Blue Smoke

wanted to set tonight up before I told you. Reservations here can be hard to come by.”
    “And what do we call you now? The king of financial planning?”
    The pleased grin spread over his face. “That’s next. For now, I’ve settled for a VP slot.”
    “Vice president. Wow. We should have a party.”
    “Oh, I’ve got some plans. You know, Cat, you might put a bug in your sister’s ear again. Now that I’m in this position, maybe she can convince her husband to throw his account my way.”
    “Vince seems satisfied where he is,” she began, and saw his eyes cloud. “But I’ll mention it. I’ll see her on Sunday, for Sophia’s birthday party. You never told me if you were going to be able to make that.”
    “Cat, you know how I feel about those big family things, and a kid’s birthday on top of it.” His eyes aimed toward the ceiling. “Spare me.”
    “I know, it can be overwhelming. That’s fine. I just wanted you to know you’re welcome.”
    “If you think it would help sway your brother-in-law . . .”

    This time she tensed, then deliberately relaxed again. “Let’s keep family and business separate, okay? I’ll see if I can talk to Vince about meeting with you, but it’s, well, it’s tacky to try to scoop his account at his daughter’s party.”
    “Tacky? Now I’m tacky for trying to do my job and give your brother-in-law good financial advice?”
    She let him stew while their first course was served. “No. But I can tell you Vince wouldn’t appreciate you talking business at a family event.”
    “I’ve been to some of your family events,” he reminded her. “There’s plenty of business discussion. Pizza business.”
    “Sirico’s is family. I’ll do what I can.”
    “I’m sorry.” He waved a hand, then patted it on hers. “You know I get wound up when it comes to my work. We’re here to celebrate, not to argue. I know you’ll try a little harder to bring your brother-in-law around.”
    Had she said that? she wondered. She didn’t think so, but it was smarter to let it go. Otherwise they’d just go in circles, and she’d lose her appetite.
    “So, tell me more, Mr. Vice President. Will you be heading a department?”
    He told her more, and while she listened she enjoyed watching the animation on his face. She knew what it was to work toward a goal, then reach it. Exhilarating. The little ripples of tension smoothed away as they ate.
    “This fish is fabulous. Want a bite?” As soon as she said it, saw his expression, she laughed. “Sorry, I always forget you don’t like eating off each other’s plates. But you’re missing out, let me tell you. Oh, I didn’t tell you I caught another case today. There—”
    “I wasn’t finished. I haven’t gotten to the most important part.”
    “Oh. Sorry. There’s more?”
    “The big bang. You asked if I’ll be getting a new office. I will be.”
    “Big and splashy?” she said, playing in.
    “That’s right. Big and splashy. And on Wall Street.”

    “Wall Street?” Stunned, she set down her fork. “New York? They’re promoting you to New York?”
    “I’ve been busting my ass for this, and now I’ve got it. The Baltimore office is chump change compared to the setup I’ll have in New York.” His face was grim as he drank more champagne. “I earned this.”
    “Absolutely. I’m just surprised. I didn’t know you’d hoped to relocate.”
    “No point in talking about it until it’s done. And it’s not just relocating, Cat. It’s a major leap for me.”
    “Congratulations all around.” She smiled as she tapped her glass to his. “I’m going to miss you. When do you leave?”
    “Two weeks.” His eyes warmed, and his lips curved in the smile that had first caught her eye months before. “I’m taking the train up tomorrow to check out some apartments.”
    “Fast work.”
    “Why waste time? Which brings me to the second part of all this. Cat, I want you to go with me.”
    “Oh, Luke, that would be great. I’d love a quick trip to New York, but I can’t take off tomorrow. With a little more notice I could—”
    “I don’t mean tomorrow. I’ve got a realtor working with me, and I know what I’m looking for in an apartment. I mean I want you in New York with me. Cat.” Even as she opened her mouth to speak, he took her hand. “You’re exactly what I want. You’re the icing on this cake. Come with me to New York.”
    Her heart tripped as he took a small box out of his pocket, thumbed