Page 17 of Desirous

Even though I know he’s probably with Hailey, I’ll call him tonight and convince him. It’s been too long since we enjoyed some time out on the water.

Before I can do that, my phone vibrates, and I see it’s my father calling. Maybe Cash and Savannah have eloped and sent the entire family into crisis. At least that would take my mind off my troubles for a little while as I talk him and my mother down off the ledge after finding out they won’t get to experience their older child’s big day.

“Alex, did you hear the good news?” he asks excitedly.

Perhaps I was right. Maybe my brother and his girlfriend did run off to get married.

“No. Did Cash and Savannah elope?”

“No! Jesus, don’t let your mother hear you say that. She’ll have to be given oxygen if she hears they did that.”

“Okay. What’s the good news?”

“You and your date are coming to CK tomorrow night, and there’s going to be a film crew from Chef on Chef there doing scene shots tomorrow afternoon. I knew this reality show would be good for the restaurant. Did you suggest to them that the date occur at our restaurant?”

Oh, God. That’s not great. Not only do I have to go out on a date with Emma, but now I have to take her to the place I work at and where I know everyone. Fucking special.

“No, Dad. I didn’t suggest it, but I’m glad you’re happy about it.”

“I’m ecstatic, and even Kane is thrilled. We’re going to make sure the place looks the best it’s ever looked since there will be cameras there. Who’s the date with?”

I let out a sigh, wishing I could say another name. “Her name is Emma. She’s a contestant on the show. It’s nothing really since it’s only playacting like we actually like each other. The whole thing is pretend, Dad, but at least you and the restaurant might benefit from it.”

“You don’t sound like you’re happy about this. Is something wrong? You’re usually up for a good time, Alex. What’s going on? You’ve been unhappy for days.”

For a moment, I consider telling him the truth about all that’s happened between Kat and me, but I don’t. It’s too much to explain, and what’s the point? She and I aren’t any closer to getting back together.

“It’s nothing, Dad. This reality show is just a lot of work. I wish I was back at CK, if you want to know the truth. The sooner that happens, the better. At least the restaurant gets something good out of it, though.”

He hesitates for a few seconds and then quietly says, “If you want to talk about anything, you know you can always come to me, don’t you?”

“Yeah, Dad. Thanks. I’m glad you’re happy about tomorrow night. Tell Kane he needs to work on his smile. Everyone on this show seems very happy all the time.”

That makes my father burst out into laughter. “Kane smile? That would ruin his entire reputation as the cranky owner. Maybe I can convince him to smirk a little. How’s that sound?”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow night, Dad. I won’t be able to get there early since they have a limo taking us to the restaurant, but if I can sneak back into the kitchen, I will.”

They’ll be lucky if I don’t hide out in there for the entire date.

“A limo? Nice. Is it a black-tie date?”

That hadn’t dawned on me when Maria told me about it. Well, I have no intention of wearing a tux. If it was Kat, then yes, but for Emma? This pretend date will have to happen with me in my black suit.

“Not for me. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay? Have a good night.”

“Okay, son. Remember what I said about always being here to talk.”

“Thanks, Dad. It’ll be okay. Things always are for me.”

And that right there is the problem. I’m not fine with okay anymore. I want more.

I want Kat.

The breeze comingoff the water feels like it’s heaven sent this morning, and I close my eyes for a few moments to enjoy the peace being out here gives me. Cade sits across from me relaxing after a hard night at work that included two brawls, one between a handful of women, and Stefan having a near meltdown on him about some behind-the-bar issue I didn’t ask him to elaborate on.

We both needed to get away, so he jumped at the chance to hang out with me on the boat for a few hours this morning, even though it meant cutting into his sleep. I especially need this so I can get figure out what to do about the situation with Kat.

“So, are you planning on telling me what the hell is going on with you, or do I get to be like the rest of the family and just guess? Personally, I thought we were closer than that,” Cade says with more than a hint of sarcasm.

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