“I’m glad to hear that. Is he coming to meet us for drinks tonight?”
“I don’t think so. I think he’s getting ready to head to South America in a couple of days and so he’s trying to finish up a couple of projects.”
“Oh yeah, he’s going to Argentina. I believe he’s going on one of his mountain climbing treks or something.”
“Don’t ask me. I don’t really know.”
“Well, here’s to another week of making money.” I hold my glass up. We clink glasses, and both sit back and look around. The Magnolia Club is particularly quiet tonight, and I signal Julio over to order some food.
“Can we get some caviar and crackers?” I ask, then look over at Levi. “Is there anything else you want?”
“Maybe some oysters.”
“Oysters?” I laugh. “You want an aphrodisiac? Are you meeting someone tonight?”
“Maybe.” He taps his fingers against the top of his glass. “Speaking of meeting people tonight, how’s it going with Katherine?”
“Oysters and caviar, please, Julio.” I ignore Levi.
“Yes, Mr. Heathcliff. Coming right up.” Julio walks away, and I look back at Levi.
“What are you thinking, asking me about Katherine in front of the staff?” I say. “You know the first thing they do is run to the tabloids with information about our dating lives.”
“Well, hey,” he says, “isn’t she your girlfriend?” He starts laughing. “I mean, she sure was acting like it the other night. Even Raquel got upset.”
“You know what that was the whole point of Katherine being there.”
“To get Raquel upset?” he laughs. “It seemed to me that you and Katherine were enjoying the farce. You guys knocking boots or something?”
“How archaic of a term is that?” I roll my eyes. “Who says ‘knocking boots? How old are you, Levi?”
“Seventy.” He leans forward and takes another sip of his drink. “You’re evading the question, which makes me believe there’s more to this than I initially thought,” he places the glass on the table. There’s a twinkle in his eyes that leads me to believe that he thinks he has a story here. “So tell me, dear Jack, what’s going on with you and Miss Jenkins?”
“Levi, what’s going on with your love life? I haven’t seen you with any woman recently.”
“Evading the subject again, eh? I’ve just been busy. And you know I’m going on my trip soon.”
“And so what?”
“Well, I’m going to be in Europe, and there are many women who want to become reacquainted with me.”
“And how’s it going with Brielle? Has she started for you yet?”
“No, she hasn’t actually started working for me yet. I think that will be in the next couple of weeks,” he says, scratching his forehead. “What’s her deal anyway?”
“What do you mean, what’s her deal?”
“Is she seeing anyone? In a relationship? Friends with benefits? I get a sort of cold vibe from her,” he continues. “I’m not really sure if she hates me or if that’s just her personality.”
“You’re going to have to ask Sebastian,” I say. “I don’t know her that well at all. I’ve only seen her a few times. Sebastian’s probably spent more time around her because she’s one of Willow’s best friends.”
“And what about Katherine?” he asks, grinning. “Is she friendly to you outside of her acting gig, or does she hate you?”
“Why would she hate me? I’m her boss. I’m her—” I pause, then grin. “Let’s just say there’s a thin line between love and hate.”
“Wasn’t that a movie?” He tilts his head.
“I don’t know. Was it?”
