“What are you doing in Moonshot? I thought you lived in…” I trail off. I don’t remember, and I don’t care.
“Grand Rapids. And I came to visit my son.”
I just barely hold back a snort and an eye roll.
We manage to pass the next few minutes without me stabbing him with a butter knife. Travis and Gene talk, mostly about hockey and Moonshot’s chances of making it to the playoffs this season, and a little about Gene’s company. I already know he owns a successful development company, so I tune out a lot of it. That is until, he says, “It could be a great investment for you and a joint project for us.”
“I don’t know shit about any of that stuff,” Travis says.
“I could teach you. You’re going to need a plan after hockey ends. What do you have, another ten years if you’re lucky? Then what?”
“I don’t know, Dad. I’ll figure it out when it gets here.”
Gene scoffs. “I’m giving you an opportunity to help build one of the biggest luxury apartment complexes in the country. Don’t let the past stand in the way of what could be a bright future for the both of us. We can work together.”
My fingers are squeezing Travis’s so tightly that he pulls away and covers my hand with his instead.
“And if I say yes, then what? What do you want from me?”
Gene shifts, the first sign of discomfort he’s shown. “I have the contacts and experience to get us going, but there are up-front costs.”
And there it is. What a fucking prick.
Gene’s mask returns and he waves a hand. “But we don’t need to talk about any of the details today.”
“If you’re only here because you want the inheritance money, then you should know I can’t give it to you.” Travis takes a drink of his water.
Gene’s gaze moves to me, though I’m not sure why until he says, “Surely you signed a prenup.”
“No, we didn’t, but that’s not the reason.” Travis doesn’t look at me, but his hand covering mine clasps tighter.
“Whatever the reason, I’m sure we can work it out.”
Travis shakes his head. “I can’t give you the money because it’s gone.”
“All of it?”
Travis stares at the tablecloth. “Yeah.”
“How in the hell did you blow ten million in a matter of months?” Gene asks. A little of his carefully constructed façade slips, and I see clearly the asshole that he is. Not that I needed more proof. The way he treated Travis tells me everything I needed to know.
“Does it matter?” Travis asks.
“I can’t believe this. Of all the stupid, irresponsible, and selfish things you’ve done, this takes the cake.”
“He’s selfish?!” I ask, unable to hold back any longer. This guy can’t be for real. “What about you?”
“This is between me and my son, sweetie. Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s still making enough to keep you in diamonds and brand names.”
Travis’s body goes rigid. “What the fuck did you say to her?”
“It’s fine. I don’t care what he thinks of me,” I say.
Travis doesn’t relax. He’s finally glowering at his dad. I only wish it were on his own behalf and not mine. “Hannah isn’t like that, and you aren’t going to talk about her that way if you want anything from me.”
“It sounds like you don’t have anything for me anyway.” Gene looks like he wants to say more, but the server returns. We all fall quiet. My heart is racing, and Travis is tense beside me.
When the server leaves again, Gene places his napkin on the table. “Excuse me. I think I’ll hit the men’s room.”
