Page 270 of Champagne Nights

“Good luck.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.

“Thanks, June.”

I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to his office. Opening the door, I stepped inside.

“Well, look at what the cat dragged in. Have a seat.”

“Hello, Dad.”

“How was California?”

“It was fantastic.”

“Tell me about this company you want to invest my money in.”

“I will as soon as I get the details worked out.”

“I thought that’s why you went out there.”

“There’s still a few kinks to iron out.”

“Does it look promising?”

“It certainly does.” I brought the cup up to my lips.

“Okay. I trust you. You didn’t happen to meet any beautiful single socialites while you were in Malibu, did you?” He smirked.

“No. I didn’t.”

“Well, there’s going to be some at the dinner on Friday. So, look and smell your best.”

“I definitely will.” I smiled.

“There’s actually someone I’d like you to meet. Her name is Gabby Hart. Her father owns the Hart Luxury Hotels around the country. Beautiful girl. Let me show you a picture.”

As he looked at his phone, I rolled my eyes.

“There she is.” He held his phone up to me.

“Yes. She’s lovely.”

“She’s a couple of years younger than you, and eventually, she’ll be running the company when her father retires.”

“Impressive. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Really? So, then you’re over that—Ellie?”

“Yep. I’ve put all that behind me.” I smiled.

“Good. Good.” He nodded his head. “Okay. You’ve been gone a week and haven’t done a damn thing. Get to work.”

“I will,” I said as I stood up from my seat.

“By the way, Henry. Why did you have your phone turned off the whole time you were there?”

“This investment is a huge life-changing deal, and I needed to focus solely on that and nothing else.”

“Okay. I can’t wait to hear more about it. I’m proud of you, son.”

---