Stella and Matthew toasted, and then settled in for more chatter with their supportive crew.
To keep Doreen comfortable, Stella steered conversations her way now and then, with Miley and Flossie chiming in smoothly.
Doreen, being the social butterfly she was, quickly struck up chats with others.
Midway through dinner, Cordell finally strolled in, apologizing for his tardiness with a hint of humor. “Sorry, folks. I got held up. My bad. Let me make up for it with a glass.”
“Just one? Come on, show some respect for the ladies,” Neville teased.
Cordell shot him a mock glare. “Fine. Three glasses then.”
As Cordell settled in, Doreen stole a few glances at him, captivated by his charm and elegance.
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He had a vibe unlike anyone she’d met before and he stood out in the crowd.
After downing his third glass, Cordell set it down and felt a pair of eyes on him. Looking up, he met Doreen’s gaze.
Doreen was so startled that she forgot to avert her gaze.
A gentle smile crossed Cordell’s face.
Feeling her heart race, Doreen managed a small smile in return, but Cordell had already turned to engage Neville in conversation.
She found herself observing the elegant man before her.
Cordell, with a hint of annoyance, turned slightly to address Neville, who wore a mischievous grin. “Just talk. Why did you touch me?”
Unfazed by Cordell’s tone, Neville teased with a sly smile, “What took you so long? Were you on a secret date?”
He dismissed the mundane excuse of a traffic jam outright.
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Before Cordell could reply, Matthew chimed in, “He’s been buried in his research. I doubt anyone could pull him from the hospital unless it’s to meet me.”
Cordell responded with a resigned smile, “You’re right. My team is on the verge of a breakthrough with a new drug. We’re at a critical phase. If not for Matthew and Stella’s wedding discussion, I might not have made it out today.”
He then glanced at Doreen and inquired, “Why hasn’t anyone introduced me to this new beauty?”
Caught off guard, Doreen instinctively looked at Stella.
With a warm smile, Stella introduced her again, “This is Doreen Cooper, my new assistant. She’s freshly graduated from Seamarsh University—intelligent, competent, and a bit shy. Please, be kind.”
Standing nervously, Doreen greeted Cordell, “Hello, my name is Doreen.”
As she spoke, she could feel her cheeks heat up, aware that they must be brightly flushed.
In contrast to her discomfort, Cordell remained composed. He nodded slightly and replied, “I’m Cordell Foster.”