Page 27 of Fever

Chapter Eight

Chops Lobster Bar

I was late. A Toyota Corolla swerved and jumped in front of me, and I leaned into the steering wheel and slammed on my breaks.

“Shit.”

The offending car shot off down the street, paying no mind to my Infiniti on the side of the road. Other cars went around the rear of my car that stuck out in traffic. I was across the street from Chops Lobster Bar, and I was sure my father thought I was a no-show. With some effort, I eased back into traffic and crossed the crowded intersection into the parking lot of the restaurant. Swiftly, I left the vehicle and strolled inside. I was approached immediately.

“Welcome to Chops, Mr. Rose. I have your party of three this way if you’ll follow me.”

The server guided me across the restaurant and besides the curious stares and people taking out their phones to snap pictures, I saw three sets of eyes settle on me. I approached the table with my hand held out, and all three stood to their feet.

“Please forgive my tardiness,” I said, shaking my father’s hand. He pulled me in for a hug.

“I’m glad to see that you’re okay, son.” He gave me a hard slap on the back. “This here is Charles Murdock, owner and CEO of Summer Rain Industries.”

I shook Mr. Murdock’s hand as recognition of his company played like a slideshow in my mind.

“Excuse me for my tardiness,” I said.

“Things happen sometimes. How are you, son?”

“I’ve been better.”

“Your father tells us you had a summer cold. Those are always nasty,” Mr. Murdock quipped.

“Tell me about it. It seems to be clearing up now.”

Mr. Murdock turned to the woman at his side. “This here is my daughter, Tina Murdock.”

“How do you do?” Tina said, offering her hand in a shake. I accepted her greeting.

“Better,” I said. “How about yourself, Ms. Murdock?”

“I’m well.”

“Tina will be owner and CEO of Summer Rain within the next year or so,” Mr. Murdock said. “She’s here today so we can all get to know one another. I hope you don’t mind.”

I took a moment to glance from my father to Mr. Murdock and wondered if I were being set up. Tina’s demeanor along with her ponytail, black-rimmed prescription glasses, and super lean figure had me picturing a twenty-year-old girl who wanted more so to be a trophy wife than be at the head of the business table. But I’d give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Please, son, have a seat,” my father said.

I found my place next to him and directly in front of Tina. She smiled coyly, and again I glanced from my father to Mr. Murdock. The server approached the table with appetizers.

“The jumbo crab cake with mustard butter and your burgundy escargots,” the server announced, placing the food on the table.

“I hope you don’t mind I took the liberty of ordering water and an appetizer to appease you until my son arrived,” Christopher said.

“Are you all ready to order?” the server asked after placing a glass of water with lemon in front of each one of us. Tina looked to me.

“Ladies first,” I said.

Tina blushed. “Thank you.” She turned to the server. “I do have a bit of a seafood craving. I’ve had a taste for lobster for a long time.”

“I know what you mean,” Mr. Murdock said. “One of us has to get lobster before leaving this restaurant. It would be wrong to visit this place without tasting their fresh seafood.”

Tina glanced over the menu. “I’m already on it. I’ll have your steak and signature lobster tail please.”

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