“Great.” Her bubbly voice returns. She kicks the box to slide it along the floor. “I’ll ask one of the guys to move this to the design headquarters, otherwise known as the spare bedroom of indecency, which is an HR nightmare should I work here on a regular basis.”
Her wit never fades, and I love that.
“I would offer to carry the box, but I need to change and head to Catch 22.” The other great restaurant in Lake Spark. It may not have won awards, but it’s still a decent evening that is worthy of frequent visits.
Lines form on her forehead. “Eating at the competition again?”
I chuckle and pull my phone out of my pocket to keep myself occupied with checking my inbox. “I don’t want to show this place until the final touches are in place. It’s a meeting with an old sponsor, he’s in hotel development. Old money who potentially wants to invest in opening an inn similar to the Dizzy Duck elsewhere. He wants to have dinner with my kids included, as he seems to be into wholesome and doubts a former pro-athlete is on the straight and narrow. I thought of asking you to come but then realized that I’m pushing the limits on the not-a-nanny quota.”
Her laugh sounds good. How can anyone not enjoy the melody? “That’s very true. Could be a great opportunity for you, and if you need an interior designer…” She splays her hands out.
“You’ll be the first I ask,” I assure her.
Her eyes glint at me, unsure of where to carry our conversation. She slouches a bit as she ponders her thoughts. “I don’t want to intervene, so it’s better that you bring your very-well-behaved offspring who most definitely will not be bored at the dinner.”
I groan at the reminder of my wonderful children who I adore but know this might not be easy. “Thanks.” I recoil.
“I kind of want to have an early night, as there’s a flea market tomorrow between here and Bluetop.”
My lips push out as I understand her logic. “Sure, of course.” I’m still slightly disappointed, though. “If you change your mind, then well…”
“I know.” Lexi takes a step forward to touch my arm. “Good luck, Holden. My fingers are crossed for you.”
“For the meeting or my kids?”
“Both.”
Her smile as she parts from our encounter is so incredibly platonic and caring. Because despite her wicked ways, she has heart. Not often do you come across that combination.
* * *
We’re sittingat Catch 22 next to the big windows, displaying the dark sky, as we pass around a basket of bread. I glance to my side to see my kids less than pleased to be here. They’ve dressed up when all they want is to be in jeans, and they’re counting down in their head until this dinner will be over. This isn’t the first time we’ve done this. I used to have a lot of meetings with sponsors, but now they’re a little older, so saying they can play on their tablets while the adults talk doesn’t exactly work.
Ordering their kiddie cocktails with extra cherries only brought me five seconds of hope.
I get it. I do.
I’m able to give them a great life through love… but also money that provides them many things.
“Into hockey, Harry?” John Colbie asks my son. John is in his sixties and as honest and genuine as you can get. That’s how I’ve always remembered him. He’s very much a family man, too.
Harry looks up almost in fear of disappointment. “No. I enjoy music.”
“Ah, music isn’t half bad. It’s never too late to start ho—” His attention hops up to behind me.
“Sorry I’m late, I told Holden I couldn’t make it but moved some things around.” Lexi’s voice and her hand landing on the back of my chair is a welcome relief.
When I turn to smile my appreciation, I bite my lip. Because she arrived in a dark red sweater dress with knee-high boots. It’s completely appropriate, but the shape of the fit captures the attention of every man sitting in this room.
A bombshell with snark. Lucky me.
Now it’s not just my kids counting down the time until this dinner is complete.
12
LEXI
Ishouldn’t involve myself. I shouldn’t even be here. I most definitely need to tamp down my free spirit that seems to want to explore situations that I’ve never been in.
