Page 216 of My Real Love Affair

“There’s one more thing,” Cash said, setting down his glass. “Dad needs to know how this turned out. He’s going to want a debrief in the morning.”

I tensed. “He’s going to gloat.”

“Probably,” Cash admitted. “But he’s also going to have to acknowledge that you handled this along with Melody. He’ll have to acknowledge you guys make a good team.”

“Think he’ll actually admit that?”

“Maybe not out loud. But he’ll know.” Cash looked at me. “You proved something tonight, Austin. Not just to Dad, but to all of us. You’re not the screwup everyone thought you were. You’re just obnoxiously different.”

Coming from Cash, that meant everything.

Cash’s phone vibrated on the table. He smiled. “It’s done. They’re drafting the letter to that podcast. By this time tomorrow, Summer Auburn will be nothing but a bad memory.

“I need to thank you guys,” I said, looking around the table. “All of you.”

Melody squeezed my hand. I pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. I was so glad to have all of the bullshit behind us.

CHAPTER 68

MELODY

“Dane!” Cash called out to a man who walked into the private room.

I immediately saw the family resemblance. Same strong jaw as Austin and Cash, same dark eyes, though his held a perpetual hint of irritation that seemed baked in from years of running a high-end kitchen.

“You’re lucky I love you,” Dane said. “You’re damn lucky the room wasn’t booked tonight. Otherwise, you’d be eating in the alley with the rats.”

“Always so dramatic,” Cash said, but he was smiling.

“I’m a chef. Drama is part of the job description. I should start charging double for family. You guys are sucking the life out of me.” He was obviously joking. “I’ll send someone with drinks and food.”

“Thank you, Dane,” I said, feeling guilty that we had imposed. “I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.”

He waved me off. “Don’t apologize. These two deserve to grovel. But you seem nice. Too nice for this one.” He jerked his thumb at Austin.

“Hey,” Austin protested.

“Am I wrong?” Dane challenged.

“No, but you don’t have to say it out loud.”

Dane’s lips twitched into what might have been a smile. Then he disappeared, muttering to himself.

“He loves us really,” Cash said.

“Does he?” Cleo asked.

“Deep, deep down,” Austin replied. “It’s why he leaves a table open for family every night. He likes when we show up. Gives him a chance to show off.”

Within minutes, a server appeared with a bottle of excellent wine and a spread of appetizers that looked like art on the plates. Dane might grumble, but he was taking care of us.

I leaned against Austin, finally able to just be close to him without worrying about cameras or being seen. His arm went around my shoulders immediately, and I felt the last of my adrenaline start to fade.

“You were perfect, baby girl.”

“I felt like I was going to throw up the entire time.” I took a sip of wine, trying to settle my still-churning stomach. “Honestly, I feel kind of bad for her.”

Austin and Cash both looked at me in surprise.