enjoy everything.”

“Give me just one second,” Ransom said to Sophie, before following Sandy out of the kitchen.

She shouldn’t, but Sophie peered around the corner at them as they said their goodbyes. She saw Ransom hand the young woman an envelope and breathed a sigh of relief. She had been hired to help and wasn’t his girlfriend. Catching herself, Sophie shook her head in disgust. She shouldn’t care.

“Everything’s set,” Ransom said. He rubbed his hands together and assessed the room.

“Can I help you with anything?” Sophie asked.

“No, I think that’s it until the first guest—”

The sound of the doorbell interrupted him.

“The first guests,” he said.

It was Brenda and Jay, and Sophie introduced the three to each other, and Ransom’s brother and sister-in-law arrived a few minutes later. All four of them widened their eyes at the selections.

“Two pregnant women in the house. More wine for us,” Sophie said.

They laughed and settled down on each long side of the table, ready for the parade of flavors that were about to hit their tongues. Brenda sat between Jay and Sophie. Ransom settled in across from Sophie, and his brother sat between him and his wife.

The choices included delicate cuts of steak, and even while they ate, Ransom continued to bring out dishes. Sophie helped when she could, clearing the table and setting a new dish before the group, like the parmesan-crusted steak fries, which were a big hit. The vegetarian options were all popular, too, particular the portobello mushroom burger, which Ransom had sliced into miniature pieces, and Sophie complained there wasn’t enough of.

The four-cheese spinach lasagna received thumbs up all around, including from Jay, who professed, “I’m Italian, and I can tell you, this is some damn good lasagna.”

The beef stew did not fare so well. The meat eaters all unanimously declared the dish the dud of the evening, but every other morsel was devoured with relish and washed down with wine or water between conversations that ranged from Shawna offering Brenda baby advice, to Ryan pointing out that his brother needed to move to Atlanta so they could have these parties more often.

“If Ransom moved here, that would make Sophie happy, I’m sure,” Shawna said. She smiled knowingly across the table.

“Excuse me?” Sophie said.

“I’m sure you’d love if Ransom moved here permanently.” The table went quiet, and Shawna looked around. “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

Ransom cleared his throat and set down his wine glass. “Sophie and I are just friends. She has a man in her life already.”

“Oh. I thought…You know what, I’m going to keep my mouth shut,” Shawna said.

“And just think, she didn’t even have any wine tonight,” Ryan teased.

Shawna hid her face in her husband’s shoulder, while the others had a good laugh at her expense.

But Ransom wasn’t laughing. He was looking across the table at Sophie, and she was looking across the table at him.

“I made an honest mistake,” Shawna said, her tone apologetic as she looked from Ransom to Sophie.

All eyes turned to Sophie, and she had the distinct impression they expected some kind of explanation. Why, if she had a man, wasn’t he here at the party, and she was instead looking as if she was paired up with Ransom?

“He couldn’t make it,” Sophie said, swallowing hard. Because she’d never asked him, and until that moment, hadn’t given him any thought.

Ransom drained his glass. “More wine?” he said to no one in particular, holding the bottle aloft.

“I’ll have a little more,” Jay said. He extended his glass.

Fortunately, the conversation turned again to more mundane topics and the mood lightened, but Shawna’s comment caused Sophie to think about what-ifs. What if she and Ransom were a couple? Then the gathering tonight could be the beginning of a tradition of more tasting parties and friendly conversations over wine and good food.

The little twinge in her chest, right below her left breast, which appeared whenever Ransom was near, sharpened that much more.

During a lull in the conversation, Ryan consulted his watch. “It’s probably time for us to get out of here. I need to put this one to bed.” He patted his wife’s thigh.

Shawna was leaning against him, one arm wrapped around his arm and her head on his shoulder. She wore a pleasant smile on her face, but a heaviness in her eyes. “I can’t seem to last as long as I used to. With this pregnancy I get worn out so fast. This boy drains all my energy.” She gently rubbed her belly and straightened in the chair.

“Nobody leaves without taking some of this food.” Ransom pointed in the general direction of the leftovers on the serving platters. Although they’d eaten a lot over the past few hours, there was still plenty left over.

“All right, all right, you’ve twisted my arm,” his brother said. He and Shawna stood.

“I’m calling dibs on the cauliflower gratin. That’s all mine,” Sophie said, standing as well.

“Oh, come on,” Brenda said, and a good-natured argument ensued, during which Sophie offered her a tablespoonful to take, and Ryan said he was calling dibs because of the familial relationship.

Jay took out a business card and handed it to Ransom. “When people are arguing over leftovers, that’s when you know you’re a helluva good cook. If you ever want to move into the restaurant business, call me. We can help you with the marketing.” Jay’s firm was the largest in the southeast.

“Start with catering,” Brenda suggested, her eyes lighting up at the idea. She picked up a couple of platters to take into the kitchen. “My mother’s getting married in a few months. Think you can come up with a menu for an evening wedding?”

“The man’s a lawyer, not a caterer. Leave him alone and let’s get some of these leftovers before Shawna and Ryan clean them out.” Jay nudged her along.

“We can hear you,” Shawna called from the kitchen.

While the four of them continued their argument in the kitchen, Ransom stared down at the business card. He seemed lost in thought before he finally realized that Sophie was observing him. He cocked a brow.

I told you
, she mouthed.

He smiled and the dimples made an appearance, softening his features. He appeared happy, but subdued, and tucked the card into a pocket.

They took the rest of the dishes into the kitchen, and Sophie helped by scraping scraps into the trash and loading the dishwasher. Anything that couldn’t fit was stacked in the sink and on the counters.

Brenda, Jay, Shawna, and Ryan said their goodbyes with their containers and wrapped plates, but Sophie remained behind. She wanted to find out Ransom’s thoughts on the evening.

When he closed the door, he turned to face her. The room was quiet except for the music that continued to play in the background. Several of the candles had burned out, but a few remained to cast an ambient glow on the room.

“You were amazing tonight. I’m so happy for you,” Sophie said.

“I wouldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”

Ransom let out a triumphant growl and lifted her off the floor. Sophie squealed, surprised but delighted. She hadn’t been sure if he was happy or not, but evidently he’d been holding in his excitement. She laughed and flung her arms around his neck, just as excited as he was, as he spun them in a full circle in the middle of the room.

“They couldn’t get enough,” he said, his blue eyes shining like bright stars.