I nodded, sniffing lightly, and blinked a few times. “I don’t think I’m ready for university.”
“Of course you are. It’s strange, that’s all.”
“Carter’s here,” I whispered.
“I know, I need to have a conversation with you about him.”
“Don’t try and defend him,” I huffed.
“He is telling the truth, Lacey,” he said. “That night…”
“Stop. Don’t...” I held my palm to his face and turned to the table, suddenly aware I was acting like a child in front of two hot guys. If I was going to break down and cry, I definitely didn’t want them to see it. I smiled at them. “It was lovely meeting you both but I need to have the table back now.”
“Thank you for stopping her from leaving early. She’s hardly known for her patience.”
I put my hand over my heart and feigned shock.
“No problem, sir,” Jack said.
Clay removed his ebony coloured knee-length wool coat, Yuri took it, but I was mainly watching as the guys rose from their chairs and walked over to the counter.
The server came to the table and handed us a menu each.
“A bottle of your best champagne please, unopened,” Clay said.
He was super cautious about safety. In fact, it surprised me he was here in this restaurant, but it didn’t escape me that his chef had arrived with him and was now missing.
“I can’t drink much, I’m going out tonight for drinks with my roommate.”
“Drinks… Where?” Clay looked at me through lowered eyes.
“The Clockhouse, it’s the local student haunt.”
“I’m glad you’re getting out, Lacey, but be careful, especially if you have a drink,” he said and pursed his lips.
I flicked my hand dramatically. “Don’t worry, I will.”
He nodded. “Okay. What would you like to eat?” Clay asked as I scanned the menu one more time.
We ordered our food and the bottle of champagne arrived. Yuri flashed a device over the champagne flutes and opened the bottle handing it to Clay. Clay poured two glasses and handed me one.
“My beautiful girl is eighteen. I wish you’d have let me organise a big party for you.” He paused a beat and sighed. “Happy birthday Lacey, a little gift.” Clay pushed a box towards me.
“You’ve already sent me presents.” I was referring to the gifts he’d delivered to me that morning.
“Those are gifts you need. This is something you don’t need.”
I opened up the box to see the most beautiful tennis bracelet, tiny diamonds glittering in the box.
“You’re right. I don’t need it, but I love it. Thank you.” I leaned over and gave him a peck on his cheek. Sometimes my uncle wasn’t so bad and he always looked out for me.
“Put it on, let me see it,” he said, taking the bracelet as I held out my arm, and he clasped the diamond studded silver band on my wrist. “Beautiful, like you.” He smiled, and I grinned back.
Clay looked away for a moment and turned back to me and sighed. “Things are going to change,” he said and stared. “Enjoy yourself tonight, but remember to use your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right. It isn’t.”
“I will Clay.” I hesitated. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yes, Lacey.”