She laughs at my casual introduction. “Nice to meet you both.”
They nod to Brooke, but look at me, shaking their heads.
“Haven’t we outgrown the requirement for the formal version?”
“No way. Do it right,” Sean demands.
Brooke looks confused.
“Fine. Let me present Garret Evan Louis Francesco Catalinius, also known as Prince Evan of Catalinius and second in line to the throne behind his older brother Prince Xander. And this is Sean Cartwright, heir to the Grand Athena Resort and Casino. He’s American royalty in Las Vegas. Gentlemen, meet Ms. Brooke Bennett. She’s one of the attorneys for my dad’s foundation.”
Brooke looks at me and then at each of them, bewildered.
Eventually, she breaks the silence. Looking at Evan, she asks, “Should I curtsy? What do I call you? Prince Evan? Your Royal Highness?”
Sean, Evan, and I laugh. Evan replies, “In this house, I’m just Evan, and this is Sean. The formal introduction is a remnant of our uni days. When my parents would visit, they insisted on formalities. So, my friends learned all my names and started introducing me like that even when my family wasn’t around. Sean felt left out, so we came up with a formal version for him too. It’s all in good fun.”
Brooke asks, “So the introductions are accurate but not necessary. Is that what you’re saying?”
“Exactly. First names only here. Now, where are the drinks? Brooke has had a bad day,” I explain.
“We have the ingredients for Evan’s favorite Boulevardier, McCallum scotch for me, and whiskey for Stuart. Which would you like?” Sean asks, turning to Brooke.
She winces at the mention of whiskey, clearly remembering her hangover after the elevator incident. “Do you have any white wine?”
“We do,” Evan says, walking to the nearby outdoor bar to pour our drinks.
“You never told me what brought you two to LA. I thought you’d be in Ibiza,” I say to my mates.
“A friend of mine is getting married here in a couple of weeks. When I told Evan, he agreed that a detour to Malibu sounded good. We’re headed to Ibiza to meet some other friends after the wedding. You should join us. Brooke can come too,” Sean says with a knowing smile.
“That’s some detour.” Brooke comments, her eyes wide. Her astonishment isn’t a surprise. Most people wouldn’t have the luxury of flying to the west coast of the U.S. at the last minute when they had planned to be on holiday in Europe.
My world may seem a bit extravagant to her, but it’s working its magic. As I’d hoped, the tension is easing from her shoulders as she stands here with my friends and sneaks occasional peeks at the ocean. There’s something calming about the roar of the waves, the cool evening breeze, and the light reflecting off the water as the sun starts to set. I’m glad it’s working its magic on Brooke.
“Well, we’re used to hopping around the globe when plans change,” Evan says.
Brooke replies, “If only I had that freedom. Work keeps me tied to LA.”
“You go on holiday though, don’t you?” Evan asks.
“Not really. At least, not since college and law school. When I joined the law firm, my life changed from fairly carefree to extremely rigid. And if I want to make partner, I don’t dare take time off. They’d think I wasn’t serious enough.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’ll burn out,” Sean states emphatically.
“Think of it like a marathon. Only those who are determined and fit make it to the end and cross the finish line. Lots drop out along the way,” she says.
“That’s brutal. Have you thought about pursuing another profession?” Evan asks.
“It’s a little too late for that, especially with my mammoth student loans to pay off.”
I’m not sure if, without the debt, she’d want to pursue something different or if she’s doing exactly what she wants. Either way, it’s time for a lighter topic, so I say, “Enough talk about working too hard. I promised Brooke a relaxing afternoon at the beach. So, I’m going to take her for a walk in the sand. What are you two doing for dinner?”
“Our chef is grilling on the patio, and a few people are coming over. We’re counting on the two of you staying for the party.”
“Brooke, are you good with that?”
“If you are.”
