Page 42 of Playing A Risk
“I guess, but I wouldn’t count on it.” I gulp my water.
She takes a moment to consider something. “What the hell? Let’s take a chance.”
If there’s any way Dori will be there, I’m in. I’ve got to take any opportunity I have.
“Tell me where to pick you up?” I grab a pen and paper from my junk drawer.
Isabella squeals like a teenager. “Thanks, Jami. You won’t regret it.”
I can only hope she’s right. Time’s ticking down to New Year’s Eve. Hunter has a plan and something tells me if I don’t find Dori by then, I may as well kiss her goodbye.
CHAPTER 11
HUNTER
My dad entersthe parlor room where Jonah and I are waiting for him. “What do I owe the pleasure of having both my sons show up unexpectedly on a Saturday?”
Any future with Dorothy hinges on how this meeting goes. It’s freezing outside, but you wouldn’t know it based on the sweat coming off my brow.
I hug my dad. “Thanks for making time for us. It means a lot.”
He pats my back a couple of times and then pushes away. “Time with my sons is a blessing.”
“Hey, Dad.” Jonah takes his turn getting his welcome. “I’m along for the ride. Today’s all about Hunter.”
We take our respective seats around the room. The formal space alone says this is anything but a casual chat.
The room falls silent. Only the crackling of the fire fills the space.
My dad’s gaze connects to mine. “Hunter, since Jonah says this is about you, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I’m here to ask for something highly unusual.”
Jonah laughs, and my dad and I both turn his way.
“Sorry,” Jonah says. “It’s just I know where this is going. Unusual wasn’t the term I would’ve used.”
My dad’s brows raise. “And what term would you have used?”
“I would’ve said personal, but unusual works. Just wait, Dad. You can weigh in at the end.” Jonah gestures to me. “Go on, Hunter. The floor is all yours.”
“Thanks, Jonah.” I get to my feet and pace in front of the fireplace. “You know how we have the Christmas ball on Thursday?”
My dad rests back and crosses his legs. “Yes.”
I stop and address my dad. “Jonah and I would like to take a couple of women from the office.”
My dad glances at Jonah, to which he nods.
“Okay, boys. What’s the catch?” My dad waves his hand between us.
“One of the women is on the executive team, meaning there might be a problem with how it’s perceived.” I slide my hands into my pockets. “I’d like to take Dorothy Fisher and I know she has the clause in her contract about dating anyone at Efron Worldwide.”
My dad sits expressionless as if waiting for me to say I’m joking. I sweat more, so I move away from the fireplace to the window.
I know my dad well enough not to say anything while he calculates the risks in his head. He gets frustrated if he’s interrupted, which would result in him shutting down the entire idea.
“Who’s the other lady you’d like to go with?” He tips his chin at Jonah.
