When I finally rose from the ashes, I was stronger and smarter. I learned two things. One, trust no one. Two, never be financially indebted to anyone. I carried my engagement ring and my grandfather’s quarter to make sure I never forgot.
CHAPTERONE
Sam—Five Years Later
It was strange being back in Southern California. There was a time I’d found ultimate happiness here.
Kate.
Fuck. I couldn’t think of her without my heart ripping apart. Even after five years, I felt that loss acutely. How I wished I could go back and redo everything. By the time I realized my mistake, it was too late to win Kate back. All my calls, texts, and emails went unanswered. I’d even flown out to find her, but she’d dropped off the radar. Not even her brother would tell me how to reach her.
It was all my fault. That I knew. I’d live with this regret for the rest of my days. It sucked.
I turned to the one thing that could give me some semblance of gratification: work. I threw myself into opening a high-tech club in Manhattan with my twin brother, Max.
That second business major in the business of innovation paid off. In the last five years, we’d opened three clubs, all on the East Coast. We decided to turn our eyes and ambition to the West Coast. Immediately, I thought of Los Angeles.
I knew there was no hope for me and Kate, and yet, my heart couldn’t let her go.
Max’s choice was Las Vegas. That was probably a better location, but I fought him on it. Finally, we decided we could do both. I’d head the operation in Los Angeles, and he’d take the lead in Las Vegas.
Last month, I moved to Southern California, buying a secluded beach home. Turns out the former owner was Bran Erickson’s sister, whom I knew of because he and my dad and uncle had crossed paths at real estate functions. She’d moved next door when she married her neighbor, Noel St. Martin. I knew of him because my dad and uncle had hired his firm a few times when they needed extra security or deeper background checks. Small world, eh?
The first thing I did after moving in was to connect with my Uncle Zach and Aunt Eleni. Growing up, I always thought Zach was the coolest dude because he wore a blue fauxhawk.
Today, the fauxhawk and blue hair were gone, but his edgy vibe remained. He didn’t have to work because of Clarke money, but he’d spent his career working with his friend Troy Manion in construction. This was good for me and Max, as I knew I could trust Zach to help us find a suitable location for the club, and his and Troy’s business would do a great job at any renovation needs we had.
Aunt Eleni scolded us for too much work talk, insisting that I needed to get out to meet people. I’d spent the last five years avoiding meeting people, but I couldn’t tell her that when she was so helpful in my relocation. So, when she invited me to go with her to a party for a friend of a friend of a friend, or something, I agreed to go just to appease her.
I met them at the club hosting the party. Parking in the lot, I studied the Sea Siren. It sat along the beach and gave off a classy vibe. I’d been thinking of opening a beach location, so tonight would serve double duty.
I could get out like Eleni wanted me too, but also scope out the local beach club scene. Of course, I wouldn’t tell her that.
Inside, I saw Zach and Eleni at a back table. I started there but was stopped by a perky redhead.
She smiled appreciatively, but then her stare turned serious. “This is a private party.”
“He’s with us.”
I turned to see Zach’s partner, Troy, step up to us. “Sam, how are you?”
“Good.” I shook his hand.
“I hear you’re expanding your empire.”
“Something like that.”
“This is Dane MacLeod and my daughter, Bridget.”
I said hello, a little confused. Dane had to be Troy’s age, while Bridget looked to be my age, maybe a little younger. But who was to say about love, right?
“Dane is retiring to spend more time with the family,” Troy said.
“So, this is a retirement party?” I thought it was a party for someone getting promoted.
“It’s more a celebration for my successor,” Dane said. “Ethan Wheatly.”
Everything stopped. My brain. My heart. Everything. The last time I’d seen Ethan, I was sure he wanted to kick my ass, or worse. Maybe I should go.