Page 21 of Clear Blue Sky

Nelson rubbed his chin and glanced out toward the waterfront. He could have easily done that yesterday, or even this morning. “She’s barely my girlfriend and I have no right to run interference with her work. Besides, she hasn’t offered him a deal and maybe she won’t.”

Phoenix shook his head. “You’re making a two-folded mistake.”

“What does that mean?”

“When Brandi finds out you know Marcus—”

“She leaves tomorrow and won’t be back up until next weekend with her parents. She’ll be busy with family and she’s not ready to say anything to her folks about us, which I’m thrilled about, considering who her mother is.”

“I suspect it will be a bit of a media shit show.”

Nelson nodded. “I’ll be avoiding that at all costs.”

“Okay, but if Marcus already knows there’s a connection between you and Brandi, what a great weekend to fuck with you.” Phoenix arched a brow. “And he can do it in front of cameras.”

“That would ruin his book deal.”

“Only with Grant Publishing. It might sweeten it for someone else.”

“Fuck,” Nelson muttered. He hadn’t thought about that. “We know Marcus is telling the truth when it comes to when he got married and the fact his wife is pregnant.”

“So what? He also minored in English in college,” Phoenix said. “He had a collection of short stories published when he was in high school. Him writing a book isn’t far-fetched.” Phoenix held up his hand. “But I don’t believe for one second that he randomly picked Brandi and that’s something we have to find out. If you had told her the truth, you could have asked her how it was that he found her. Your second mistake in all of this is pretending that you’re not going to care when she dumps your ass for lying to her.”

His heart dropped to his toes. “I care that I will have hurt her, but she and I both know this relationship has a beginning, a middle, and an end.” No amount of mouthwash would rid the bitter taste that was left swirling around on his tongue. “I’ve got an idea.”

“I’m scared to ask.”

“Then don’t.” Nelson pushed back his chair and stood. He shoved his hands in his pockets and strolled toward Marcus’ table. As owners, he and his brothers often went around the room, checking on their guests, making sure the service and the food were up to standard. They were still constantly changing the menu, looking for the right blends. They were close to having it perfect. Their waitstaff and chef were in place.

Their management team was still not where they needed it to be, but they were getting there.

“Good afternoon,” Nelson said with his best smile. “I’m glad to see you back. That must mean you’re enjoying the atmosphere and the food.”

“We asked four different people at the hotel, and we got the same answer. Blue Moon is the best in town.” Chuck lifted his beer. “I need to use the restroom.”

“I’m right behind you,” Josh said.

“Me too.” Tyler jumped to his feet.

“Mind if I sit down for a minute?” Nelson waved his hand over one of the chairs.

“Please. Be my guest.” Marcus nodded. “Would you like a beer?”

“Thanks, but it’s a little too early for me. Besides, I’m working.”

“Understood.” Marcus lifted his drink and took a long swig, holding Nelson’s gaze. “It’s beautiful up here. I can see why you and your brothers relocated to the area.”

“The winters can be rough.” Nelson adjusted the seat to lift his leg and rest his ankle over his knee.

“Is that difficult for business?”

“It’s slower than the summers, but the local crowd has been very good to us.” Nelson eyed his brother, who had moved closer. Nelson understood Phoenix would be concerned. Marcus and Nelson had never had a conversation that ended well, until yesterday.

That could have been a fluke.

“Would it be okay if I asked you something about your book? I’m curious about a few things,” Nelson said. “More so for Maverick than myself.”

“Sure. I love talking shop.”

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