Page 40 of One Weekend in Seattle

“No.” It was too soon. She’d found a few job openings that sounded promising, but she couldn’t commit to anything until she knew for sure she had a job.

“But—”

“Nothing,” Gabby interrupted her friend. “There’s still a lot to figure out. I’m not going to rush into this.”

“I hear you.” Lindsay glanced toward the bar. “Is it okay if Jesse joins us on his break?”

“Sure. I’ve been curious about him.”

“We’re not dating or anything. It’s just been casual meetups.”

“Yeah, sure.” Gabby knew her friend.

Ten minutes later, Jesse came to their table. Gabby moved so he could sit next to Lindsay. He gave Lindsay a kiss on the cheek and took her hand. “How are you ladies tonight?”

“We’re good. Jesse, this is Gabby, my best friend.”

“Hi, Gabby.” Jesse smiled at her.

As they talked, she found out Jesse had been working at The Vault for the past three years, and he worked at a gym. Gabby found him to be a nice guy.

“I saw you dancing with the boss,” he said.

“Sawyer?”

“Yes.”

“Boss?” Gabby asked, and shook her head. “That’s right. He’s the manager here.”

Jesse laughed. “He’s so much more than the manager. Sawyer co-owns the club.”

Gabby froze. “Co-owns?” Sawyer was a partner in the club, not just a manager?

“Yeah, Eric and Sawyer started The Vault five years ago.”

Gabby’s mouth dried out. The pieces started falling into place like a puzzle. Everything from yesterday flooded through her. The food tour, dinner at the Space Needle, the penthouse apartment. His penthouse. She’d bet everything she owned that he owned it.

Sawyer had lied to her and not just once. His job, where he lived. His familiarity with the driver had confused her. Now she knew. The driver, the car, they were his. And the club. He owned it.

“That’s nice,” Gabby said, trying to shake away her discovery. She didn’t want to be rude to Jesse. He had no idea of the bombshell he’d dropped.

“Well, my break is over.” He stood. “Lindsay, I’ll call you next week.” Jesse dropped a kiss on Lindsay’s forehead and said goodbye.

“Gabby?” There was concern in Lindsay’s voice.

“I need to go.” Gabby couldn’t stay here, not now. Sawyer had lied about everything, but especially, he lied about the one thing she never wanted to argue about again since her divorce. Money. She shivered as icy tendrils of betrayal flowed over her skin.

“What is going on?”

“Sawyer told us he managed the club, not that he owned it. He covered it up. Oh, God, I think I love him, and he lied to me.”

“Oh, my God. It just hit me. I knew he looked familiar. If I’d remembered sooner, I’d have told you.

“I don’t care.” Gabby looked around in a panic. “I have to get out of here. I’ll get a ride share.”

“Nope.” Lindsay grabbed her purse. “I’m going with you.”

Together, they raced out after Lindsay waved to a surprised Jesse. Gabby realized she was being rude. Not even that mattered right now. Tears filled her eyes. All her plans had gone up in smoke.

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