Page 68 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
Thedayaftermybirthday, we’re sitting in an Italian restaurant by the beach, enjoying the warm breeze and the sound of the waves.
We’re meeting with one owner of the Bethany Hotel, Darren Mickelson, who lives in Pismo Beach with his family.
Alice giggles with Darren’s two kids, playing some silly game with napkins while Catherine and Darren’s wife, Susan, chat about life in Pismo and the best beaches to visit.
As we enjoy our food, I can’t help but steal glances at Catherine. She looks stunning tonight, with her hair in loose waves and a simple, yet elegant dress.
“Oliver, I have to say, when you suggested our families meet while we’re both in Pismo, I was on the fence about it,” Darren says. “But you have a wonderful family.”
I smile at Darren’s words. “Thanks,” I reply, and take another sip of my wine. “I have to agree. Your family is great, too.”
“I’m glad we did this,” Darren continues. “It’s nice to put a face to the name, you know?”
I nod, taking another bite of my steak. “Definitely. And I think it’s good for our families to spend some time together outside of work.”
Alice laughs as she plays with Darren’s daughter, and I can’t help but feel a brief pang of sadness. She’s looking a lot like her mother these days.
“So, Catherine,” Susan asks. “What do you do for a living?”
“She’s a photographer,” I tell them.
“Really?” Susan says, her eyes lighting up with intrigue.
I nod. “Catherine’s planning to open her own studio soon.”
“Oh wow,” Susan exclaims. “That sounds so exciting. What kind of photography do you specialize in?”
Catherine looks at me, and I give her a subtle nod. She smiles and turns back to Susan, ready to answer the question. “I mostly work company events right now, but when I open my studio, I’d like to focus on fashion and lifestyle.”
“You don’t say,” Susan replies. “I work in fashion, you know. We should exchange numbers. My company is always looking for photographers for our runway events.”
Catherine’s eyes light up at the opportunity. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to.”
As the night wears on, we all relax and enjoy each other’s company. Catherine fits in seamlessly with our little group, chatting easily with Susan and playing with Darren’s kids. I can’t help but feel grateful to have her by my side. She brings a lightness to my life that I never knew was missing.
When it’s time to say goodbye, we all head back to the parking lot, stopping in front of Darren’s car first.
“Oliver, Catherine, we had such a wonderful time,” Susan says, wrapping her arms around Darren’s waist. “Your family is so beautiful.”
“The pleasure was all ours,” I tell her, sweeping my eyes over at Catherine.
“I’ll get in touch with you when we return to Seattle,” Darren informs me. “The executive board has been going over all the proposals and will select a new investor soon. I will put in a good word for you.”
“Thank you,” I reply, offering him my hand. “It’s been nice meeting you.”
Darren takes my hand and gives it a firm shake. “You, too.”
Alice hugs both kids goodbye while Catherine smiles warmly at them.
“Catherine, I’ll be in touch with you, too,” Susan croons, and embraces Catherine in a hug.
“It was so great to meet you,” Catherine tells her.
The kids wave as they get in the car, and soon they are driving away.
I turn to Catherine. “We did it. Are you ready to go back to the hotel?”
She nods. Despite her smile, though, I can tell her mood is off.
