The dimly lit restaurant was one of the oldest spots in this part of the city, and that was evident by the worn vinyl booths and scuffed white and black tiles. A wooden bar with black stools lined the back wall, along with a row of pinball machines. It was a toss-up if you’d get to play a game or if the machine would eat your quarters. But that’s what made it great. There was so much history here, and the burgers, especially after a long day, were unmatched.
I huffed in agreement, my seat creaking as I shifted forward to lean my elbows on the table. For once, I didn’t bother defending my father. I’d been defending him my whole life, because I felt like I had to—he was my father, after all—but the excuses ran out years ago.
Liam set down his burger, reaching for a napkin and wiping the sides of his mouth. “The way he treats you pisses me off. You work all the fucking time, and he still hasn’t let you pursue the ideas you want. The ideas you brought up in your interview. He knew that’s what you wanted when he hired you. You’re good at what you do, and it’s a damn shame he doesn’t let you pursue the projects you want.”
“Well, that’s the problem,” I said with a dry laugh. “If I was shit at my job, he would’ve fired me by now.”
“I don’t know why you put up with him.” Liam shook his head. “Well, I mean, Ido. You don’t have a choice. But still.”
That was the other piece. I couldn’t leave Nelson Group. At first, I didn’t want to leave, because I didn’t want to make my relationship with my father even worse. But in the last year, when I had seriously thought about leaving, I realized I wouldn’t have a career if I did. When I signed my contract with Nelson Group, I didn’t catch the five-year non-compete clause. If I had to take a break for five years to do different work, my career in development would be over.
As if he was reading my mind, Liam said, “Could always work with me.” He shrugged before picking his burger back up.
Liam was currently vice president of operations for Green Haven Hotels, a large hotel and resort chain that prioritized sustainability and ecotourism. Traveling responsibly, respecting current residents, and minimizing negative impacts on the environment were some of his professional missions. Liam and his two brothers were among the leaders in the space.
I shook my head with an amused huff. “I don’t think we’d get anything done if we worked together. Istilldon’t understand how you’re productive when you’re traveling for work and have access to a pool majority of the time.”
“The pools aren’t as distracting as the women.” Liam wiggled his brows. Women were always on Liam’s mind—regardless of ifthere was a pool involved—and he had no shortage of options, something I knew too much about. He was my best friend, but there were some details I’d learned against my will. Still, he was also a damn good guy and friend.
“Which, speaking of women,” he started, “I had another…interestingdate this week.”
I raised my brows, popping a fry in my mouth. “What happened this time?”
Liam had no shortage of outlandish stories of failed dates and women pursuing him for his wealth and status. It happened to him more and more these days. He was regularly on various lists, including most eligible billionaires and hottest men alive. He often liked to remind me of the latter.
“I met her at a work conference a few weeks ago, so I thought this could have potential for more than a date or two. I’m…well, I’m thinking it might be nice to settle down soon. But anyways, she shows up to our dinner date and pulls out this binder”—Liam leaned in—“which was actually a scrapbook of our wedding day. This is ourfirstdate, mind you. I knew nothing about this woman, and she knew everything about me.” Liam shook his head. “I’m starting to lose hope, man.”
“Fuck, that’s…concerning and really upsetting.” I let out a heavy sigh, hating that my best friend couldn’t catch a break. “There’s someone out there for you. I know it.”
Our conversation was broken up when our server Fiona, a pretty brunette woman about our age, strolled up to the table. We always sat in her section when we stopped by and had gotten to know her pretty well.
She had a warm smile as she set two bottles on the table: one with ketchup and another with house-made ranch. She pushed her bangs out of her eyes. “How’s the food tasting? Do either of you need anything else?” Her green eyes darted between us as she rocked back and forth on her feet. Her gaze finally settled onLiam, and her expression softened. “I didn’t think you’d come back here after your last date.”
“He started telling me about it. Sounds like quite the experience,” I said.
Fiona nodded with a grimace. “And will you tell him”—she was speaking to me but pointing at Liam—“to stop with the over-the-top tips. He’s overpaying me and won’t listen.”
“Well, first,” Liam interjected, “they’re underpaying you here, so I’m not going to stop. And second, I always have a great time here, so I want to thank you for your excellent service.”
I groaned at the same time Fiona rolled her eyes with an amused smile. My best friend really couldn’t help it.
“Your charm doesn’t work on me, Liam,” she informed him. “But thank you. I really appreciate it.”
Fiona ensured we didn’t need anything else and then walked away to greet one of her new tables.
I watched the way Liam’s eyes followed her, an amused smile tugging at my lips. “You like her.”
He turned to me with furrowed brows. “Well, yeah. She’s great.”
“No, youlikeher.”
Apfftescaped him. “Not like that. She has a boyfriend, who she’s way too good for.” Liam muttered the last part, but I still caught it. “Anyways, are you all set for your drive to Golden Falls? What’s your plan for the meeting?”
“I think so?” My response came out more like a question, my confidence not quite there. I wrapped a hand around my water, twisting the glass and the paper coaster. “I mean, I have no idea how the meeting will go or what Hal will say. Why did he reach out to me? And why did he include someone named Lily Richards in the email?”
“There have to be some clues. Here”—he extended his palm and waved his fingers—“let me see the email again.”
I reached into my pocket for my phone, pulled up the email, and showed Liam.
