She had always taken his dad and his brother’s rudeness.
And he had been shitty to her.
He knew this punishment tonight wasn’t just for her but for him. A reset that would reboot their relationship to where he wanted it.
“Gabe, what are you doing with yourself?”
“Keeping busy,” he said. He couldn’t talk about what he did for Axis Management, so he kept all his answers vague.
“See, if you were a real military man, you could have work up the wazoo with the private contractors. Too bad you couldn’t go through with it, right Chantal?” Cole said.
“Yes, my father always takes well-trained men. They have new jobs frequently.” Chantal smiled at Gabe.
“Your father?” Ivy asked.
“Yes, I’m Reid’s daughter.” Chantal sneered at her.
Throbbing started at Gabe’s temples. Chantal Reid, daughter of the bigwig who bought out Ribbon of Aid and made it into a private contractor.
“Gabe, I’d invite you, but you didn’t make it last time,” Cole said.
“What do you mean I didn’t make it?” Gabe frowned.
“Last time you bailed on them.” Cole shrugged.
Gabe clenched his fist. “I did not. They told me they didn’t want my service.”
“Gabe, it’s all right. You don’t have to hide your failure,” Cole said. “Chantal’s right, though. We always take men with experience in combat.”
“What do you have to do with it?” Ivy asked.
His brother shot daggers at her. “I’m learning the family business.” He pulled Chantal close to her, and she giggled.
“Ivy, what about you?” his dad asked.
“Peter, I’m about to start a new job.”
“It’s a shame you couldn’t hack it at Metric. There’s a company with some prestige,” his dad said.
“I’m excited about new opportunities.” Ivy beamed at him, and Gabe wanted to applaud her.
Finally, the plates were cleared, and they were standing outside in the parking lot.
“Nice to see you. Go get a job or something,” his father said.
“Or something, yes,” Gabe said.
“Ivy, it’s nice to see you coming out with us again.” Cole kissed Ivy’s cheek, and Gabe clenched his hands.
“It’s nice to see you,” Ivy said.
“Bye, Chantal.”
His brother and Chantal waved. He gave his father a manly hug and then turned to his girl.
“Thank you,” he said.
“For what?”
