“I’m surprised you didn’t buy a Lambo or something,” Max said when he first saw the car.
“Maybe later. California is a leader in green tech, so I figured I’d go all electric.”
The car wasn’t flashy, but it was comfortable. Pulling out of the parking lot, I turned right instead of left toward home. I figured it would be nice for Max to see the surrounding area. I hoped it would help him see that while the building was a shithole, the location couldn’t be beat.
Just about a mile up the road, we approached the Sea Siren. Shit. I hadn't realized our new building was so close to Kate’s place. For a moment, I began to rethink the location of our new club. Our place was going to be different than hers, but still, there would be some competition.
But then I remembered she had effectively cut me out of her life. Not that I didn't deserve it, but because of it, I didn't need to consider her thoughts or feelings when making my business decisions.
I turned my blinker on and turned into the parking lot.
"What is this place?" Max asked as I pulled into a parking space.
"This is Kate's place."
Max glanced at me with awhat are we doing herelook. "I thought you said she wasn't going to give you another chance."
I shrugged. "I heard she does a good lunch. Besides, this place will give us some competition. We should check it out."
Max’s brow furrowed. "You want to compete with her? Is this some sort of payback for her not taking you back?"
I shook my head. "I'm not an asshole, Max. Our place will be different. It will cater to a different crowd. Most of Kate's crowd are locals, regulars. We’ll have some of that, but we’ll also be a draw to tourists or people living in the greater Southern California area."
We exited the car, and as we approached the door, I did wonder why the hell I was bringing Max here. The only explanation was that Kate was like a flame and I was the fucking moth that kept flying into it and getting burned.
A hostess stepped up to us as we entered. I was glad it wasn't Dana.
"Two?" she asked.
I nodded. “Do you have a place outside?"
"Maybe. Follow me."
We followed her through the club and out the side door around to the back, where there was outdoor seating. I couldn’t decide whether I was relieved or disappointed that I didn’t see Kate. I was such an idiot, a glutton for punishment by coming here.
There was one table available. We sat down and each ordered a beer.
"Kate has done well for herself." Max looked around the outdoor patio with a view of the beach.
I nodded. Speak of the devil. Kate walked around the corner of the building, stopping by each table and checking in with her customers. My heart squeezed tight. Yearning filled my chest. Why couldn't I make her see that I would be steadfast in my love for her?
I sucked in a breath as she moved closer to Max and me.
Across from me, Max frowned. "What's wrong?" He turned to look in the direction my eyes were fixated on. He turned back. "Is that her?"
I nodded. He hadn’t ever met her. Neither had my parents. It was another thing I’d done wrong in my relationship with Kate.
"Jesus, she's gorgeous. Not that Sandra wasn't pretty, but Christ, she could be a model."
I scowled at him.
He held his hands up in surrender. "I'm just saying."
Kate’s gaze swung our way, and almost immediately, she scowled. Her attention turned to Max, and she let out a breath and then continued her way to us. Had I been there alone, she probably would've given me the finger and walked off. But since I had a guest, she was going to be polite.
She stepped up to our table. "How is everything this afternoon, gentlemen?"
"Good," I said. Max was right. She was stunning.