Where the Light Glows Read online

  “Oh?”

  “We had a couple glasses of wine and talked. That’s all.” Her mind wandered to the kiss they’d shared.

  “A friend today, but maybe something else tomorrow, eh?”

  “She’s married.” She hung her jacket on the hook and slipped on a royal-blue chef’s coat. Straight and married.

  “And H.O.T.”

  “Shut up, Tony.” She tossed a dishtowel at him. But he was right about that. She was definitely hot—and after last night, Izzy wasn’t really sure about the straight part. “She just needs a friend right now.”

  “You’d better remember that.”

  “Don’t worry. I will.” I’ve been reminding myself every minute.

  “I suppose you’ll want to take off early tonight.”

  “No, but Mom’s supposed to call me when her friend comes over, so I’ll need to step out to go meet her.”

  *

  Mel parked her car in the lot. Strolling along the sidewalk, she gazed into the distance, not having the slightest twinge of guilt for being late this morning. She’d put in enough twelve-hour days to justify taking the morning off. As she waved at the security guard, she glanced at the clock on the wall above his desk. It was almost noon.

  Her nights with Izzy had somehow lightened the load she’d been carrying for the past year. Her problems with Jack didn’t seem so important now. If the man didn’t love her anymore, why should she waste her time and energy on him? Izzy was right. Mel needed to focus on herself for a while. Looking out for number one had just moved to the top of her to-do list.

  Nancy met her at the door. “Where have you been?” Her tone was low, yet urgent.

  “I overslept.”

  “You what?” She pulled at her shoulder. “You missed the meeting with Perry Electronics this morning, and all you can say is I overslept?”

  “You handled it, didn’t you?”

  “Well, yes.”

  Mel smiled. “Thanks for covering for me.”

  “What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you so happy?” Her eyes widened. “Did you get laid last night?”

  “Jack hasn’t come home yet. Besides, that rarely happens anymore.”

  Nancy’s expression was thoughtful. “Then what happened this morning?”

  “I told you. I overslept.” Mel held her tongue. “I’ll have all the details finalized by this evening.” She smiled. It didn’t even bother her that she was going to have to work a little late. She would see Izzy afterward and…and what?

  “Great. After that, you can pick up Rick and discuss the changes he wants done to his pages. I told him you’d take him to dinner. He’s expecting you around seven.”

  “I thought he wasn’t going to be here until next week?”

  “He had a break in filming.”

  “Can’t you take him to dinner?”

  “I can’t tonight. I already have plans. Besides, he doesn’t want to go to dinner with me.”

  “What if I have plans?” She didn’t try to hide her irritation as she rounded the corner and went into her office.

  Nancy eyed her suspiciously. “You did get laid.”

  “I did not.”

  “So, then what?” Nancy said, closing the door.

  “I went by Izzy’s house last night.”

  “After we had dinner?” Nancy’s eyes widened. “I knew something was going on with you two.”

  Mel smiled and felt the burn as it rushed over her cheeks. “We’ve been kind of hanging out together the last few nights.”

  “Oh, my God. I never thought I’d see the day when straight-laced Mel Thomas fell for another woman.” The giddiness in her voice was as plain as the smile on her face.

  “I wouldn’t say I’m falling for her. I just like her, that’s all.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  “Knock it off, Nance. She’s a good listener.” And she makes me feel good about myself.

  “And I’m not.”

  “Between bits about your own life crisis.”

  “Sorry. I guess my life has been a little crazy lately. I guess I can go to dinner with Rick, but he’s not going to like it.”

  “No worries. I’ll go. Just let him know I’ll pick him up in the usual place.”

  “You want to get a drink later?”

  “Can’t. I have plans.”

  “With who?”

  Mel smiled and shook her head.

  “Your new lady friend?” Nancy asked in a sultry tone. “And you said you weren’t into women.”

  Mel let out a short breath. “You’re making way too much of this, Nancy.”

  “So then, tell me. What makes her so special?”

