James looked out the large front windows as Randy spoke with someone for a few minutes, before he returned and sat back down. “You owe me big-time for this. But I think I found someone.” Randy motioned for the check, and their server brought over the charge slip. He signed the bill, thanking her again.
“You need to go home and dress up a little. Wear something nice. I’ll be at your place by seven to pick you up.” Randy seemed so damned pleased with himself, and James started to sweat.
“Who is it?”
“Don’t ask questions, just do it. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Randy made shooing motions, and James left the bar. He had learned a long time ago that Randy thought outside the box and had a flair for the dramatic. That was the reason he’d called him in the first place. James was desperate, after all.
* * *
At seven, he was ready, dressed in a navy blue polo shirt and chinos. When Randy messaged him, James went down and got into Randy’s BMW sedan. “Where are we going?” James asked. “Did you find someone for me? Maybe your sister?”
“Just hold your horses.” Randy pulled out of the driveway and drove toward the freeway. “Do you want to do this or not? If so, then put yourself in my capable hands.”
James sat back. Randy would tell him sooner or later. And there was nothing James could do, short of a formal police interrogation, to get him to talk before he was ready. “I just wondered why I had to dress up.” Hopefully, if he got Randy talking, his friend might let something slip.
“It won’t kill you to wear something other than jeans and a T-shirt. You look nice, by the way.” Randy turned onto the freeway on-ramp heading toward the city. James loved Randy’s car. It rode as smooth as glass and the seats were plush. He squirmed a little to get comfortable and then watched the familiar scenery outside the windows.
Traffic slowed as they approached the bypass and then sped up again when they were past it. Most of the cars were heading out of the city, and Randy exited the freeway, taking side streets to avoid the inevitable tangle of traffic near the downtown exits. “Are we going to a club?”
“Just sit back and put your cop curiosity on hold for a little while. Trust me. We’re going to have a good time.” Randy glanced over at him and grinned, making James a bit nervous about what Randy had up his sleeve. “We’re going to meet someone who might agree to go to the wedding with you. Just be cool, and I’ll introduce you... I promise. Now chill out so we can have a little fun.”
James put up his hands in surrender. “Okay.”
Randy seemed pleased as he pulled up to valet parking near a Greek restaurant. They got out, left the keys with the attendant, then went inside and were seated. James looked around, expecting someone to join them. But apparently it was only going to be the two of them for dinner. “Don’t be so nervous. This isn’t going to hurt, I promise,” Randy said.
“My mother called while I was getting ready. She wanted to know what my girlfriend liked to eat, and if she was allergic to anything. Apparently I neglected to specify a meal for us on the RSVP.” He closed his eyes and tried not to think of the mess he had gotten himself into. “She also questioned me about a number of other things, like what color my girlfriend would be wearing at the wedding. As if I know...” He rolled his eyes. “She’s driving me crazy.”
Randy grinned. “She wants to make sure your girl is real. Your mother has never met anyone you’ve dated, so she’s not taking any chances.” He patted James’s hand. “Don’t worry, everything is going to work out. Now, let’s have a nice meal and then we can go on to the main event.”
Dinner was amazing, James had to give Randy credit for that. And by the time they were done, James needed a walk to settle how full he was, which seemed to be what Randy had in mind as well. He motioned to the right once they left the restaurant, and they ambled down the sidewalk for a couple of blocks.
“Is this where we’re going?” James asked as he craned his head upward to the marquee.
“Yes. A friend is going to be joining us here, so I got us tickets for the show.” Randy took his arm and led him inside the small cabaret and down through the rows of seats, which were already filling up. They took their places one seat off the aisle, with Randy on the inside. “You’re going to love this.”
“Is that seat for—?” James swallowed nervously as he watched the last few couples file in and take their places.
“Yes,” an almost sultry voice said from nearby. Randy turned, and James stood up as a stunning woman in a red dress that fit her like a glove walked over to them. As she got closer, James’s eyes widened. Her makeup was flawless and her eyes sparkled in the theatrical lighting. She was beautiful in every respect, and James couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Are you James?” she asked demurely, extending her hand. James shook it lightly. “I’m Daniella. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Randy,” she said, inclining her head regally. James motioned to the empty seat, and she sat down. Only then did he sit as well. “Before the show starts and we have to be quiet, maybe we should talk. Randy said that you need a date for a wedding?” She placed her small clutch on her lap.
“Yes. My sister is getting married, and my mother insists that I bring a date. And, well...you don’t disappoint my mother. Not if you know what’s good for you.” He tried to make it seem like a joke, but Daniella simply nodded.
“My mother can be quite demanding as well. Believe me, I understand.” She curled her lips upward, and James relaxed a little. “Randy told me the date of the wedding, and luckily enough, I find myself between work engagements during that period. Besides, I’ve known Randy long enough to trust that he wouldn’t steer me wrong.”
James breathed a huge sigh of relief. Daniella was perfect—she was nice, classy, and seemed to know how to behave. Not that he thought women should need to behave, but his mother was going to love her.
“Let’s deal with the business so we can enjoy ourselves.” She smiled again, and James found his heart beating just a little faster. He leaned forward slightly. There was something captivating and almost intoxicating about her. And it scared the hell out of him, because he wasn’t attracted to women. He never had been anyway. But Daniella drew him closer as she turned slightly in her seat, her dress riding up to show more of the legs that seemed to go on for miles. He blinked as Daniella cleared her throat, and pulled himself back into the conversation. What was happening to him? “Randy mentioned that you would pay for my airline ticket and take care of the expenses while we’re there.”
“Absolutely. I’ll also show you around and see to it that you have a nice time.” This was turning out better than he had hoped. “This will be strictly platonic. You’d be helping me out and I wouldn’t expect anything more than maybe friendship. I’m a police officer—you can trust me. I’m not going to take advantage of you or anyone.” That was the last thing on James’s mind.