Page 19
Farah snorted. “She’s got that right. Just how many flowers have y’all pollinated, Jase?”
“Ewww,” Angelica grimaced into her mimosa.
“What?” Farah exclaimed. “I thought that was a delicate way to put it. Much nicer than asking him how many notches he had on his bedpost.”
“Farah, you’re thinking of the younger guys. I grant you that the guys under twenty-five are looking for a field of flowers, but as time goes on, us older guys are looking to tend to that one perfect orchid.”
“Angelica? Honey?” Renzo leaned over and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. “Can you please call 911? Apparently, our big brother has suffered an aneurysm and needs to be rushed to the hospital.”
“Oh please,” Angelica waved her hand. “He’s actually talking like an enlightened male. I am totally impressed.”
“That’s what I mean,” Renzo said. “We need to get an ambulance here, stat!”
“Enough with the bullshit, Renzo,” Farah growled. She turned her attention back to Jase. “Now tell us what really happened.”
“I actually thought we had gotten past the bullshit of all SEALs being horndogs. But she ran away before I could get her number. I guess she wasn’t interested.” Jase shrugged.
“Are you trying to say you weren’t interested?” Malik tipped back his ball cap so he could look at Jase. “The way she looked in that dress, her sense of humor and toe ring. Didn’t do it for you, huh?”
“That’s who we’re talking about? The blonde with the curly hair?” Renzo asked as he sat straighter and pushed his sunglasses up on his head. “What the hell, Farah? Why didn’t you set her up with me?”
“Maybe because we never know what country you’re going to be in from month to month?” Farah said as she rolled her eyes.
“And I’m betting you’re pollinating a different flower in each country,” Angelica smirked.
“First, I’ve never pollinated anyone. I always use protection. And second, could you please, in the name of all that is holy, stop it with the flower analogy,” Renzo said as he slid his sunglasses back over his eyes. “What’s taking so long for my beer, anyway? At these prices, you’d think they’d have a fridge at every table.”
Jase chuckled. “They sure have your number, bro,” he grinned at Renzo.
“And yours.” Renzo raised his eyebrow as he looked over at Jase.
“Not anymore,” Jase disagreed. “The guys on my team are pairing up and happier than pigs in slop. I want to see what it's all about. And please note I did not use a flower analogy.”
“’Preciate it.” Renzo nodded his way.
The server placed tall glasses of beer in front of Renzo, Jase, and Malik. She then topped off the mimosas and champagne for the ladies. “Can I get you another bottle of champagne?” she asked.
“Yes, please,” Angelica smiled as she waved her hand around the table. “We’re celebrating. It’s rarely so many of us get together. We need another wedding.”
Jase and Renzo slid lower in their seats.
“Your meals should be here shortly. I’ll bring the champagne with them.” She smiled.
“If you’re serious about getting serious, are wedding bells in your future?” Angelica asked Jase.
“Sis, just hold your horses. I have to date someone before that’s going to happen. What about you? Every time I turn around, your name is linked to some movie star or another. When are you going to announce that you’re pregnant and getting married?”
Angelica gave a sad sigh. “Everything you read is some sort of setup by my agent. I haven’t been on a proper date for over a year, and that was Eric.”
“That loser?” Malik asked. “Didn’t Renzo have to fly to California and help kick his ass out of your condo? Did you ever get a restraining order?”
“That would have hit the tabloids, so no. Anyway, Renzo made it quite clear that if he stepped out of line, he would demolish him. Even when Eric and I are at the same parties, he scuttles away from me and stays on the other side of the room. What’s more, he hasn’t said one damn word to any of the papers. I was sure he was going to whine about me kicking him out, but he didn’t.”
Jase leaned over and gave Renzo a fist bump. He’d been out of the country when all of that had gone down, but he’d known Renzo could and would take care of things.
“Enough about me, I want to know if you’re going to let the woman with the toe ring push you to the curb,” Angelica asked. “It’s not like you to walk away from a challenge.”
Jase grinned when three servers came to the table and started dispersing their food. He looked at his two-egg omelet, two strips of bacon, and one slice of toast. It was elegantly displayed with a purple orchid and would only put a small dent in his hunger.