Page 23 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

Little does Mom know how much her words sting. She’s embarrassed and pities Kamila. I did it! I put her daughter in the hospital! I’m involved with drugs too! I need help! I scream inside my head. I give Mom a tight hug, and when I pull away, I smile.

“You have a good heart, Mom. You’re right. Inviting Kamila was the right thing to do.”

I exit the dining room and enter the bar area of the club. There’s a few gentlemen mingling around, most of them are my dad’s friends. I spot Trent and give him a quick wave. My smile immediately falls when I see Keaton walk through the other bar entrance and straight over to Trent. They begin talking and walk over by the door that leads back out to the greens, both of them holding a beer in their hands. I slide onto a bar stool, careful to keep my short dress from easing up.

“Hey Denise,” April smiles. She’s probably in her mid-thirties and has worked here for years. Her curly blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail and despite being an already stunning woman, she’s wearing a mask of makeup. “What can I get you?”

“Care to sneak me something a little stronger than a Shirly Temple?”

“Sorry, Honey, you know I’d get fired.”

“That’s alright, April,” says a low voice to my right. I turn to see Doctor Hall. I lower my eyes and look back at April to find her turning five different shades of red. She bats her long eyelashes at him and bites her bottom lip. At least I’m not the only one that finds the good doctor sexy. “I’ll have a Sapphire Martini.” He winks at me and then smiles at April. “And go ahead and give me my usual Old Fashioned. Both top shelf.”

Both of our eyes widen as we stare at each other. I sense him as he slides onto the stool next to me. “Denise.”

My eyes find his and I feel a rush. In a tight-fitting blue polo and white shorts, he’s even more gorgeous. His brown eyes shine bright and I feel my face heat. “Hello Doctor Hall. Glad to see you under better circumstances.”

“I’m glad to see you as well.”

April places the drinks in front of him. I don’t miss how her hand reaches over and gently grazes his. He curls his fingers into a fist and pulls away. Her eyes search his and I feel like an intruder on what is clearly a personal moment between the two of them. He clears his throat and slides the beautiful martini glass filled with electric blue liquid and a floating lemon peel in front of me.

“Ever had one?”

“No. I’ve only had champagne or wine on special occasions.” He gives me a knowing smirk, making me groan. “Okay—and I’ve had a beer here and there while out with friends. Still special occasions.”

He leans toward me. “Well, this is a special occasion.”

“It is. My sister’s bridal shower.”

“I was thinking more that you’re fully healed from your accident.” He holds his glass up toward me. I give a closed-lip smile and hold mine up. He whispers, “And for me, getting to run into you again.” He clinks our glasses and takes a sip.

Before I get a chance to sample my drink, April clears her throat and asks, “Can I get you anything else, Roland.”

Roland shoots daggers at her and gives a slight shake of his head. “I think we’re good. Thank you.” But the way he says thank you sounds more like get lost. She looks on the verge of tears as she turns away, making her way to the other end of the bar.

“Roland, huh?”

“I guess you didn’t read my business card.”

“I did.” I lower my voice and whisper, “Thank you.” I hope he knows what I mean, and when he winks, it’s clear he knows I’m thanking him for my prescriptions.

“But I guess you didn’t pay any attention to my name then. Ouch.”

I giggle as he feigns hurt. I sip my drink and can’t help but moan. “That is delicious, thank you. I’m going to need a buzz to get through this shower.”

“That bad already?”

“Isabelle’s mom is here.”

“Kamila?”

“Yes,” I grumble. “I hope she doesn’t give me any shit. Her daughter is in rehab.”

“I know.”

“You do? Well, I guess everyone does. Nothing stays a secret around here.”

“I recommended the facility. She won’t bother you. And if she does, come find me.”

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