Page 46 of Miss Fortune

I held up my drink for a clink. “Anyone ever tell you how great you are for my self-esteem? Here’s to friendship.”

“To friendship.”

I took a sip and sighed with pleasure. “Speaking of friendship, where’s Kelsey tonight?”

“She said this wasn’t her scene and stayed home with Penny. I’m not sure she’s ready to get out there yet.”

I didn’t blame her. Although it was obvious Tory and Chance loved to spend their time here, the club scene wasn’t for me, either. I’d much rather be somewhere quiet. I took another sip of my drink and then squared my shoulders.

“Listen, this is an important night, and you need to be with Chance. I’m fine, truly.” This was hardly heartbreak, and I was not the type of woman to dwell on what was simply disappointment, nothing else. Another time, I’d deal with the fact Caleb thought it was appropriate to bring up my drinking in public.

Chance appeared and put an arm around Tory, concern etched on his face as he focused on me. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I thought inviting Caleb would be an opportunity for you two to see one another outside of work. I didn’t realize he’d bring a date.”

“There’s absolutely nothing to apologize for. You two need to get back to what this night is about. Go, schmooze the crowd and show off this amazing new VIP floor. I’m fine. I promise.” The last thing I wanted was for them to feel any guilt or take away from their night of achievement.

“Are you sure?” Tory asked, worry etched in her expression.

“One hundred percent. I’m heading home, and I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

Tory appeared reluctant while Chance signaled someone from the other side of the floor. “Jonathan will drive you.”

“Oh, no, it’s not necessary. I’ll take an Uber.” I’d taken one here into Hollywood, opting not to drive after a couple drinks.

“I won’t hear of it. Please take the ride.”

I downed the rest of my drink and decided why not. “All right. Thank you.” I hugged them both before stealing one more glance at Caleb standing across the room. Ava was talking to a couple while he stared at me. Jesus. For a man who only wanted friendship and was on another date, he was sure acting strange. I quickly averted my gaze and looked toward the large man who’d walked up.

“Jonathan, please drive Daisy wherever she requests to go this evening,” Chance instructed.

“Yes, sir. You got it.”

I looked up at the young man who had to be six foot six and possessed the widest shoulders I’d ever seen. Yet his baby face put me at ease. He might be a large man, but he had dimples.

After he led me to the garage, I climbed into the passenger seat of the Escalade he opened. “Thanks for the ride, Jonathan.”

“It’s not a problem. Where to?”

I recited my address, but as he typed it into the GPS, I sighed at the fact I was starving. “You hungry by any chance?”

He flashed a boyish smile. “I’m always hungry, ma’am.”

Ugh, “ma’am.” Yet it was sweet. “How about we hit In-N-Out Burger? My treat.”

He lit up. “You got it.”

Although I typically tried to eat healthy, the idea of a fast-food meal after a bad night was too appealing to pass up.

“You ever have the animal fries?” he inquired.

“No, what are those?”

“Off-menu item of fries with melted cheese, onions, and fry sauce. Those together with a burger and a milkshake are the best thing ever.”

“Yeah?” He was so excited by the prospect it started to snap me out of my mood. “Sounds like we need two and probably a table to eat them properly. But do you have the time?”

“Mr. Maxwell said to take you wherever you requested. So if you want In-N-Out animal fries, burgers, and milkshakes, then I have nothing but time to eat them with you.”

“Excellent. My night is looking up, Jonathan.”