Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Chapter 17
Meet the Bags
Kelex
Two months later…
“Nice tan,” Zoe says as she fixes my tie as we stand in the foyer of the banquet hall. “This fundraiser will be a test of your skills. Do everything I’ve taught you and you will do just fine.”
“Turn on the charm enough to bring a smile, listen, show I’m listening, and never rush from a conversation. Be dismissed, not dismissive. I’ve got it,” I reply.
“I think you just might. What do you think of Blake’s date?”
“Who, Gia?”
“Yes, pretty, no?”
“Ísos allá óchi o týpos mou.”
“What is your type, Joshua?”
“You and Nonos shouldn’t worry about that. Oh yes, I know he’s put you up to this. Pappoús is probably in on it too. My love life, sex life, or whatever has nothing to do with the three of you.”
“I know, but you’re so young and handsome. Achilles says you don’t date and he hasn’t seen you hook up with anyone. I was just—”
“Meddling. I’m glad I moved out of his place. Had no idea he was spying on me.”
“Not spying, just unable to keep the truth from his mother. How is the new place? Do you need help decorating?”
“No, I have a friend helping.”
“Ah, Mayven Jennings. Her father will be here tonight. Can I assume that’s more than a friendship after all?”
“You can assume anything you like, but remember what they say,” I reply, lifting a brow.
“Ypothétontas óti vgázeis énan kólo apó eséna kai eména.”
“Yes, that it does. I don’t know about you, but I’m no one’s ass and I’d hate to see you make an ass out of yourself.”
She laughs. “Your humor will get you far, Joshua.”
“We can only hope. Although, in this room, I think the face will pull more checks.”
“Yes, well, we’re about to find out.” She drops her voice to a whisper. “This is Annaliese. Her husband is a billionaire. They vacation here in Bridge Lake but are looking to become permanent residents. She’s lonely and loves to talk. Good luck.”
The statuesque blonde makes a beeline straight for us. She pulls Zoe into a hug with a fake kiss to each cheek. The game is officially on.
“Annaliese, I want you to meet Joshua. He’s a good friend of the family. Joshua, this is one of my dear friends Annaliese.”
I turn up my smile and take the hand she offers me to kiss the back. When I lift my head and straighten, she has a look of awe on her face. I smile deeper.
“It’s nice to make your acquaintance, Annaliese. Such a beautiful name for such an exquisite woman.”
“Oh my, it’s nice to meet you as well, Joshua. You do look familiar.”
“Ah, yes, Joshua used to model. You may have seen some of his work,” Zoe says.
“Yes, that would certainly make sense. My husband decided to sit this one out. Would you mind if I burrow Joshua for a spin around the dance floor?”
“No, of course not.”
I stick my elbow out. “It would be my pleasure.”
I spend the next twenty minutes spinning this woman around the floor as she tells me about her failing marriage and badass kids. I offer sage advice and keep a smile on her face.
“Joshua, you are such a delight. I’ve wanted to get all that off my chest, but I could never tell my girlfriends or anyone else any of this. My therapist has become so judgy lately. I think Henry is fucking her if you want the truth.”
“His loss.” I wink. “Your secrets are safe with me. Didn’t you say you needed to get over to the donation table before Mrs. Garcia leaves? It looks like she’s about to take off.”
I smoothly turn so she has a view of the table as the older woman makes a move. Instantly, I can tell she’s torn. I give her waist a gentle squeeze.
“I’ll walk you over. Maybe I can match your donation.”
Her breathing hitches and she flutters her eyelashes. I can tell she’s totally flustered. Maybe even a bit caught off guard.
“You don’t have to do that. It was a pleasure. Thank you for the dance and your time. I hope to see you again at one of these. You’re so charming.”
I give a bow and take her hand to kiss the back once again. The blush that comes to her face speaks volumes. She turns and rushes off for Mrs. Garcia.
“Very well done.”
I turn to find Zoe watching me. I pull her into my embrace and begin to dance her around. She looks into my eyes with a smile on her lips.
I glance around and find Blake and Gia spinning around the dance floor as well. I get how this has worked for them for so long. You would never think the two had any intimate connection. I haven’t seen them interact all night.
“What did you learn?”
“They’re getting divorced. She’s buying the house here for her and the kids. He’s staying in Texas. Her lawyers have him by the balls in the divorce settlement.”