Page 216 of Champagne Nights

“Her name is Ellie Scott. We were communicating via sign language because she’s deaf.”

“No shit, Henry. What were you doing with her?”

“We were just having dinner, mother.”

“You’re cheating on your fiancée?”

“No. She’s a friend. She’s a freelance website designer, and I took her to meet Frankie because he’s looking for someone to design his site for the gallery. That’s all.”

We could hear my father coming down the stairs.

“I haven’t told your father about this yet, but we will finish this discussion later.”

“There’s nothing to discuss.”

I walked out of the kitchen and into the living room, where I poured myself a scotch.

“Hello, son.” My dad smiled as he walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Hey, Dad. Scotch?”

“Of course. It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?”

“I investigated that company and think it’ll be a good investment. I ran all the projections, and there’s definitely a lot of profit to be made with some restructuring.”

“Excellent. That’s what I thought as well, but I wanted your opinion. Get the ball rolling on that as soon as possible.” He patted my back. “It’s too bad Kirsten couldn’t be here with us today. When is she coming back?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Good. Good. The four of us will have to get together next week.”

Addison entered the living room and my father walked over and kissed her cheek.

“Don’t forget you start work at the office on Monday.”

“I know, Dad.”

When he walked out of the room, she threw herself on the couch and sighed.

“What’s going on, little sister?” I asked as I took a seat on the couch and hooked my arm around her.

“Mom and Dad told me last night they invited someone over for lunch tomorrow they want me to meet and that I better be here.”

“Who?” I asked as I narrowed my eye.

“I don’t know. Some guy named Carter Colson.”

“Ah. Good ole Carter Colson.”

“You know him?” She laid her head on my shoulder.

“Yep. He’s a big douchebag in the making.”

She let out a laugh.

“I just got out of a relationship, and I’m not looking to get into another one. Especially with someone mom and dad want me to be with.”

“You broke up with Garrett?”

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