  “I don’t know.” That wasn’t a question she’d asked herself, but Izzy was something special. “We just seem to click. She gets me, you know?”

  “Maybe that’s what she wants?”

  Mel drew her eyebrows together.

  “To get you.”

  “Maybe she does.” She winked. “It’s nice to have a little attention once in a while, even if it’s from a woman. Especially a sexy, beautiful one, who literally cooks my socks off.” She flopped down into the chair behind her desk. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”

  “You’re not getting off that easy. Sooner or later you’re going to have to spill.”

  “Not today. Now go.” She lifted her hand and shooed her away. “And close the door on your way out.”

  She picked up the phone and first cancelled her lunch plans with Bella and then dialed Izzy’s cell number. No answer, just voice mail. She left an apology about canceling dinner, explaining about Rick, and said she’d be bringing him to the restaurant for dinner. There was no way she could blow him off. Rick had been one of her first clients when she’d started working independently. They’d known each other since they were kids. She’d taken over as his publicist and designed his website when he was still trying to launch his acting career.

  Somehow, between the B movies and his skyrocketing to stardom, his agent had persuaded him to leave her and go with a competitor instead. Bigger always meant better, according to the money-hungry go-between. She guessed fate was looking out for her, because the other agency had botched the new site, and Rick had insisted they bring her in as a consultant to fix it or he was walking. That didn’t come cheap either.

  *

  Mel pulled up to the gate and punched in the code. It would be good to see Rick’s parents again. She hadn’t seen them since he was in town the last time, which was a few months ago. She pulled into the circle drive and went to the door. It pulled open almost immediately, and Rick was waiting for her with a huge grin.

  “Hey, Mellie.” He grabbed her up into a bear hug. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” She squeezed him back. “Where are your mom and dad?”

  “They’re out on a date night.”

  “A date night? Seriously?”

  “Yeah.” His smile widened. “Apparently they’ve decided their life has grown too boring. Now they go out dancing a few times a week.” He grabbed her, pulled her close, and danced her around the room.

  She chuckled. “At least someone’s taking the bull by the horns.”

  He swung her out of his arms, and she spun briefly. “Just let me run upstairs and get my jacket.”

  “I’ll meet you in the car.”

  Mel sat in the car tapping the steering wheel nervously as she waited in front of the house. “Come on, Rick, hurry up. I’ve got a—what do I have tonight?” She smiled. “A date with Izzy, that’s what I have.” She started the car when she saw him saunter out.

  “Where are we going?” Rick asked as he slid into the passenger seat.

  “To my favorite Italian restaurant. The one I told you about on the phone.”

  “The food’s good?” He raised a brow, giving her a skeptical look.

  “The very best.” And she wasn’t just saying that because she was partial to the chef.

  �
�I’ll be the judge of that,” he said in a teasing tone.

  But Mel knew he wasn’t kidding, Rick was a hard sell. When she’d first started her business, it had taken a lot of convincing for him to let her design and maintain his website. In the end, Rick knew he’d gotten the good end of the deal.

  Mel pulled into the restaurant lot and searched for a parking space. It was busier than usual for a weeknight. She hoped they could get a table since she hadn’t thought to make a reservation. She checked in with the hostess, who said there was about a fifteen-minute wait. The two of them elected to get a drink at the bar rather than wait by the door.

  *

  “Looks like your friend is back again.” Angie motioned to the dining room.

  “She’s supposed to eat back here,” Izzy said.

  “She’s not alone, sis. They both can’t eat in the kitchen. We’re gonna get a code violation.”

  “What?” This morning, Mel hadn’t said anything about bringing anyone with her. She pushed the door open a crack and stole a look at the dining room. Seeing the tall, handsome man seated across from Mel, her gut twisted. “Who the hell is that?”

  “It’s Rick Daniels,” Angie shot back. “You know. The movie star,” she added when Izzy gave her a blank stare.

  “Rick Daniels?” She let the door swing closed.

