Page 144 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Actually, they are,” Petry jumped in. “We’ve been saving them for you.”

Monica put on a flirty grin. “Have you now?”

“We have.”

The women sat.

“What are you drinking?” Petry asked.

“Pinot for me,” Monica said.

“Me, too,” Viv said.

Petry caught the bartender’s attention and ordered the wine, which was poured and delivered posthaste.

He turned back to Monica and Viv, the hint of a suggestive smirk on his lips. “What brings you two ladies out tonight?”

Viv held up her left hand and wiggled her ring finger. The wedding band that had been there minutes before was now in her clutch. It its place was a band of untanned skin. “Officially divorced as of this afternoon.”

Petry raised his glass. “A toast to your freedom.”

“Thank you.”

They all clinked glasses and drank.

“We need to do something about the seating,” Petry said. “Nico, why don’t you switch places with…?”

“I’m Monica, and my newly unshackled friend is Viv.”

Once Monica and Nico had traded seats, Petry said, “I’m Winston, but you can call me Win.”

“Because you’re a winner?”

He smirked. “I would never say that about myself. That’s Nico’s job.”

Nico raised his glass. “Guilty as charged.”

“Does that mean you work for Win?” Viv asked.

“I do. I’m his lawyer.”

Monica smiled and let her arm brush against Petry’s. “You must be pretty important to have your own lawyer.”

“More important than you can imagine,” Nico said.

“Is that so?” she asked. “What do you do, Win?”

“I wouldn’t want to bore you.”

“I don’t see how you could possibly do that.”

“Well, if you insist.” He launched into a highly flattering and very boring description of his business.

“Are you based in L.A.?”

“New York City.”

“Here on business?”

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