Page 5 of Sex, Blood, and Real Estate

“Why is Mr. Humbolt handling this sale and not you?” He spoke casually as he put the car into gear and pulled away from the curb.

“He felt Griffen was a better fit for the job.” Wyatt didn’t know how else to put it and didn’t want to get into the dynamics of life in the Grey family.

“How long have you worked for your father?”

“I started a little over a year ago.”

“He’s very proud of you.” Wyatt didn’t know where to go with that one. Sure, he talked of him in positive terms to outsiders but anyone who worked for Holden Grey. knew better. Wyatt was there for looks of it all and nothing more as he was slowly discovering. They drove further downtown before pulling into the LaBelle Bistro. He handed the valet his keys and waited for Wyatt to join him before heading into the restaurant.

Wyatt was impressed with the man's manners, so attentive and courteous. He really hadn't expected such treatment, but he hadn't expected lunch with Samuel Cabot either. They were seated immediately, which spoke to Cabot's growing clout among the business professionals there in Eastport.

Samuel was the nephew of one of the more influential men in the area and was treated as such, whereas Wyatt was treated as a joke. Wyatt tamped down his resentment, recognizing that it was not appropriate in this setting. Sam was a good man and was treating him well. He didn't deserve Wyatt's petty jealousy.

Their winery was always considered top shelf in the business world but now that Samuel Cabot had been branching out in other areas their influence and power was expanding. His uncle put him in charge of most of the Cabot empire with Emmanuel Cabot putting his focus primarily on the winery and their recent expansion into California and Washington.

Why couldn't his father trust him the way Emmanuel trusted Samuel? Maybe in a few more years, with more work under his belt and a track record, he would see him as worthy, but Wyatt wasn't going to hold his breath. Samual held the chair for Wyatt and then took his seat across from him at the small, intimate table for two. He also ordered for them both, but Wyatt wasn't sure how he felt about that.

When dinner arrived, Wyatt was pleased with Samual’s choices of shrimp salad, bread with sweet butter and a fruit plate. It was light and refreshing but also filling and delicious. It was the perfect choice.

"Did you read the latest counteroffer that your father sent over?" Samual asked, and Wyatt figured this lunch was to pick his brain and see if he could get any worthwhile information. It would appear that Wyatt was seen as a joke well beyond the walls of the Holden Grey company, and Mr. Cabot, although kind and courteous, was going to try and use that to his benefit.

Little did he know that Wyatt had no information because his father didn't trust him enough to share. Everyone had an angle, and it would behoove him to remember that, but at least he got a nice lunch out of the deal. He wasn't even angry about it since it's all part of the game.

"I'm not involved with the sale, so I am not privy to the paperwork or discussions," Wyatt responded but avoided eye contact and focused on his salad.

“I’m not looking for inside information just making conversation.” If anyone else had made that statement Wyatt wouldn’t have believed it for a second but there was an innate truthfulness about Samual that made you want to believe every word out of his lovely mouth.

"I work in the pool, Mr. Cabot, and primarily do research for the executives." He had some information on the sale and the negotiations, but not enough to matter.

"Call me Sam." That was shocking, and Wyatt wasn't sure if he could honor that request, for it felt disrespectful, but regardless, Wyatt nodded. "Are you happy working for your father?" Now that question was loaded, and Wyatt set his fork down and leaned back from the table, suddenly suspicious.

"I don't mean to be rude, but why do you care if I'm happy?" Wyatt didn't know what was happening, but he was certain his happiness, or lack thereof, was not the point. "I probably shouldn't be here. I'll just fuck up whatever discussions are taking place. Why did you bring me to lunch? You should have brought Griffen Humbolt. He's working closely with my father, and I'm sure could answer all your questions." Wyatt said much more sarcasm than he'd intended, and his attitude turned sullen, making him wish he could just leave.

“Finish your lunch and relax.” Sam told him in a tone that was firm but not angry or upset. “I invited you because I wanted to meet you and I wanted us to get acquainted.” Sam leaned forward and his eyes seemed to look right through him seeing all his insecurities and weaknesses. Wyatt looked away not able to maintain the scrutiny.

"I don't care about the business I have with your father. That was just a means to an end." He looked sincere, but Wyatt had difficulty understanding why someone like Samuel Cabot would be interested in someone like him. Sure, he was Holden Grey's son, but everyone knew he was not the heir to the kingdom. His father was proud of Wyatt's education, but that was the limit of his interests and expectations.

"Again, why?" Wyatt wasn't born yesterday, and based on the heated level of the business between their two companies, it was doubtful that his interest was genuine or born out of a good place. Wyatt recoiled when Sam reached out his hand to him, and he tried to look away, but for some reason, it was impossible. Wyatt could not tear his eyes away from Sam.

Sam watched him for a few seconds with those dark eyes that saw everything, and Wyatt was gradually beginning to feel awkward and wished he'd behaved better. Whatever was happening here, Sam did not deserve an emotional reaction to his every word. After a few seconds of indecision, Wyatt reached out his hand, and Sam took it and held it in his. He held him like he didn't want to ever let him go. Wyatt accepted that he was reading too much into it, but it was how he was feeling.

"We will not talk business; this is a lunch date, just you and me. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable with my questions. I promise you there is no ulterior motive at work here." He then let Wyatt's hand slip free, and they both took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I was rude." Wyatt began, but Sam cut him off before he could say more.

“You weren’t rude.” He said with such a kind expression. Wyatt wished that he could start this lunch all over again. “You had every right to react as you did.”

“The answer to your question is no. I am not happy working for my father.” He decided to give Sam some home truths. It was probably a mistake, and he would probably pay dearly for it, but it was too late to take it back.

"Are you applying elsewhere?" Sam just took it in stride; he didn't look shocked, just interested, as would any lunch companion.

“I am, yes.”

“Have you applied with us?” Wyatt shook his head.

“I didn’t want to cause my father or his company any embarrassment.”

"Give me your number, and I'll text you our openings, and you can decide whether or not you would like to apply." He said, Wyatt couldn't fault that idea. His father had no qualms about embarrassment and humiliating him, so why was he being so careful. He gave Sam his number and watched as he put it into his phone, and seconds later, his phone indicated a text message.

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