Page 4 of The Wrong Promise

ZARA

Dinner isa healthy choice of divine foods suited for a wellness health spa such as this, and while every dish is delicious, I’m surprised this is Jobe’s spa retreat hotel. I assumed, with his bad boy edge and fit body, he was more of a nightclub type of guy. He doesn’t have to practice a certain lifestyle to understand that it is a good business investment.

This hotel is a prime example of that. It helps the Hendricks are one of the wealthiest families in the country, proving he understands what it takes.

Invest in what you know.

With no investments but my own happiness, I’m not business savvy at all. I barely manage to save anything from paycheck to paycheck, but I live well. I enjoy my online shopping and girls’ nights out. I guess one could say my wealth isn’t anything monetary.

While the men continue their chatting, our girly conversation is again hijacked with baby talk. It’s not that Ioppose the discussion. I am excited for both of my friends, but it has been our only conversation this evening, which I had hoped they would have discussed in entirety during their facial treatment.

Stop. This is one of the most exciting times in your friends’ lives.

Try harder.

“I can’t wait to see Hugh and Franklin change poopy diapers,” I say with a smirk.

“I’m with you,” Sienna adds. “Even the word poop has Hugh running for the hills.”

Penny stares up at her husband. “I think he’s going to be fine,” she says gently. Franklin guides her head gently onto his shoulder, and she smiles at me. “I can’t wait to see him cradling our baby. I dream about it every night.”

Around the table, the discussion overflows with love, and the picture they paint is not hard to imagine. And yet, it’s too much. I catch myself before my face drops. The divide between my friends and me is changing our future. I know I promised to be a part of their child’s life, but we are heading in separate directions, and it scares the hell out of me.

Jobe stands. “A toast to Penny and Franklin. To many happy days and sleepless nights.” He glances at Sienna and Hugh. “And to you both. May your future babies be nothing like their fathers.”

That garners a giggle from the girls.

“And for those of us who can drink, may I serve you something a little harder than what the wonderful staff has prepared?”

I raise my hand. “Yes, please.”

Franklin glances at Penny. “Perhaps a nightcap?”

I check the time. It’s only eight o’clock. Far too early to sleep.

By the time I finish my glass of champagne, Penny is standing and Franklin is downing the last of his whiskey. She rubs her rounded belly and offers me a weary smile. “I’ll see you all in the morning. Breakfast is served from six o’clock.” She takes Franklin’s hand. “I now need pampering in other ways.”

Franklin is right behind her and wraps both arms around her middle, leaning down and whispering something in her ear. Penny giggles.

I. Am. Not. Jealous.

“Night, lovers,” I call after them. “See you in the morning.”

Sienna and Hugh stand. “We are also taking advantage of the super king-sized bed,” Hugh says, and leans down, kissing my cheek.

“TMI,” I tell them.

“It’s good to see you again, Zee.” He gives me a brief hug, glances at Jobe then eyes me. “Are you staying?”

“Have you ever known me to leave a bar before nine o’clock?”

Hugh leaves a supportive hand on my shoulder. “I could stay for another drink with you?”

“No, I’m having one more and heading to bed myself.” I stand to hug both my friends, then look at Jobe. “May I buy a glass of champagne from the bar?”

He downs the rest of his whiskey and stands, walking to the small bar area. I watch as he speaks to the staff, who opens a bottle and places it on the bar, disappearing to the back.

Jobe gestures for me to join him at the bar, and I take a seat on the classy, white leather rounded-back barstool. When I take in the open bottle in front of me, my eyes pop.

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