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As someone from Gianni’s staff approaches, Derek returns, standing next to our table as Becket and Devon head downstairs.
“Devon didn’t waste any time,” I joke.
“Nah. But Becket thinks he knows the girl. He’s going to check her out. I have to admit, she seems familiar to me, too. But his sight is better.” Derek laughs and as if on cue, the fine lines of crow’s feet appear at the corners of his eyes. Derek isn’t that much older than I am. There’s the slightest shade of gray at his temples. But my suspicion is, burying your wife might cause you to age a little quicker in the process.
I watch as Gianni follows the staff member, a concerned look etched upon his face. I can only imagine the things he has to deal with here. Despite the thorough application process and vetting of members, there have to be some unscrupulous types who manage to get in. Add to it, some of the high rollers who use his establishment to make illegal deals, and he must stay on edge.
Derek reaches for his scotch then walks closer to where he was a moment ago, likely to get a bird’s eye view of the boys down below. That guy keeps his cards close to his chest. He doesn’t speak of much except vague commentary on how his work is going, and occasional comments about his daughter, Katie, who’s studying abroad. I think with her away, he’s had more freedom to meet women. Yet, like the rest of us, he doesn’t sound inclined to want to enter into a relationship beyond a physical one.
For all intents and purposes, Derek Hart seems to be as good as they get. He’s done a fine job raising his daughter as a single father since his wife became ill. It’s a double-edged sword when you have to watch a loved one die as a medical provider. You know too much. There’s part of you that thinks you can somehow fix it because of your knowledge or your connections. Yet we’re human like everyone else. When there’s no magical cure to be found, we bear the guilt of letting them down right along with the pain of losing them.
Poor Derek has that, plus the uncomfortable knowledge that he’s a billionaire because of his wife. Her family is old Washington money. They tried to take Derek to court over his inheritance, but their lawyers assured them the case was an unwinnable. Derek’s wife had inherited millions from her grandparents at the time of their deaths. She and Derek managed her portfolio well, barely touching the funds over the years. She willed everything to her husband with the understanding that half would go to their daughter one day, and the remaining was to be used for him and the advancement of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“So. How’d I do?” Max whispers. He’s got the cocky grin of a guy who passed an exam with flying colors after finding the answer sheet.
“Bedrock Entertainment?” I ask.
Derek turns to us. “What?”
“Nothing,” Max and I answer in unison.
Max chuckles. “I couldn’t help myself, man. It was too good.”
I shake my head.
“It must’ve worked, yeah?”
“So far, so good. I’m headed there next week. I’m going to fly down a few days ahead to scope out the place.”
Max leans back in his chair. “Really, Broadie? You sound like you’re attacking the Pentagon. Please tell me no one is getting kidnapped during this trip.”
“No. Not my kink.” I laugh. “I’m nervous, man. I’ve got a lot riding on this.”
Max takes a sip of his drink and is suddenly overcome with laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“What are you going to do if, after all of this, she still won’t go out with you?”
“Oh, she’s going.” There’s no if’s about it. I don’t understand this magnetic affect she has on me. But mark my words, after this trip, this girl is going to be putty in my hands. No idea what that entails, but I’m excited to find out.
“You should be asking, what if she figures out you did this?”
“Nah. You were flawless. I’ve got it from here.”
Now I just need to figure out how to make her mine.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
POPPY
I can’t believe it. I keep looking around the airport, waiting for someone to run over and tell me this is all a big mistake. But so far so good. My bags are checked, I’ve made it through security, and the flight appears to be on time.
“Calling Poppy Danforth to the desk. Poppy Danforth, could you please report to the check-in desk.”
I spoke too soon.
My heart starts to race in my chest as I nervously gather my things and head to the counter. Please don’t let there be something wrong with my ticket. I would’ve thought by this point, any issues would’ve been flagged already. “Hi. I’m Poppy Danforth.”
