Page 16 of Midnight & Mergers
“Hopefully, the boss is okay with us drinking on the job,” Teagan chuckled.
“The boss and I are tight, and he won’t mind,” Brooks said with a wink. “And besides, I’m basically keeping you after hours for a tasting, so it’s not like we are on the proverbial clock.”
“True. So, what’s this tasting all about? Are we picking things based on the theme of the gala?”
“The theme for this year is silver bells. I’m not sure how close to the theme we can get with the food without it being gross.”
Brooks chuckled again.
“Yeah, I’m not in the mood for anything metallic in taste, but we could center the food choices around the shape of a bell. For instance, a pear is sort of bell-shaped, and there are a lot of delicious dishes made with pears. Cocktail shrimp served on silver platters would also work, and coconut shrimp would work with the theme, too. Oh! And what about cupcakes and cookies with silver and white accents?”
Brooks smiled brightly.
“I knew I hired the right person for this job. You are a natural at this.”
Teagan shrugged.
“It’s not terribly difficult to plan a gala once we’ve already set the theme. I’ve done my fair share of planning events like these.”
“Well, it all sounds perfect to me. I’m sure The Plaza planned a set of choices for the menu, but with your ideas, we can pick some great ones to go with the theme.”
The limo came to a stop, and they got out. Brooks offered his arm, and Teagan gladly took it as he walked towards the entrance. Brook opened the door and led her through it to the main entrance.
As they walked into The Plaza, Brooks’s jaw tightened as a man approached them. He was just as tall and muscular as Brooks, but he had sandy blond hair as opposed to Brooks’s dark hair.
“Brooks! It’s been a while.” The man said as he outstretched his hand towards Brooks.
“Yes, it has been a while, Tyler. What brings you to the city?”
“I’m here on business,” Tyler said, as his eyes shifted from Brooks over to Teagan’s.
“And you are?”
“Teagan Thompson. I work for Mr. Bradley.” Teagan said as she outstretched her hand.
Tyler took her hand and drew the back of it to his lips.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Thompson. I hope my brother is treating you well.”
“We are not, nor have we ever been, brothers by blood, Tyler,” Brooks said in a low growl.
“Watch your mouth, brother. You might scare off the little lady with your razor tongue.”
“What are you really doing here, Tyler?”
“Let’s get a drink over at the bar—shall we?”
“I have a business meeting to attend right now. I can’t meet you for a drink, Tyler—not that I’d ever want to.”
Tyler grabbed Brooks’s forearm and whispered in Brooks’s ear. The words were only audible for Brooks.
“You will have a drink with me before you leave The Plaza, or I will snap your hybrid pet Teagan’s neck before you have time to react.”
“Teagan, why don’t you go on in for the tasting, and I’ll catch up with you? This won’t take long.”
“Sure. I’ll take notes so we can decide on everything once you return. It was nice meeting you, Tyler.” Teagan said with a smile as she turned on her heel and headed towards one of the meeting rooms.
Brooks waited until she was out of earshot before responding to Tyler.
