Page 36 of Straight, No Chaser
Unexpected hugs to each of us. Must be an L.A. thing. "Welcome. It's a pleasure to meet both of you."
This could totally be awkward. The weird uncertainty lingering after introductions are made, especially when small talk is not one of my best skills. Add to that a beyond-famous rock star, I’m already antsy to finalize the details and jet. Surprisingly it's not that uncomfortable. Shae seems like a genuinely nice person, and Molly pulsing like firecrackers under my hand on her back, eases some of my impatience.
"I'm a huge fan. I've been to one of your concerts but I never dreamed I would ever get to meet you in person."
"Which concert was it?"
"Chicago, five years ago." Molly's laugh bubbles out with a refreshing innocence as she shakes her head from the memory. "I was a junior in high school, and my friends and I got tickets even though my parents said we were too young to drive into the city by ourselves. We snuck out and got caught, of course. But it was so worth it."
What the fuck? My angel has a naughty streak. A nice little discovery I can't wait to explore more in-depth.
Shae giggles too and her hands fly to her cheeks. "Oh no! I hope you didn't get in too much trouble."
"Grounded for a month. But we were the coolest kids in school for way longer than that."
"I love it!" Molly's smile lifts to nuclear levels when Shae links their arms together. "Come on, let's get you a drink."
It takes a hell of a fucking lot to impress me. But, the exhilaration rolling through Molly from the pop star's sincere generosity releases the last of the tension tightening my muscles. She's happy, so I'm happy. It's that fucking simple.
They wander over to the expansive outdoor kitchen, luxurious enough to include a fully stocked wet bar and huge grill. Although I love my city, living like this would be fucking easy too. Definitely have to bring Molly back to the beach tomorrow as much as she keeps breathing in the salty air, her gaze lingering on the pink and orange horizon.
Luckily, the casual vibe continues through dinner. Leisurely conversation while they feed us spring rolls and wantons, glazed salmon, sesame noodles, and stir fried vegetables. Molly's fingers entwine with mine while she chats with Shae, always smiling when she glances at me.
The brunette from the kitchen keeps our plates and glasses full, and all her attention on Nick. Which he seems oblivious to. A brush of his hand when she removes his appetizer dish. A wink when she refills his wine. Pissing me off that he never addresses her audacity because I know he's not that obtuse. Unless he welcomes her advances. Which will end our fucking deal in a fucking heartbeat. I don't have any fucking tolerance for a cheating bastard.
My appetite disappears completely when she slips a note into his place setting as she sets down the dessert platter. Fucking asshole slides the paper into his pocket. Done. I'm fucking done. Time to get the fuck out of here. I'll fight this fucking war by my god damn self.
Refusing to upset his wife, I fucking force myself to bite back my disgust when he rises, collecting his daughter with him from her high chair. He kisses the top of Shae's head, who looks up at him with complete adoration.
"Let Gil and his team take care of things. You relax and enjoy your dessert with Molly. I'll keep Evie with me while Luc and I talk."
Seemingly sincere. She gives him a patient smile. Like she's used to his overbearing concern. And, maybe his fucking cheating ass.
"Okay, thank you."
Why the fuck am I taking this so personal? I don't even really fucking know these people. Who the fuck am I to care if he plays around on his wife.
But it's too much of a fucking reminder of my mother. And Harper. All my father's wives. I refuse to be that man. Not to Molly. Who gives me a similar doting expression when I stand that Shae bestowed upon Nick. Contented and devoted. Without any doubts. Making me hope like a pussy for the same depth of love I have for her. I brush her cheek with my lips and whisper in her ear, "Have fun."
She nods, another huge grin gracing her gorgeous face. I'll let her have this night before I tell this asshole our agreement is dead before it even started.
Nick gestures to the doors, leading us into the mansion.
"Give me one minute and then we can talk."
Hardness rings through his deep voice. Maybe even anger. All the gentleness reserved for his wife vanished. Except the protective arm around his daughter, her tiny hand gripping the back of his polo as he strides inside.
He storms into the kitchen and tosses the unread paper onto the granite. The smugness slides off the waitress's face when she meets his gaze.
"I don't know what the fuck this is supposed to be. But, I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting my wife. Get your shit and get the fuck out of my house."
Finished with her, DeMarco spins toward the wide-eyed man whose gaze ping pongs between the trembling woman and Nick. "I trusted you Gil. I expected you to vet the people you bring into my home. You may be here because of Shae, but you'll leave because of me. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-yes sir."
DeMarco hustles down the hallway, his head still shaking. Once inside the office, he pours us both small tumblers of whiskey. One of my favorite brands. At $800 a bottle, the guy's not cheap. Or stingy. Just deadly and fucking faithful. I like him even more.
"Sorry about that. I don't know what the fuck's wrong with people sometimes. Like I'd ever fucking cheat on Shae."
