Page 49 of Chasing Storm
“JP,” he booms when he sees me.
He is lurking in the entrance hall, checking out the décor, looking for something specific. A woman’s touch, no doubt.
“Dad. What’s up?”
“I was around, so I thought I would come to meet the one who tamed my wayward son.” He smiles ingratiatingly, which pisses me off further.
“Storm doesn’t live here, yet. But I’ve just come from hers.” So far, it’s all true.
“Hmm.”
“You don’t believe me? Have me followed then. I don’t give a fuck.” It’s out of my mouth before I can stop it.
I expect him to turn his nose up at the idea, but he takes a step forward and smiles slowly. “Who says I’m not already?”
“Your doubts are enough to convince me that thought hadn’t crossed your mind. Yet.” And dumb fuck me, just gave it to him. When will I learn not to be goaded into saying stupid stuff around him?
“Well, don’t dally, son. Your twenty-ninth is in four weeks. You are running out of time.”
“I don’t need to be reminded, and time isn’t a factor. We are all good.”
“We’ll see,” he says and brushes past me. “Sooner rather than later.”
I don’t bother answering. I just let him go and then drop my head into my hands. This is a disaster. I need a drink. Waiting a few minutes for him to leave, I hesitantly open the door to see if the car has gone. Closing it behind me, I head in the direction of the bar where Storm met Franco. It’s nearly eleven. It’ll be open by the time I get there.
A few minutes later, I shove the doors open and aim for the bar, where I order three shots of Scotch, neat.
The bartender places them in front of me, and I pick up the first one, throwing it down my throat and relishing the burn. Slamming the upside-down shot glass on the bar, I pick up the second one, only to be interrupted by a blonde woman I recognise vaguely from out and about.
“Third one for me?” she asks, her big blue eyes wide and flirty as she leans on the bar.
“Nope.” I glug the shot and place the glass upside down next to its friend.
“Saw you come in. Everything okay?”
She places her hand on my arm. I freeze and glare at it. Looking back up into her face, I see the intent swimming in her heated gaze. This isn’t the first time she’s tried it on. I dismissed her the other week ateliteto take her friend home instead. I can’t even remember her name.
I stink.
Seriously, I get why now Storm is so put off by our behaviour.
“I’m good,” I say and shake her hand off my arm.
It must be my lucky day, though, because the doors bounce open and in swoops my Guardian Angel in the form of a gothed-out salesgirl whose best friend I’m trying to date.
“There you are, darling,” she purrs. “Started without me?” She bustles her way between the blonde and me, giving me a half hug that makes me chuckle inwardly.
“Here,” I say and shove the third shot towards Cassidy. “Sweetheart.”
“Thanks! Bottom’s up!”
Cassidy downs the shot in one gulp like a champ and slams the upside-down glass on the bar.
“Let’s go.” She takes my hand and drags me away, giving the blonde a smug smile as we leave the bar.
“I’m not finished. You took my last shot,” I complain.
“It’s not even lunchtime yet, and tough titties. Sandy is a viper, and she wants you. She has made no secret of that. You’re lucky I saw you from across the road on my way into work.”
