Page 73 of Taming Waves

“Really? I suppose we have a winner then.”

“Great! Now, let your mom take her baby boy out for a birthday lunch.”

“I can’t. Brew texted, and he wants to meet this afternoon. I need to shower and get ready. Rain check?”

She pouts. “Fine, but I’m going to hold you to it.”

I bend down and kiss her cheek, and she pats my face.

“Happy birthday, my beautiful boy.”

Audrey

This morning, while Parker and I were at the coffee shop, Brew texted me to let me know that he would be in town for the next few days. He wants me to come in a little early today to meet and discuss Leena’s performance.

Since Heather and I had a running and breakfast date, we head into Whiskey Joe’s together. As we enter, I call out to Brew and grab my laptop from the bar.

“Hey, Red.”

I turn to see a wide smile on a handsome, tanned face.

“Jacob Mason. What are you doing in town?” I ask.

He is one of Brew’s childhood friends from California. His father—a prominent television producer—and Brew’s grandfather are close friends and business partners.

He rests his elbows on the bar. “I came to see you, obviously,” he replies.

I shake my head as Brew and Parker come out of his office. I give Parker a questioning look; he didn’t mention he would be coming in early too.

“Jake,” Parker greets as our guest stands, and the two slap hands.

“You two know each other?” I ask.

“We sure do. Parker here and a couple of his comrades lived out by me in Cali and worked on Brewster Sr.’s yacht. We used to have a lot of fun together,” Jake explains.

Of course they did.

Jake’s eyes take in Parker’s bistro apron, and he raises a brow.

“Did you give up the ocean for the bar business now?”

Parker shakes his head. “Nah, I’m still sailing for a living. I’m just helping Brew out while he’s short-staffed.”

“Speaking of, Van should be here at any minute, and we have a potential employee coming in for an interview,” Brew says as he looks at his watch.

“That’s okay. I’m early. I figured Red here could keep me company until you’re ready to head out,” Jake replies.

“Still trying to steal my best girl, I see,” Brew teases.

“Always,” Jake says as he winks at me.

Parker stiffens beside Brew, and his eyes bounce between me and Jake.

Brew turns to Parker. “You coming to Wade’s tonight?” he asks.

“As long as it’s okay with the boss,” Parker says, and Brew’s eyes come to me.

“It’s fine. Wednesday is our slow night, and Leonard will be here,” I say.

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