Page 22 of Champagne Nights

“Anyway, I just stopped by to say hi since I hadn’t heard from you in a few days. Oh, and by the way, I’m having a little birthday get-together for Lexi on Saturday at the house. You will be there.” He pointed at me.

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I’ll talk to you later. Try to stay off your secretary’s ass.”

“Don’t tell me how to run my company,” I smirked.

As I picked up the report from my desk, my phone rang, and it was my mother calling.

“Hello.”

“Ethan, it’s been ages since we heard from you.”

“Sorry, Mom. I’ve been really busy.”

“You need to come to dinner on Sunday at the house. We’re celebrating Labor Day a day early.”

“Okay. What time?”

“Four o’clock. Your sister and Kenny will be here too.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Good. Do me a favor and pick up a lemon cake at that bakery I love so much.”

I sighed. “Got it. One lemon cake.”

“See you Sunday, Ethan.”

“See you then, Mom.”

As much as I loved my family, I hated going over there. My mom and dad were always on my ass about finding a nice girl, settling down, and giving them grandkids. I flat out told them the last time I saw them that they’d have to get their grandkids from Lila, my sister, because there was no way in hell I’d ever had kids. Not to mention settling down with a nice girl. I didn’t see them as often as I should because it was best that I stayed away. They didn’t know the full story of what happened that night. They only knew what I chose to tell them.

Chapter Ten

Aubrey

It was already Friday, and as I was packing up my bag to head home, my phone rang, alerting me that Penelope was calling.

“Hello.”

“Tell me you don’t have plans for tomorrow.”

“Not really. Why?”

“Good. Then you’re coming with me to a birthday party.”

“Whose party?” I asked as Ian took my bag from me.

“A client’s girlfriend. He contacted me and bought another one of my paintings. His girlfriend loved the one he bought at my exhibition so much that she wanted another. He said that she would love to meet me and invited me and a friend to her birthday party tomorrow. Don’t make me go alone,” she whined.

I let out a laugh. “Fine. I’ll go. What time does it start?”

“Five o’clock.”

“Okay. I’ll be ready.”

“Thanks, love. I owe you.”

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