I might have grown up with money, but that was it. Everything else was ice cold except for my relationship with Celia. As much as she drives me crazy, I’m thankful to have her.
Owen and Ella join me at the table. He hands me a glass with two fingers of whiskey in it, and I decide to wait until I’ve eaten a bit to try it.
“So, Bentley. How are you liking Charlotte so far?” Ella asks as she serves her food first.
“I’ve lived here for about six years, actually. It’s been a nice change from New York City,” I answer, hoping she doesn’t get too personal with her questions.
Her shoulders shudder. “I went to New York once. Almost died when I was knocked into the street by a group of teenagers. No thanks.”
I laugh. “Yeah, it’s a special breed of people up there.”
Owen takes a sip of his drink, then asks, “Has West-to-East been what you thought it would be so far?”
I’m silently grateful for the business question, but before I can answer, a voice calls out from the front door.
“Ella Rosalynn! You can’t keep ignoring me, woman. We have dick to discuss.”
My hands curl into fists, and I tilt my head up, wondering what the hell I did to the universe to deserve such bad luck.
Kenzie walks further into the house and laughs once she makes it to the kitchen. The sound is soft at first, then becomes louder and more maniacal.
The floor feels like it’s dropped out from beneath me. How can this be happening?Again.
Owen pushes his chair back and gets up. “Kenzie, what the hell is wrong with you? This is my boss.”
Her wild eyes look around Owen and land on Ella, then Kenzie points to me with a smile too big to be natural or sane. “Well, at least you’ll know who I’m talking about from the other night when we finally get to catch up.”
Ella gasps, and Owen’s head swivels between all three of us.
Fuck.