All of Me (Stevens Book 4)

Chapter 10

Lizzy was making her way through the tables when a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. She was so startled that she pulled away as quickly as she could. When she looked over her shoulder it was to see Rainer rising from his seat.

"Rainer!" She threw herself into his arms. She needed a little family support, and her big brother's appearance was perfect timing. He caught her in a tight hug, tilting her head up to look at him as he studied her for a moment. She was unable to hide the hurt she was feeling.

"We were just finishing up here, would you join me for a drink in the bar?"

Lizzy looked over her shoulder at the table. Heather had rejoined the group and was watching her and Rainer's little exchange with open interest. Brian just nodded at Rainer.

"I don't know?"

"I'm only in town for a few hours, and I would love to spend it with you as opposed to sitting in an airport reading." He followed her glance. "Dinner with Brian?"

Lizzy looked up at him. "It's work."

"Sure, is that why you look like you've just learned your dog died?"

"I don't have a dog." Lizzy gave a forced smile.

"No, but you do have a heart."

He gave her a squeeze. "You look lovely this evening little Lizzy. I saw your big entrance. Every man in the place had their eyes riveted to you, including my friend." Rainer motioned to the man at the table next to them.

"Oh, I'm so sorry I was rude." Lizzy held out her hand. "Lizzy Stevens."

"This is Robert Lundi, my agent." Rainer introduced a short round man with red cheeks and a receding hairline.

Robert stood quickly and took Lizzy's hand. "It is a real pleasure."

"Look, give me and Lundi ten minutes to finish up here, and I'll meet you in the bar. Do you think you can get away?" Rainer looked at his watch.

Lizzy nodded her head.

"Then you can tell me all about it," he said, giving her another hug.

Lizzy broke away and gave him a trembling smile. She so wanted to talk to someone.

"O.K.," she said softly as she started back to the table. She glanced back over her shoulder to see Rainer watching her with a concerned expression on his face. When she reached the table there was a tense silence.

"Sorry about that." She placed the napkin back on her lap as she sat down.

"No problem dear." Helen looked back over her shoulder at Rainer's broad back and red hair. "That was a handsome man you were talking too. He looks familiar."

Lizzy knew Rainer was a very private individual so she just nodded. "He is very handsome."

"I am afraid I have another appointment in a few minutes-" she began but Helen cut her off.

"That handsome man no doubt," Helen concluded innocently.

"So Helen, are you interested in letting me do the interior design for your new home?" Lizzy asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"Absolutely, when can we start?" She leaned forward eagerly.

"If Heather can meet with me Monday, I can get the plans from her and then put together some ideas and see which ones interest you the most."

Brian sat quietly, watching her closely, she knew he was livid about something, probably the fact that she was cutting out of the meeting early.

"That sounds fine to me," Heather said all smiles. Her attitude was a dramatic turnaround from a few minutes earlier. She probably thought Rainer was a boyfriend. Well it was fine with her. Perhaps it would help the job go a little more smoothly.