Page 95 of The Friend Zone

Jagger looks confused. “Huh? No, I don’t have anywhere to be. I’m done with my classes for the day and practice ended before I came to see you.”

I stand up, guiding Jagger toward my bedroom door. “You need to go because I have a lot of work to do to get ready for the meeting with your dad.”

“Do you?” he asks.

I roll my eyes. “Of course. Your dad’s offer is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can’t show up unprepared. I’ll put together a presentation about Zeta Theta Beta and our social media presence. What kind of traffic he can expect if he sponsors our new house. The main regulations that will cause an increase in costs. I’ll prepare all the applications we need to start the project. I hadn’t done it so far because we weren’t even close to having the money for it.”

I literally push Jagger out of my room.

“Bay, I’ll text you later tonight with a place and time for the meeting, ok?”

“Thank you,” I smile, moving to close the door.

“Wait,” Jagger’s foot is wedged in the door jamb. “There’s one more thing. I was wondering if you’d be willing to be my date at the gala.”

My heart clenches at his hopeful expression. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Ryker and Cole yet and?—”

“We’ve talked about it,” he offers. “They’re happy to let me be your official date. As long as you save one dance for each of them.”

“It’s a date.” I agree. “But, wait. What about Topher? We haven’t had any luck finding that video.”

Jagger’s tone is determined. “Fuck Topher. I talked to my dad. He told me he’ll speak to Topher’s father and get that handled. I’m not scared of him.”

I kiss Jagger goodbye. Hope blooms in my chest, warm and bright for the first time in weeks. My biggest problem is on the way to be solved and maybe Lakyn wasn’t wrong that my guys can coexist just like Cash, Blaze and Luca. The only thorn in my side is my ex. I really hope Jagger is right that Topher can be controlled by talking to his father.

CHAPTER 20

THE POWER OF LOVE

JAGGER

As I usher Bay into Star Cove Country Club, I say a silent prayer to the universe that this meeting goes well.

We’re meeting my parents for brunch and I’m nervous. This has nothing to do with introducing Bay to my parents. I’m sure they’re going to love her. My anxiety is all due to the deal we’re here to discuss. While the offer Dad made to build the new Zeta house is one hundred percent genuine, my father is a shrewd businessman and the entire deal will fall through if anything doesn’t add up.

I’m certain that if something goes wrong, it won’t be because of Bay. My girl is prepared with her designer laptop bag hanging from one shoulder and looking like the personification of business chic. Her Chanel suit is flirty but classy and several heads turn when we stride into the Club’s restaurant. The maître ‘d walks us to a private room with a stunning view of the Club’s marina.

“Thank you for setting this up,” Bay whispers one moment before we approach my parents’ table.

I return her smile, squeezing her hand before lacing my fingers through hers. “You’ve got this, Nova.”

Once we reach the table, I greet my mom first. “Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Bay Woods.”

I’m taking a huge risk here. Bay made it clear that she’s still mad at me after my royal fuck up. But she let me kiss her and she agreed to be my date to tomorrow’s gala, so I’m hopeful that eventually she’ll be able to put my stupidity behind us once and for all.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Connelly.” she smiles, letting go of my hand to shake the one Dad offers.

“It’s very nice to meet you too, Bay,” Mom smiles, clasping Bay’s hand in both of hers. “But please, it’s Keith and Rachel. Mr. and Mrs. Connelly are Keith’s parents.”

Dad chuckles. “Rachel is correct. And please son,” he winks at me, “don’t tell your grandmother that we got to meet Bay, or I’ll be in trouble for not insisting that they attend the gala. Jagger’s grandfather is also a Star Cove alumnus.” He adds for Bay’s benefit.

Mom beams at Bay, patting the chair next to hers. “You’ll have to tell me everything about yourself. Well, anything that can’t be googled.”

It’s impossible not to notice how Bay blushes, as I move her chair for her. “You googled me, Mrs. Co—Rachel?”

Mom’s smile widens. “Of course. I hope you’ll forgive my curiosity, but this is the first time Jagger had brought a girlfriend to meet us, so I knew you must be special.”

There’s a hint of mischief in Bay’s smile. “Really? He never brought home any of his girlfriends?”

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