“So we need a plan,” I say. “Money to bring in the acts. Landon, booking is your specialty, but I’d like to talk to mybrother-in-law. See if Grey Kingston will perform for us or talk us up to other musicians.” I don’t mention Charlotte yet.
Bringing her into the mix is risky because she wanted more than I was willing to give. If I ask her to come to New York now, she might take it as a sign I’ve changed my mind about a relationship. I haven’t.
Not with her.
Not with anyone but… I still can’t get a certain curvy blonde out of my mind.
I glance at my friends. “It’s that easy? You’re both in agreement that this is the direction we should go?”
Landon shrugs. “I like the concept. What did Gabe say?”
“To talk to the two of you, then bring him a viable plan.”
Landon walks over to the window and stares out at the empty club. “I’ll bring in an expert on live-act PA systems. Get an estimate on upgrading not just the equipment but the acoustics. I’ll also make a list of possible acts.”
Tanner nods. “And I’ll put together an estimate to make sure our security systems are upgraded to the best ones available. If we’re having top talent, we need to take security seriously.”
With their support, the worry inside me eases. I should have known better than to think mybrotherswouldn’t agree with my ideas for making the club even better.
My cell rings, and I pull it from my pocket. “Gabe?” I ask as I take the call.
“No. It’s Izzy on Gabe’s phone. Where did you get that basket of candy you left? Oh my God, Jason, it’s delicious!”
I wish I hadn’t brought them the candy and had kept it for myself. Hell, any reminder of Faith would make me happy, but I’m glad Izzy enjoyed it. “I met a woman who owns a shop called Sweet Treats. Her name is Faith Lancaster.”
“I want them as part of the giveaways at Noah’s birthday party. Can you get me in touch with the owner?”
An excuse to see Faith again? The ability to help her grow her business? I hold back the fist pump, but my heart begins a rapid beat inside my chest. Clearly, I can’t get this woman out of my system by trying to forget about her, so I’m going to have to find another way to cure my craving.
Seeing her again will be a start. “I’ll talk to her and have her give you a call,” I say to Gabe’s wife.
“I’d appreciate it. This woman has talent,” Izzy says. “My friends are going to be so jealous I found her first.” She laughs at the thought.
I shake my head and grin. I always liked Gabe’s woman. “I’ll get in touch with her for you.”
“Thanks, Jase. You’re the best.” She disconnects the call, and I hang up, sliding my phone back into my jeans pocket.
“What’s with the shit-eating grin on your face?” Tanner asks.
“And who’s theshewho put it there?” Landon asks as a follow-up.
I groan. I’ve never been able to keep anything from these guys. As far back as college, from the time we met, the four of us, Levi included, have been tight. And if Levi hadn’t insisted on us joining a damned fraternity… I shake my head, pushing those thoughts from my mind. That is the only way I can live with the pain. Shove it away hard.
“I met a woman the other night when I left the club to see Gabe. She had a flat tire on an old beat-up delivery van she was using, and I stopped to help.”
“You changed a tire? In your Ferragamo shoes and Canali suit?”
“Damned right I did and don’t look so surprised. I can get my hands dirty once in a while.” Especially for a gorgeous woman like Faith.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I turn to my friends. “So everyone has their assignments? I’ve got somewhere to be.”
“We’re on it. Go get laid,” Tanner says with a chuckle.
I wish. “It’s not like that with this woman.”
“Oh, fuck. So it’s likethat?” Landon shakes his head. “If you aren’t interested in fucking her—”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t. Just that I’m staying away.” Because she doesn’t think us dating is a good idea, and I agreed. I start for the door, done with this conversation.
