"Preschoolers planting herbs," I said. "The chef's food last night was spectacular, but nothing beats that moment when kids realize you can eat things straight from the garden."
"That reminds me," Tasha muttered, "make sure to update the poisonous plants image index."
I waited until she'd made a note in her phone. "Aren't you happy?" I asked. "I'm happy."
Tasha's gaze fluttered to mine again. "Sitting in the dirt at 10 a.m. makes you happy?"
I laughed but stabbed my trowel into the dirt harder than was necessary. "Yes. Why is that so surprising?"
"Because you're this flashy, social scene, fashionable billionaire who everyone is keeping tabs on. You just spent last night at the most exclusive restaurant opening. And you seriously want me to believe that this is where you'd rather be?" Tasha pushed her fists into the dirt but kept her eyes on me. "What happened to the insanely rich exec in his penthouse office suite?"
I planted the first parsley. "I think you got us confused at the end there," I said. "I never said I wanted to be the big boss man. That's you."
Tasha swiped her hair out of her eyes. "But this is all part of the show, isn't it? Don't get me wrong; the campaign is working, but, come on. Tell me the truth. Aren't you ready to get back to your big-mo
ney life?"
I felt a surge of jealousy. "Is this all Mr. Salt-of-the-Earth talking? My big-money life? What about you? You could have been at the restaurant opening last night. You should have come."
"I thought you were jealous of my food truck torta," Tasha said.
I nodded. "I definitely would have skipped the whole suit song-and-dance if you'd invited me over," I admitted.
Tasha stood up and brushed the dirt off her knees in an abrupt manner. "I told Stan that I would check in with him this morning. I'll just make the call from my car."
I was ready to dwell on what she'd said and not said when the preschoolers came out from their classroom. Soon the garden was filled with screeches and laughter, dirt, and the need to save the small plants from trampling feet. The kids loved seeing our virtual garden plan and comparing it with the real thing. I wanted Tasha to enjoy it - the very real application of her program - but she remained in her car.
Then when she did come out, Tasha found ways to avoid me. It wasn't hard with about fifteen moving obstacles in between us, but she made sure we didn't say another word to each other until lunchtime.
The preschoolers marched off back to their classroom, and I cornered Tasha near the frame for our runner beans. "Please tell me you plan to order sandwiches from that great little deli again," I said.
Tasha crossed her arms. "Aren't you headed back to the office yet?"
"We get lunch breaks, Tasha."
She sighed. "Fine. You go get cleaned up, and I'll order. What do you want?"
I couldn't help it. I winked at her. "You know what I like."
Tasha gave me a pained look but pulled out her phone. The fact that she didn't hesitate before ordering my favorite sandwich gave me hope, and I headed for the community center with a good feeling.
Tasha fought my good feeling every step of the way. Not that I blamed her. She was right about everyone seeing me as a playboy. It had been a persona that had served me well for years. And, after our little slip-up, it was natural for her to keep her distance. Especially since she thought I was involved with another woman. All I had to do was prove to her that wasn't true. And to find ways to close the distance between us.
I laid out a blanket on the grassy hill next to the garden and motioned for Tasha to bring our sandwiches over. She did and then couldn't find a polite reason to not sit and eat with me.
I smiled at her. "So, the big Hyperion gala is coming up. It's required. You ready to put on a fancy dress and have some fun?"
Tasha shook her head. "I suppose we all have to bid high on this year's silent auction," she said.
"I've got a great strategy for that. Stick with me, and I'll show you how to make charity galas a good time," I said.
"I've been to all the same Hyperion galas as you have," Tasha reminded me.
I was about to ask her if she'd go as my date, but her comment pushed me back. Tasha was right. She was my equal, and she didn't need my invitation or my company. In fact, I still couldn't imagine why she'd let me hang around so long.
"Or we could skip it and grab a late night dinner at that taco truck," I said.
Tasha smiled. She actually smiled, and I felt like jumping up and sprinting to the top of the hill. Then Seth showed up and made himself comfortable on the corner of the blanket closest to Tasha.