Page 10 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“Thank God I’m as bad as I am. I know I’ve closed deals based solely on guys feeling sorry for me,” he laughed.

Gia took a sip of the expensive wine and savored it. “You said you were in transition now. Are you working at all?”

Hart wiped his mouth with a white linen napkin and cleared his throat. “I’m trying to find my way. I took some time off, and it’s been kind of hard getting back in the game.”

“Hmm,” she answered. “What happened at your last job? Why didn’t it work out, if you don’t mind me asking?” She was trying to get to know him and was curious as to how his “transition” started.

“It’s a long story, Gia.” He nervously ran his hand through his hair before taking a big gulp of wine.

Leaning back in her tufted chair, Gia crossed her arms. “Hart, if I can dance in front of you like I did today and thwart off your advances, you can tell me about what happened. I think that’s fair.”

He chewed on his lip and nodded. “You’re tough.”

“So are you.”

He exhaled. “Okay. You want the truth; you got it.”

At first, his story was boastful, explaining his cushy job in DC for a top broker in the nation. He was the “golden boy” of the firm, wining and dining affluent clients and closing million-dollar deals in record timing. He was rubbing elbows with the top one percent of the country. Gia finished her glass of wine, and they shared an appetizer as she listened to his long back story. When their entrees arrived, Hart’s countenance changed, and he seemed embarrassed trying to finish the story and explain what had happened.

“It was a black-tie event at the new property located a few blocks from the White House. I was feeling pretty cocky in my tux, prancing around all those big shots, making sure they noticed me. I was the guy who had clinched the deal, bringing in the biggest commission of my life.”

Gia set her fork down next to her filet mignon. “What happened at the event?”

Hart seemed to have lost his appetite. “Let’s just say, it didn’t go according to plan.”

Leaning closer to the table, she tilted her head and pleaded with him. “Please tell me, Hart. I won’t judge you. Whatever it is. We all make mistakes in our lives.”

His face was pale and his expression morose. He chugged the last bit of wine in his glass before he spoke. “I was caught with my pants down in the client’s new office.” He swallowed hard. “Literally.”

Before Gia could delve further, a loud, condescending baritone voice startled them both.

“Hartford! What a surprise!”

She watched him fumble and stand, his napkin falling to the floor. He seemed to cower under the large man who appeared to be in his retirement years. There was something familiar about him and the petite woman standing a few feet away.

“Hello, Father.” He shook the man’s hand aggressively.

Gia stood awkwardly waiting for introductions to take place and watched Hart hug the woman he called mother, who was dabbing at her eyes. He quickly came to her side and put his arm around her waist. She wondered if he was holding on to her for support.

“Father? Mother? May I introduce to you, Ms. Gia Bates.”

She held out her hand and smiled. “It’s a pleasure.” The three of them shook hands and exchanged banters.

Mr. Parker puffed out his chest turning toward Hart. “May I have a word with you? In private?”

Hart glanced at Gia and squeezed her waist before whispering in her ear, “I’ll only be a moment.”

She watched him walk out of the room, trailing his father with his head hanging low, as if in defeat. Whatever happened in DC had obviously spoiled something between them. She’d have to wait a few more minutes before she would get some answers.

Chapter Seven

Hart felt like a chastised child as he walked behind his father into the opulent lobby of the country club, the weeks of avoiding him finally coming to a head. His father stopped near a large potted plant and placed his hands on his hips.

The two eyed each other before Hart nervously spoke. “I’m on a date, Father. What do you want?”

He watched his dad shake his head disappointedly and sigh. “How nice to see you still enjoying the perks of country club living. Have you landed yet? Do you have any news at all? Or are you still freeloading at your sister’s condo and charging your dinner tonight to my membership—”

“Stop it, Dad!” he interrupted. “I’ll let you know when I’ve landed so you won’t have to be disappointed in me anymore, okay?” He turned to walk away before his father grabbed him by the arm. Hart shook him off and stood his ground. “What do you want from me?”

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