  “Oh my God, Iz. I can’t believe you don’t know who he is. He’s only one of the hottest movie stars ever. He grew up right here in the Bay area.” She chuckled. “You really need to get out more.”

  “Maybe I do.” She had no idea what was going on. Mel knew she was expecting only her, so why would she bring this dude along? “Bring their order to me, okay?”

  “Here.” Angie handed her the ticket. Izzy glanced at it and reached for the red-pepper flakes. Mel’s new Casanova was going to get a helluva tongue burn tonight.

  *

  The food was excellent, as usual, but Izzy hadn’t come to the table, and Mel hadn’t seen her look out the door once. The place was busy, but Mel thought she’d at least poke her head out of the kitchen and give her a wave. Had she done something wrong last night? She shouldn’t have kissed her, and she honestly didn’t know why she had. Well, that was a lie. She’d kissed her because each and every one of her nerve endings had fired when Izzy hugged her.

  Mel hated canceling on her for dinner tonight and hadn’t had the chance to sneak back and apologize in person. Hopefully she hadn’t been too disappointed when she got the message. Oh, God, maybe she wasn’t disappointed. Maybe she was relieved. She thought about last night and her body warmed. No, it had to be disappointment.

  Even though it was just a casual meal in the kitchen, it was all Mel had thought about since she’d left her this morning. She was looking forward to seeing Izzy again—alone. But this detour wasn’t about her; it was about work and couldn’t be avoided. Panic shuddered through her. She sounded just like Jack and his excuses. She knew how it felt to be on the other end of that statement and didn’t want Izzy to think she’d been second choice tonight. She flopped her napkin on the table and pushed her chair back.

  “Will you excuse me a minute?” Mel slid out of her chair.

  “Are you going to see the chef?”

  “After the ladies’ room.”

  “Let her know that I agree with you. She is the best Italian chef in town.”

  “I will.” She gave him a soft smile.

  Izzy startled when Mel touched her on the shoulder. “Hey.” Mel let her hand drift down her back.

  “Hey,” Izzy said, without turning to make eye contact. “I see you’re getting right back out there.”

  “What?” Mel clenched her fingers as her hand left Izzy’s back.

  Izzy glanced at her. “A movie star, yet.”

  Mel let out a chuckle. “You didn’t get my message, did you?”

  “Message? What message?” She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and hit the voice-mail button. Mel’s voice rang through the speaker explaining how she had to take her client to dinner. “He’s a client?”

  Mel nodded. “We had to go over some changes to his website.” She blurted out a laugh. “I’m sorry, Izzy, but you should see the look on your face.”

  “I thought he was your date.”

  “You thought I was dating Rick Daniels?” She gasped.

  “Yeah, why not? You’re a beautiful woman.”

  “You think so?”

  “Absolutely.” Mel felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She turned away, relieved when Izzy peeked into the dining room. “I hope his dinner wasn’t too spicy.”

  “Was it spicy?”

  “The man’s taste buds must be dead. I put enough red pepper in the sauce to burn a hole in his tongue.”

  “Really? I did notice the four glasses of water he drank.” She moved closer to whisper in her ear. “For a minute there, I thought your sister was going to bring the pitcher and pull up a chair.” Her lip jerked up into a smile. “And for your information, he’s not interested in me. He likes his women hot, just like his food.”

  “That’s what had me worried.” Their eyes met and Izzy held her gaze. There it was again. Zing!

  Mel broke eye contact and cleared her throat. “Listen. I have to take Rick to his house. Is it all right if I come back after I drop him off?”

  “Sure.”

  Mel gave her a light kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  “What was that for?”

  “For impressing Rick in spite of trying to fry his taste buds.” She slid her hand down Izzy’s arm. “And for being so good to me.”

  “Well, why don’t you get back out there? I’ll send him out a complimentary plate of cannoli.”

  “You don’t have to do that. This dinner is a business expense.”

  “It would be my pleasure.” She grinned. “After all, I did just try to burn the man’s mouth.”

