Trust Me

agent says that a small theater on the Eastside is planning to do an updated version of Taming of the Shrew. He thinks Celia and I should audition as Kate and Petruchio. We’re considering it….
    … Glad to hear that you’ll be able to get back on schedule at Right Touch, Desdemona. I still can’t believe that you stumbled across a genuine murder victim. It’s like something out of a play. When I think of you being trapped in that freezer, I get cold chills….
    … Exotica Erotica is a lovely store, dear. I’m so glad it’s off to a flying start. Just imagine, we’ve got someone else with a stable income in the family. So useful….
    The dinner seemed to drag on forever. Stark was well aware that he was the only one who was not inside the magic, glistening bubble that enclosed everyone else at the table. He stood on the outside, the eternal observer, and watched what was happening. He realized that Jason and Kyle had been unofficially adopted into the Wainwright clan. They were a part of what was going on within the bubble.
    They had a place in the complex pattern. He, on the other hand, was standing at the edge of chaos.
    Desdemona glanced down the table in Stark’s direction from time to time, but she did not make her usual effort to draw him into the conversation.
    Stark was not particularly surprised when she announced that she had to leave.
    “I’ve got to get up early in the morning,” she said as she got to her feet with a show of reluctance. “The rest of you can talk the night away, but I’ve got a business to run.”
    Juliet looked surprised. “But we don’t have an event scheduled tomorrow, Desdemona.”
    “No, but I’ve still got a lot of work to do putting everything back in order in my office.” Desdemona collected a bronze-colored jacket from the coatrack. “Good night, everyone. See you tomorrow.”
    Stark pushed back his chair and got to his feet. Everyone looked at him expectantly.
    “I’ll see you home,” he said quietly.
    Desdemona’s eyes widened. “That’s not necessary. Really. I’ll have the hostess call a cab.”
    “My car is parked out in front,” Stark said.
    “But I’m perfectly safe.”
    Benedick frowned with paternal concern. “Stark’s quite right, my dear. There’s no need for you to go back to your place alone. Let him see you to your door.”
    “Good night, dear,” Celia said cheerfully.
    Desdemona hesitated. Stark knew as clearly as though she had spoken the words aloud that she was searching for a way out of the dilemma. She did not find one.
    “All right, Stark.” Her smile did not reach her eyes. “If you insist.”
    “I do.”
    She waved to the others. “I’ll send him right back.”
    Stark nodded to Jason and Kyle. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
    “Okay, Sam,” Kyle said.
    “Can I order another dessert while you’re gone?” Jason asked.
    Stark paused. “How many have you had?”
    “Just two.”
    “I think that’s enough.” Stark followed Desdemona through the door and out into the main dining room. He took her arm.
    The tension in her was unmistakable. He could feel it vibrating through her whole body. She said nothing as he walked her out of the restaurant.
    “It’s a little cool tonight, isn’t it?” she said in a chatty voice as he opened the car door for her.
    “A little.” He waited until she had settled into the seat and then he shut the door.
    She slanted him an anxious glance as he got behind the wheel. “Jason and Kyle have certainly taken to the theater life, haven’t they?”
    “Yes.” Stark eased the car away from the curb.
    “Mom and Dad like you.”
    “Do they?”
    “Definitely. I can always tell.”
    Stark said nothing. Beside him, Desdemona lapsed into a strained silence.
    He wondered if Tony was actually hiding out in her loft. It would be just like the bastard to use her to shield himself.

    Stark drove the short distance to Desdemona’s apartment building and parked inside the garage. He put his arm around her during the short elevator ride, but she did not relax against him as she usually did. He waited to see if she would try to stop him from escorting her to her door.
    He was surprised when she made no attempt to keep him out of the loft. She did, however, make a concerted effort to ensure that he did not linger.
    She stepped hastily into the entrance area, turned, and gave him another artificial smile. “Thanks for the escort. Sorry you can’t stay. I know you have to get Jason