“Theo Sullivan,” he said as he took a seat at the table.
“Mr. Pardo, I’m presuming.”
“You presume right. Have you read over the contract I sent you?” His long fingers weaved together along the table as his eyes roamed over me.
“Yes, and I’ve signed it.” I handed over the agreement.
The cacophony of music and chatter was overwhelming, and I couldn’t think clearly. I loosened t
he Windsor knot of my red Hugo Boss tie and flagged the waiter. He stopped by, and in a daze I ordered a drink, a stiff one.
“Relax. Everything is going to work out great.”
“So, how will this work exactly?”
“I want to make sure my investment is taken care of properly.”
I narrowed my eyes, grinding my teeth together. “Yes, what do you have in mind?” I was at this man’s mercy now; my own decisions didn’t matter.
“I’m bringing in someone very experienced to run the bar,” Mr. Pardo said, amused by himself.
“A new boss,” he boasted as he smoothed over the material of his button-down, dress shirt.
“Who?”
The music changed to “Black Magic Woman” by Santana and I spotted Penny across the restaurant. She was beautiful and she stole my breath away.
It all kicked in slowly, an arm wrapping around her from behind, my breath catching in my throat, and my brother’s triumphant smile shining down on her.
Our eyes met for a second before she returned her attention to Dex.
I turned and saw her father beaming at the two of them, and my heart plummeted to my stomach. They made their way to the table, together. Holding hands like a fucking couple. What the hell was going on?
“Ah, there’s my daughter and her fiancé now.”
Fiancé?
“This is the new boss…Penelope.”
To be continued…
BEARDED GOAT
COCKTAIL MENU
Cosmopolitan—
3.25 oz of Tito’s Vodka, ½ oz of Triple Sec, and cranberry. Shake Vigorously. Serve up in chilled glass. Garnish with a lime.
Manhattan—
2 oz of Rye or whiskey, ¾ oz sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters garnished with a cherry. Serve up in chilled glass or on the rocks.
Malibu and Pineapple—
A generous pour of Malibu Rum, add Pineapple Juice. Served on the rocks.
Blow Job Shot—