Page 13 of Say You Remember Me
“No layovers, actually. My family and I took my dad’s jet.” I managed a small smile, finding it refreshing that she hadn’t known that I rarely travelled commercial. “So I should’ve slept like a baby, but it was a long weekend.” I rubbed the back of my neck, the weight of the weekend still lingering.
When I’d agreed to "give away" my good friend Addison at her wedding, standing in a place usually reserved for a father, I thought it would be a simple, straightforward task. Walking down the aisle in front of their closest friends should’ve been easy.
And technically, it was.
But watching the woman who’d stolen little pieces of my heart vow to love and cherish another man for the rest of her life? Well…that was harder than I’d expected.
Not that I wasn’t happy for Addison and Evan—I was. They were perfect for each other, and I wanted nothing more than to see them get their happily ever after.
But during that year when Evan had gone missing, I’d gotten…confused.
For a fleeting, hopelessly romantic moment, I thought that if Addison couldn’t have her happy ending with him, maybe—just maybe—there’d be a chance for me.
“Who was the wedding for?” Maddie asked, pulling me from my thoughts. “A family friend?”
“Yes. I’m actually friends with both the bride and the groom,” I said, deciding to sidestep the wholefalling-for-my-best-friend’s-girlthing. “But I knew the groom first—we’re business partners.”
Her dark eyebrows lifted. “Does he work here, too, then?”
“No.” I chuckled softly. “He actually owns The Garden—the club where we, uh, met.” I glanced at her, and the knowing look that passed between us reminded me that while my love life might be as dry as the Sahara right now, that kiss... Well, it was not easy to forget. “I’m one of the investors. It’s a side project, separate from my father’s company.”
“Seems like a pretty successful side project.” She smiled, probably remembering how packed the club had been that night.
“It’s been a good investment.” I nodded. “Anyway, it was a big weekend, a lot going on, and I didn’t get as much sleep as I should have.”
I noticed her studying me for a moment, like she was trying to read between the lines. But since I really didn’t need anyoneknowing why I was feeling slightly heartbroken, I didn’t explain further.
Sometimes it was good to remain a little mysterious. Especially if I wanted to maintain the facade of a boss who had his crap together.
The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside. It was crowded with business professionals from the floors above, forcing us to stand close. When Maddie’s arm brushed against mine, I caught the subtle hitch in her breath and felt a smirk tug at my lips. That spark from The Garden? Yeah, it was still there.
Even if itreallyshouldn’t be.
We stepped out into the lobby when the elevator hit the main level. Resisting the urge to place my hand behind my new assistant’s waist to steer her toward the exit, I walked just a step ahead of Maddie to lead the way.
“I have a standing reservation here for Monday lunches,” I said, holding the door open for Maddie as we stepped into the restaurant. “So the hostess should have a table waiting for us near the back.”
As we waited for the hostess to greet us, I inhaled deeply, letting the familiar aroma of curry and spices wrap around me like an old, comforting friend. The restaurant was unassuming but elegant, with warm lighting that created a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The décor was minimalist—dark wooden tables, vibrant artwork of Thailand’s landscapes on the walls, and bamboo accents that gave the place an authentic touch. It wasn’t flashy, but the calm and welcoming energy made it feel like an escape from the high-pressure world I found myself navigating each week.
“Mr. Hastings!” The owner, Saylee, a petite woman with graying hair, lit up as soon as she saw us, her smile bright and welcoming. “What a pleasure it is to have you here today.”
“I can’t seem to stay away,” I said with a chuckle, knowing my weakness for their cuisine. “Your yellow curry is addictive.”
“I’m glad you think so.” She beamed up at me. Then casting a quick glance at Maddie, she said, “Let me show you and your guest to your table.”
We followed Saylee down the aisle, weaving through tables of business professionals deep in conversation. I didn’t miss the curious glances Maddie and I were getting—the way some eyes lingered a little too long. It was a familiar scene, part of the package that came with being Joel Hastings’ son.
And, of course, my dating reputation didn’t help.
I could imagine the Nancys and Lindas of New Haven speculating, wondering if Maddie was my latest fling. She certainly fit the type I’d often gone for: petite, shoulder-length brown hair, striking blue eyes.
In other words,gorgeous.
But I rarely mixed business with pleasure, and given her professional blouse and pencil skirt instead of the figure-hugging and cleavage-flaunting dresses my usual dates wore, it should’ve been obvious to anyone watching that this was strictly a business lunch.
“Do I have a wardrobe malfunction I didn’t know about?” Maddie whispered, stepping beside me as she glanced at the table of twenty-somethings gawking at us. “Because they’re all looking at me funny.”
“No,” I said, briefly inspecting her white blouse and gray pencil skirt before glancing toward the table she was eyeing. When I found a few familiar faces looking our way, I scrunched up my nose and added, “Sorry, that’s probably my fault.”
