Bloody Hell.
“BJ, I’m getting straight to the point. Does this booking have anything to do with my sister?”
“It does. I’ve been trying for weeks, but she won’t answer my texts. I need help to get her to meet me for dinner.”
“If she doesn’t want to see you, there’s nothing I can do. She only agreed for you to return with the chance you’ll accelerate the team’s win.”
“And that is my intention. On a personal note, I need her to listen to me without the consequence of Byron if he finds out.”
“You’re digging abighole for yourself with my family.”
Don’t I know it. “It’s the risk I’m willing to take. Lottie and I were happy together. We deserve another chance. But she’s afraid and doesn’t want to disappoint Byron.”
“Unfortunately, that isn’t the only reason. She’s also afraid of you hurting her again. I doubt she’ll give you another chance.”
“Please allow me to try. Ask Lottie herself how she feels about me. If she hates me, then I’ll accept it.” Because nothing screamed hate when we were alone.
“You’re asking me to deceive not one but two of my siblings.”
Panic swells up inside of me. “I’m desperate, sir.”
He mumbles something under his breath about having enough to do without being a matchmaker. “Do you mind if I pass the task to Penny?”
I grin. “Not at all.”
Before training,I check my phone. There’s one new message, but it’s not from Charlotte.
Hi, Brandon. Please meet Zara and me at The Hendricks Hotel at 5 p.m.
The message was sent at three this morning.Does this family ever sleep?
Thanks, Penny. I’ll see you at five.
Don’t thank me yet.
Training ran smoothly despite Byron barely uttering three words to me apart from calling my name when he wanted the ball. He has a huge smile on his face most of the day, so I haven’t pissed him off entirely. After physiotherapy, ice baths, and a massage, I showered again before driving to Beverley Hills to meet Penny at The Hendricks Hotel.
The hotel is owned by Jobe and Zara, and knowing Jobe is away, it will be a meeting with just the wives, or should I say a drilling?
I pull up and have valet take my car. Inside the vast foyer, I admire the artwork, realizing it’s Giana’s. Every piece is stunning, and I decide I need some to brighten my walls. It could also be a conversation starter between Byron andme. There is a queue at the receptionist’s desk, so I wait my turn, taking in the modern English extravagant décor, Chesterfield chairs, and baroque mirrors.
“Hey, I’m here for an appointment with Mrs. Hendricks.”
“Your name?” the receptionist asks.
“Brandon Johns.”
She checks her computer screen. “Someone will be with you soon. Please take a seat while you wait.”
Before I manage to sit, Penny strolls into the room. “BJ.” She hugs me. “It’s great to see you again.” From what I remember, she is a beautiful woman and equally kind.
“Likewise. And thank you for taking the time to meet me.”
She leads me into a boardroom, where there’s a long table and at least twenty chairs. Zara is standing with a little boy on her hip. I don’t know Zara well, but I met her years ago. Pretty and witty from what I remember at Penny and Franklin’s wedding. “Hi, BJ.” She looks at the boy. “This is Carson Jr.”
“I didn’t realize you guys had a son.”
“We don’t,” she exclaims. “He is Penny’s, and while I love her children, I get to hand them back. Thank God.”
