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“Denial looks ugly on you, Grim, and you’re far from ugly.” Her attention was pulled away as someone called her name. “Sorry, I gotta go. But we’re doing drinks soon. Remember, be nice to my girl!”
“Yeah, sounds good.” I walked slowly back to my table as I fantasized about what skills Kenna kept hidden. I was sure they’d require some kind of gag.
It felt good to enjoy dinner with my family, and the meal was superb. Vegas restaurants were highly competitive, and Indulge prided itself on its world-class chefs. I was already on the hunt to source the best of the best in LA for Secrets. I wished I could clone Chef Dale, but he was well rooted here at Indulge, and we were lucky to have him.
After dinner, my parents were called away and they excused themselves with hugs all round. I was left with my brothers and Cameron.
“Secrets is shaping up to be quite the hotel.” My brother, Knox, leaned back as our dessert plates were removed. “I, for one, am so glad you’re home.” He chuckled. “My inbox could use a break from your ninety-nine e-mails a day about Secrets’ progress.”
“A good businessman hates to leave a project.” I shrugged.
“I’m just glad I’m not your bitch anymore.”
“You’ll always be my bitch, Knox.” I grinned and he flipped me the finger.
“I love the vibe at Desires, and I’m sure you will too. It’s lush, fresh, and private.” Kenna’s voice found me. I turned to watch her as she pointed out things to a well-dressed man.
“Is it wrong to fantasize about both sisters at once?” Knox whispered to Leo, who shook his head and waved at him to shut up. Cameron was only a foot away from us.
Obviously, a potential client. “Under the glass flooring is an exceptional array of lily pads and flowers,” she continued. “See how the crystal blue water sets it all off so beautifully. The best part is how all the greenery around the tables creates little hidden pockets for you to dine in. The Gateses fell in love on a boat on a stunning little lake in Georgia. Mrs. Gates hated to leave the lake behind, so Mr. Gates brought the memory to her here at Desires. It’s romantic, if you ask me.”
I studied how she worked and noticed Cameron watched them closely as well. It pleased me that she had taken the time to learn my parents’ history and had incorporated it into her sales pitch.
“This is exactly what I’m looking for.” The man smiled. “I love the design of the place. What are the odds I can get a table for tomorrow night around six?”
“We’re normally booked six months in advance, but if you bring that brother-in-law of yours with you from the Bellagio, I’ll work you in. And I’ll make sure our chef does something special just to show you how much we appreciate your business.” She winked, and I glanced at my brother. Leo watched her as closely as Cameron and I were. The kid was learning.
“You’re very good at your job, Ms. Lodge. I’ll be sure to bring him.” He shook her hand then pulled out his phone as he left and put it to his ear.
“Kenna.” Cameron waved her over. She checked her watch before she approached like she didn’t have time to chat or maybe it was because I was there.
“Yes, Cameron.” I noticed she didn’t say Dad; perhaps it was a work thing. I figured Cameron liked to keep his personal life and connections separate from his work life, given the nature of his job. His type of lawyering wasn’t for the faint of heart. His brand was helping those misunderstood by today’s society. Whatever. I hated to admit it, but he was a big asset to our family and crucial to our business. My father and Cameron had a working wheel that found us clients and signed them to both the hotel and Cameron’s legal roster. They brought in heaps of money and kept everyone happy. Kenna brushed her long, shiny hair back over her shoulder. “What’s up?”
“Who was that?”
“Mr. Crane from San Francisco.”
“I didn’t hear Mr. Crane from San Francisco guarantee he’d show up. I also have never heard of him. He’s certainly not a client of mine.” His unimpressed sarcastic tone made me look over at him.
“No, he’s not, he’s one of –”
“So, why are you wasting your time on him, and not Mr. Salazar, who I saw glance at you more than once?”
“Need I remind you Kenna isn’t just a host for your clients,” I cut in and her eyes went wide. “She’s a host for Indulge first, then your clients.”
“That’s true,” he smiled, but his eyes said so much more, “and she’s on the clock for Salazar, and he’s looking for her to escort him from his table to the bar.”
“Just like the other clients who are here in town, I’m sure he can wait a few minutes.” I stood and buttoned my jacket. “But if you feel he can’t, perhaps I could smooth things over with him myself.”
“No, no,” he shook his head, “that won’t be necessary.”
“Do I need to be here for this?” Kenna rolled her eyes, and I shot her a look.
“Don’t be smart,” her father hissed, his face red. I tilted my head as I watched her lick her lips like she swallowed back a comment.
He caught my expression as I took my seat again. “Let’s leave the Gates to their drinks.” He wrapped an arm around Kenna’s shoulders and steered her out of the restaurant.
“He can be a real asshole when he wants to be.” Knox tipped the last of his drink down his throat. “And now they’re gone, I’ll use this moment to escape.”