  *

  Izzy looked up as Mel led Rick into the kitchen.

  “Rick Daniels, this is Izzy Calabrese. The best Italian chef in town.”

  Tony cleared his throat loudly, and Mel smiled. “Oh, and this is Tony. He’s pretty good too.”

  He took her hand between his. “I didn’t believe her until I tasted your Shrimp Diablo.”

  “I hope it was to your liking.”

  “It was magnificent.”

  Definitely dead taste buds.

  “Well, we’d better get going.” Mel motioned him toward the door.

  “You want to go someplace for a drink?”

  “Oh.” Mel seemed surprised that he asked. “I can’t tonight. Too much work to do on that website of yours.” She shot Izzy a smile. “I can drop you somewhere if you’d like.”

  “There’s a nice little bar at the hotel my agent uses when he’s in town. How about you have one drink?”

  “I really shouldn’t.”

  “You can’t leave me there alone. The paparazzi will be all over me.”

  “And you think I want my picture plastered across every rag in town?”

  “It’s good publicity. You’ll have every star in town calling.”

  She pinched her lips together. “Okay, one drink.”

  “Have fun,” Izzy said.

  Mel turned momentarily and mouthed, “I’ll be back.” She pointed at her watch and held up one finger.

  Izzy flinched when Rick put his hand on the small of Mel’s back to guide her through the restaurant.

  *

  Mel couldn’t wait to get out of the bar and back to Bella’s. The bar was loud and crowded. She didn’t think they’d gotten through a whole conversation without being interrupted by a fan or someone in the business who wanted a minute of Rick’s time. She was delighted when he’d taken an interest in someone else and she was able to sneak away.

  She tugged at the restaurant door, but it was locked. She could clearly hear music coming from inside so she walked around to the back. The door was open, so Mel let herself in. She followed the sound of the music into the di
ning room, slipped just inside, and leaned against the wall. All of the tables had been moved out of the center, and the restaurant crew was dancing around the dining room to some classic rock song. Angie was with Dougie, and Gio was with a girl Mel didn’t recognize. She scanned the rest of the room and immediately zoned in on Izzy, dancing alone by the bar. Mel was content just to stand back and watch her as her hips swayed back and forth to the beat.

  Angie squealed when she spotted Mel. “Come on. Dance with us.” She grabbed Mel’s hand, pulled her out into the middle of the room, and began dancing with her. “Come on. sis. Let’s dance.”

  “Yeah. Come on, Iz.” The guys cheered, and Carlos switched out with Angie.

  “No. I’m good right here.” She leaned up against the bar and smiled.

  Mel could see Izzy’s gaze roll over her body like a slow burn. Suddenly she felt like she was dancing just for her. Mel felt somebody come up behind her. Relief washed over her when Izzy bolted across the room and pulled her from between Carlos and Miguel. She hadn’t planned on being sandwiched between the two of them.

  “No, you don’t, boys.” She swung Mel around into her arms. “Sorry about that. They’re harmless, but they get carried away sometimes.” Izzy pulled her close and whispered in her ear, “I didn’t think you wanted Miguel grinding up against your ass.”

  “Grinding…no.” Mel smiled, thinking she would much rather it would have been Izzy.

  “This generation has no boundaries.”

  “They do that even if they don’t know each other?”

  “They do it especially if they don’t know each other.” Izzy shoved her out, twirled her under her arm, and pulled her back in close. “Just stick with me, beautiful. I’ll keep you safe.” She gave her a wink and released her when the song ended. “All right, everybody. Let’s get something to eat and get outta here.”

  They all headed into the kitchen, and Angie scooted in next to Mel. “What happened to your hot date?”

  “Not a date. A client.”

  “Oh, so you can introduce me?”

  “I’m right here,” Dougie said.

  “I’m not sure you’d like the exposure.” She thought about the mob scene at the hotel. All of the flashes had practically blinded her. “I only had one drink with him, and there must have been a hundred pictures taken.”