Just a Matter of Business

"And tonight, " Angela said triumphantly, "we're going to the Waterfront Club."Paige, who was brushing her hair, stopped to look at her friend."Isn't that Brad Coulter's restaurant?" he asked. "Yeah, does that seem like a problem to you?"-I hope at least it isn't. And also that you haven't decided to put your matchmaking talents to work.-Brad, honey, he's a handsome man and totally in love, so what's the problem?-I'm afraid you've forgotten one small detail: I'm a married woman.-Well, try reminding your husband.
What a marriage, you don't even live together!-We both prefer it this way. At least until we get a divorce.-You see? You're proving me right."But that doesn't mean I have to do anything to disrupt our plans until then, " Paige continued brushing her teeth. "The agreement stipulates that two years must pass until the divorce. And during that time, we mustn't spread any rumors."-And you're trying to tell me that Nick is being as indiscreet as you?Paige put down her brush and picked up a bottle of lotion.-I've never said anything about Nick's behavior.
He has his own life.-Of course. But if he wasn't ready to give up his bachelor life, why did he ask you to marry him?-He had his reasons.-And why the hell did you accept?Paige smiled at her reflection.-I had mine too."You make it all sound so rational, " Angela grumbled. "And you were only together for... how many weeks?"-Around seven, if memory serves.-Things like that are hard to forget.-Yes, but it's also the kind of situation you want to escape with as little complications as possible."I suppose so, " Angela frowned.
"Although on the other hand, with so little time, you didn't give your relationship a real chance of success. Have you never thought about that?"-Believe me, the marriage failed from day one. But that's a mistake we'll soon fix. However, until then, I prefer to stay away from any attractive man. And that includes Brad Coulter."Honey, you're going back home tomorrow, and everyone visits Waterfront at least once during their stay in St.
Antoine. It's one of the rules, " Angela said persuasively.-And after all, it won't be an intimate dinner either. Jack and I will be with you. And I know Brad has reserved a special table for us."And besides, since you work and live in St. Antoine, you can't afford to offend him, " Paige added resignedly. "I can't choose, can I?""Now you're making me feel guilty." Angela looked at her watch. "Damn, it's about time I started getting dressed." She squeezed her friend's shoulder affectionately.
"Make yourself pretty. The competition at Waterfront is fierce." She winked cheerfully and left. As the door closed behind her friend, Paige stopped smiling and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter. The problem was, she thought, that she wasn't really trying to compete for Brad Coulter or anyone else. Because the only thing thatwanted was to regain his freedom. Angela spoke of the brevity of her marriage as if it had actually been a failed love affair.