Page 30 of Clear Blue Sky

Nothing from Maverick.

Fuck.

“I wish we could have set Maverick up with a listening device,” Nelson mumbled.

“I’m not going to comment on that.” Phoenix shifted, moving a second chair, and stretched out his leg.

“Good choice.” Nelson chuckled. While he remained on high alert, his nerves settled having his brother close. “I don’t like that a couple of the Grant’s guests will be staying at The Heritage Inn.”

“They’re not guests. They work for the publicist. We’ve got a private eye living there and Reese and his wife are our eyes and ears,” Phoenix said. “I doubt anyone in Brandi’s family will step foot on The Heritage Inn property. They are all staying with Lake and his wife. Or Foster’s rental.”

“What if Marcus manages an invite to the premiere? Then what?” Nelson’s cell buzzed. Quickly, he lifted it, tapping the screen. “Marcus was able to avoid Maverick and now the foursome is headed south. Maverick is a half a mile behind them.” Nelson lifted his beverage and chugged half of it. “Marcus is enjoying fucking with us. I just wish I knew his endgame,” Nelson said. “Dylan was able to dig up a few things about Roxy’s boyfriend and the fact they took a trip up here the week we started renovations.”

“That’s convenient.”

Nelson tilted his head and rubbed his eyes. “Shit. Brandi’s here and she doesn’t look happy.”

Brandi stood on the other side of the patio with Veronica who pointed in his direction. Brandi adjusted her bag and scowled as she marched across the wood planks.

“That’s my cue to leave.” Phoenix slipped into the main bar area through the service door.

Nelson stood, but his heart dropped to his feet. He swallowed. “I didn’t expect to see you for another few hours at my place.” His cell buzzed. He glanced down.

Maverick:Marcus just pulled into the parking lot.

Fuck.

“We need to talk,” Brandi said.

“Why don’t we go somewhere more private.” He placed his hand on the small of her back.

She tensed.

That wasn’t a good sign.

He dropped his arm to his side. “We can go up to the…” He paused midstep as he locked gazes with Marcus. Nelson had never been so happy to have not been touching his girlfriend. His spine stiffened.

Marcus tilted his head and smiled. “Oh my. My editor and my old friend. I didn’t know the two of you knew each other.”

“Anyone who has spent any amount of time in the area knows the Snow brothers and Blue Moon,” Brandi said. “My family has booked their establishment for a private party this weekend and I’m here to discuss the details.” Her tight tone wasn’t lost on Nelson.

“I left you a voice message about twenty minutes ago,” Marcus said. “I need to discuss your revision letter with you.”

“I’m sorry, Marcus. Like I told you, any questions or concerns you have, please email me.”

“I promise not to take up too much of your time. Perhaps breakfast tomorrow. Or lunch. You have to eat sometime,” Marcus said.

Nelson wanted to intervene, but it wasn’t his place. Besides, he was enjoying the way Brandi handled herself with confidence, even though a heavy dose of anger slipped out.

“This week is crazy for me. Also, I made an exception the first time because I had been unable to take pitches. I felt I owed you that. However, you are not one of our authors. The point of a revise and resubmit is to see how you handle our suggestions. If you want to discuss them, we can do so in email. And for the record, we won’t be publishing the novel as written. I’m sorry to be blunt, but I’m running on limited time and I need to meet with Nelson regarding my mother’s party.”

“I hope you’ll change your mind and meet with me.” Marcus turned his attention to Nelson. “You and your brothers work way too much. Me and the boys want to get a poker game going and we’d like you to join.”

“We have a rule; one of us always has to be at Blue Moon.”

“Come on, man. This place runs itself.”

“Sorry. Not with this party coming up.”

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