Page 8 of The One for Forever

I’m nowhere near the cocky SOB that Max Bennett is. And I say that with love.

Tonight’s event honors Jane Holt, someone I know and respect, but I can’t imagine that she or Sean Holt will notice if I’m here or not. I scan the crowd, hoping to spot Cliff. I texted my son earlier to ask if he’d attend, but he didn’t get around to responding. Now, I’m regretting that I didn’t call to demand an answer.

Because I can’t stand fancy parties. I hate networking and schmoozing. I don’t even like champagne.

Yeah, I said it.

“Quit it with that face,” Max says.

“What face? This is my pleasant, approachable smile.”

“No, it’s yourI’m going to bounce as soon as Max isn’t lookingsmile.”

“Stop reading my mind.”

He pats my back. “I’ve known you for way too long. Sorry, not sorry.”

I’m skilled enough at being social. I can fake my way through. But I tend to keep my real thoughts and feelings close to the vest, sharing them only with the people closest to me. At heart, I’m an anti-social hermit. Max is one of the few people who knows that. He’s also one of the few people who can get away with calling me out on it. We’ve been solid since we were in the Army. Though never best friends because we’ve tended to be at different life stages. When I was happily married, he was still sowing his oats. After I became a widower, my hermit-like tendencies only got worse, while Max viewed the West Oaks social scene as yet another challenge to win.

But with Max, few things are purely social. These days, if the man isn’t focused on his wife and family, then he’s thinking about his business or running it. Something that I admire about him. There’s a reason Max runs Bennett Security like a well-oiled machine, while I’m just muscle. Probably because I feel the same way about numbers as I do about champagne. I’ll pass.

“Alright, you’re notonlyhere to look good,” Max admits, and his tone turns serious. “Lana’s received some threats related to that celebrity murder trial. The Amber Printz case. You know how I feel about my wife’s security on any given day, but this comes with the territory now that she’s DA.”

Max is overprotective of his family, like most of the guys we call friends. He and Lana have a little girl they adopted a few years back, and now Lana’s six months pregnant. His protective instincts are no doubt through the roof. But Lana also refusesto let the possibility of danger stop her. She’s fierce. She can definitely handle herself, pregnant or not.

Which means this isn’t the typical threat.

“But?” I prompt.

“But some creep sent a letter today that’s more specifically concerning. It also mentioned one of her deputy DAs by name, and Lana doesn’t want to take any risks. As she shouldn’t. I’d like you to head the protection detail for her trial team.”

“Why didn’t you say so in the first place?” It’s not like Max to hide the ball. Not from me.

“Because I’ve already got some of our guys on Lana, and her trial team is here right now, surrounded by dozens of lawyers and cops. They’re fine for the moment. I can introduce you to Lana’s team, and we’ll make the arrangements for their extra security on Monday morning. I asked you to this event because I want you toenjoyyourself for once. You’re more of a workaholic than I am.”

“Not possible.”

“Before I got together with Lana? Maybe. But now, I’m the picture of work-life balance.”

“And you’re spreading the gospel to all your employees?”

“Exactly. It’s the new Bennett Security wellness program.” He steps behind me, grabbing my shoulders and speaking into my ear like the demon on my shoulder. “Do you realize how many single women are here tonight? You must like smart, successful women. And they seem toloveyou, not that you give them any encouragement. Do you ever notice how many women’s heads turn the moment you walk into a room? Take your damn pick, man. Wealthy clients and donors are here, too. Bag yourself an heiress or dowager or something.”

“Adowager? I’m sensing a commentary on my advanced age.”

Max chuckles. “Your age is pretty advanced.”

“I’m not loving the new wellness program. In fact, it sucks and it’s a clear HR violation.” I try to walk away, but he grabs my shoulders again.

“C’mon, Rex. I’m trying to keep this lighthearted. But don’t you think it’s time?”

That makes me pause. I guess he’s right. But it’s still not easy to admit it.

Max and I met as fellow Green Berets. I had over a decade of experience on him, but he beat me to leaving the Army. He was a West Oaks native and returned home to start his security company. I stayed in for a few more years to finish out my twenty. Earned my pension. Then I followed my younger friend out here to California to join his startup.

All I wanted back then was to enjoy a new stage of my life with Lydia and Cliff. And continue serving my community, of course.

But fate had other plans for me.

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