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“No, I’ve always thought you were a struggling artist who worked at the Robin. I enjoyed talking with you because you’re differed from the people I worked with every day. It was escapism at its finest.”
“I’m not in the business anymore. I’m definitely a struggling artist, but not in the traditional sense. I’m still trying to find my way in that world. I’m still building on my craft. Financially, I’m not struggling.”
“I helped make my family a lot of money. We’ve always been in the real estate business, but when I invested in the W Hotels, we just took off. We’ve always owned this building, and I’d come with Dad when he stayed up here. I hung out at the Willard. I liked how they treated their customers. I learned, and that’s what we’ve done. Just a more modern way. Emery has been huge in the work as of late. I’ve stepped down as President. We’ve hired the best and Emery runs most of the business.” He stopped talking and looked at me.
“Does that change how you feel about me?” he asked.
“Yes.” I smiled.
His eyes scanned me, waiting for me to finish the sentence.
“It doesn’t change who I am. I’m a good investor. I studied business in college and invested my father’s money well. I got to keep some profits and I’m lucky. I did well.”
I sighed. I was making him struggle.
“It’s not that, Jordan. It’s just that it all makes more sense now. You weren’t struggling as an artist. You were struggling as a human. When I met you, everyone said that you found your spark back. They said I was your muse.”
He sighed and looked at me. “I wished they hadn’t done that.”
“It puts some pressure on me. We are similar in that we were both working through our demons. You got there through your art.”
He nodded. “Yes, that’s true.”
“I pushed mine deeper inside. Until this weekend. Your art.” I stopped and looked at him. “You helped me release my demons. Your art helped this weekend. You know, I’ve never talked about my family’s deaths with anyone. I used to carry it around like heavy luggage but now, I’m not.”
“I never imagined that my life would be like this. I had smaller ambitions. Raising our family, doing well at work for people, and growing old with David.” I sipped the wine again. I thought I would get emotional, but I didn’t. Jordan put his hand on mine across the table.
“Things don’t always go the way we plan,” he said.
“Yes. I have no life except for work. It’s not what I envisioned for myself, Jordan. I don’t have balance.”
I laughed at myself.
“What?”
“See, I told myself that spending time with you would be fine. I didn’t have to commit to anything. It was just dinner, but it wasn’t like that,” I explained.
“I don’t care why you agreed to go out with me on Friday. I’m glad you did.” A smile spread across his face, his dimple made me swoon. Such a tiny detail on a person’s face made me clench in all the right places.
My lips tightened as I stared at him. Things were different for me. I couldn’t look away from him. He was gorgeous, a chiseled jawline, deep blue eyes that reflected his wisdom.
“Where are you going with this, Katie?” He asked.
“I’m not. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying,” I lied.
He poured more wine into my glass. “The only thing that’s changed for me is that I’ve learned more about you.” He pulled my hand closer to his. “I’m guessing from your statements, you’ve learned more about me too.”
“Yes.”
The smell of night jasmine filled my senses. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the scent. Jordan stood up.
“Would you like to dance?” He held out his hand. I put my glass down on the table and got up.