His expression suggested he didn’t like that idea, but he nodded and headed back to the hall that Kate, Harper, and now Noel had disappeared to.
I made my goodbyes to Zach and Eleni. I thought about going down the hall to find them but decided it would be better to wait at the door. Now wasn’t the time to talk to Kate.
Harper and Noel finally appeared. The room erupted in cheers and claps as I escorted them out of the club and to my car. I opened the car door for Harper.
“I hope I don’t ruin your car,” she said.
“No worries. It’s my uncle’s car, but I’m sure it will be fine.” Zach had loaned it to me until I bought one for myself. Living in New York, I had no need for a car.
“No chatting. We’ve got to go.” Noel looked crazed as he hooked the seatbelt around Harper.
I smirked but put the car in gear. My dad had the same look the night my sister was born. Max and I were seven years old and laughed at how Dad looked was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
As I drove, I wanted to ask about Kate, but their focus was clearly on something more important. Fifteen minutes later, we pulled into the hospital. I helped them out and then left, planning to go home. Instead, I ended up at another bar, trying to process seeing Kate and figure out what to do. I had to see her again. That was what I needed.
I returned to her club and waited until the party ended.
When I was sure everyone was gone, I took a deep breath and entered. The only people in the place were the bartender and the redheaded hostess.
“I’m sorry, we’re closed,” the bartender said.
“Is Kate still here?”
“Who wants to know?” The hostess stepped up to me. Her tone suggested that she meant business. I wondered if she was the bouncer too.
“I’m an old friend.” I smiled, hoping to disarm her. I usually worked on women. “She’s back here, right? I want to surprise her.”
I stepped around the hostess, half expecting her to toss me out.
“If she wants you out, you’re out,” she said.
I headed down the hall to an office. Sucking in another breath, I stepped into the doorway and leaned on the frame. “Kate Barley.”
She scowled. “Sam. Of all the gin joints...”
I grinned even though I was shitting my pants. I stepped into her office. “Are you going to ask me to play it again, Sam?”
“I’m busy. What can I do for you?”
I frowned. “You’re pissed.” I supposed I shouldn’t have been surprised. The last time I saw her, I’d broken her heart... and mine.
“I’m busy.”
I decided to focus on the here and now. “This is a great place you have.”
“Thank you.” She wouldn’t look at me.
“Are you going to ask about me?”
She sighed. “How’s life with Sandra and the baby?”
Her words hit me in the gut. She looked up from her computer.
“There is no life with Sandra,” I said.
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Her tone suggested she wasn’t sorry at all.
“That was a mistake.” I blurted it, feeling desperate. She was slipping from my fingers, even though I never really had a grip on her.