Leo’s wife, Vivian, is already seated when we arrive. She stands, greeting Leo with a kiss before turning to me. “Hi, Matt. It’s so good to see you.”
“Hi, Vivian. Great to see you, too.” I offer a quick side hug, appropriate for your business partner’s wife. I know Vivian, but I don’tknowVivian.
Leo and I met about ten years ago at a conference and hit it off. A few years later, he partnered with me to open the Chicago branch of my New York nightclub. Since then, I’ve invested in a few real estate ventures here, and my current project is funding a resort in Switzerland. Leo’s British and connected me with the developers, some friends of his in London. It’s going to be massive for me.
Just as I’m pulling out my chair, a familiar voice calls out, “Matt!”
I turn, and Alley’s grin lights up the whole damn restaurant. She lets go of Jensen’s hand and throws her arms around me. Her pregnant belly presses into me as my hands stretch around her back.
“Hey, Al.” She lets go, and I give her a quick once-over. “You look incredible. Can’t even tell you’re pregnant.” I flash a grin, and she whacks my arm.
“Liar. I’m a whale.”
I laugh. “Seriously, though. You do look great, and you’d never even know you’re pregnant from behind. All belly.”
“Ahh, did you look upthings to tell pregnant womenbefore you came?” she teases, grinning as she steps aside to hug Vivian, giving me a clear path to Jensen.
We throw our arms around each other in a clapping hug. “Hey, brother. Good to see you,” I say, andChrist,do I mean it.
“Back at you. How ya doing?”
“Good. No complaints.”
“That’s good. How’s Jordan?”
Of course he asks about Jordan. Jensen’s in the loop—we talk all the time—but I’ve always been vague when it comes to Jordan. He knows enough to make assumptions, and I don’t ever correct him.
“She’s good. Just had a big success at work,” I redirect, not wanting to talk about her. “You getting excited? Baby’s almost here.”
“Yeah…” He grins and starts telling me about all the baby things to come.
We settle into our seats, and Alley jumps in, and suddenly I know more about baby shit than I ever wanted—appointments, labor plans, name debates… Jesus, even breast pumps.
And for the first time in my life, I’m fucking jealous—envious of all he has that money can’t buy. Every time he reaches for Alley’s hand. Every time she steals a glance his way. My chest squeezes, like my heart’s trying to remind me to get my shit together. To do more. Want more. Be better.
The sound of Alley and Vivian’s laughter blends with the clinking of silverware, music, and low conversation, fading into the background. I nod, smile, and chime in when needed, joking and pulling laughs. Just like always.
Damn, my life is so fucking predictable. So fucking boring. I could snap my fingers and have anything I want. Have someonebringit to me, even. Fuck any woman. Go anywhere in the world. Stay in the nicest hotels, drink the most expensive liquor, and literally shit on caviar.
I know a million people. Have hundreds of friends.
And as I sit here with some of the ones I love most…
I realize I’ve never felt more alone.
Chapter Five
MATT
Staringat the multiple screens and contracts spread across my desk, I lean back and stretch until my spine pops, stealing a glance at the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I need a goddamn break.
It’s never-ending.
I glance at the time and breathe out a “Shit.”
I’m supposed to meet Jordan for lunch in fifteen minutes. No way in hell that’s happening. I can’t leave. Not with all these contracts and legal forms for the Zermatt deal.
They have to be finalized—today.
