Page 41 of Robert

He was through making excuses for her.

So, with that in mind, he was here at the club, and it amused him to realize that he was rubbing shoulders with people who would not have looked in his direction when he was dirty and ragged and clawing his way out of poverty. Now he was highly respected and sought after. Money sure had a way of greasing the wheels.

He was not a country club type and had balked at the idea when it was suggested. But he had been told by his PR department that it would be particularly good for his image. And he had met some friends along the way who were also members.

He also knew the history of the place. A hundred or more years ago, he would not have been allowed to step foot in the hallowed halls, no matter how much money he had in his back account.

Mostly because of his background. In the distant past, one had to come from old money to be given a coveted membership. That had died out several years ago when old money was no longer in style. Hence, people like him could be admitted and revered.

But aside from the grandiose setting and lofty appearance of the place. Robert enjoyed the many and varied amenities his membership covered. The annual fee was exorbitant, but the Elite Club had gone from being exclusive, haughty, and prejudiced to being a haven for the very wealthy and a tremendous source of charitable functions.

‘The wives’ were always putting on one function after another. The African American presence in the once all white hallowed halls was another drastic change, something he was certain the ‘old boys’ still had a problem with. But they were so few in numbers, they did not really have a voice.

Striding into the lofty hallway, he made it to the bar tucked in between a very pretty and inviting blue and white salon and a card room. His bags had already been taken to the rooms he occupied whenever he was here.

The air was chilly, but that did not prevent several members from taking advantage of the full moon night by indulging in several games.

“The usual, sir?” The bartender asked him politely and he nodded.

He had not come for conversation, but he supposed it was inevitable. A scan around the room showed that several members were already leaving to go into the dining room where supper was being served. He had already eaten a full meal on the plane and was not in the least bit hungry.

He would have a drink or two and find a card game or a game of pool to take his mind off his problems.

“I’ll have one of what he’s drinking and please free to put it on his tab.” The sultry familiar voice sounded at his elbow and had the bartender looking at him.

With a nod of permission, he turned towards the stunning brunette. Emerald green eyes twinkled, reminding him why he had been so attracted to her in the first place.

He had broken things off with her, but in her usual inimitable manner, she had put it behind her and was not holding it against him.

“I had no idea you were into drinking bourbon,” he teased, shifting so that he was facing her.

“Is that what it is?” Her smile widened. “And here I thought it was Cabernet.” She pouted at him. “You owe me dinner.”

“I owe you a hell of a lot more than that. Might I say how very lovely you look tonight?”

“Flattery, darling? Works every time.” Thanking the man for the drink, she turned her attention back to Robert. “Where is the lovely wife?”

“At home, I imagine.”

Something in his voice had her lifting her brows. “Don’t tell me there’s trouble in paradise already?”

His expression became neutral as he took a sip of his drink. “Why would there be?”

She eyed him for a minute. “How about you buy me that dinner and tell me all about it and why I should not hate you terribly for breaking my heart.”

He grinned at her. “I sincerely doubt I have the power to do any such thing. But yes, dinner is a good idea and there is nothing to tell.” Taking his drink with him, he touched her elbow as they made their way towards the dining room.

Chapter 10

Sonya was extremely surprised he had kept his word and had beaten her to the location. Sadie’s was a hip bar and grill and was owned by a former model who had decided to hang up her stilettoes. The place had become a success, not only because of her fame and former career, but mainly because of the impeccable service.

She found him at a cozy table for two and a beer already in his hand.

“I ordered us the burger and fries.” He was nervous and she could tell by the way he was running his fingers up and down the chilled bottle restlessly. “I haven’t had anything to eat since coffee and a stale bagel.”

Shrugging out of her coat, she slid into the booth and picked up her glass of water. The traffic at this time of the afternoon was brutal and she had every intention of going back to work after this.

She still had not heard from Robert, but she wasn’t going to worry about it. He was supposed to be back sometime today, but she was not sure. “What’s going on?” She asked him quietly.

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