AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He can celebrate to his heart’s content, but I count on you to remember you said you love me, and behave.”
“I promise, my love.”
He pressed her against him and kissed her again to seal his promise. Too bad, they had to leave. He dropped her off in her driveway and went home.
Kasem was waiting for him in the living room. Royce walked toward him, his arm outstretched and shook his hand.
“Congratulations, man. That’s great news. They called you with an offer.”
“Not at all. It’s Gina who got me the job.”
“Gina?” Completely at a loss, Royce added, “Who the hell is she?”
“The blonde woman I met at the pool two weeks ago. We swim together daily. She knows I’m trying hard to find a job, and she talked to her uncle about me. He’s a contractor and can use an electrical engineer. Three days ago, I talked to him on the phone for an hour, then I met with him. He didn’t seem convinced by my background. Today, he called and said he’d signed a contract where he could use my expertise. He doesn’t guarantee it’ll be a long-term position.” Kasem shrugged. “Who cares? By then I’ll have the American experience the local companies require.”
“Fantastic. When do you start?”
“Tomorrow, I’ll spend the day at his office, and he’ll take me to visit the work sites.”
“I’m happy for you, Kasem.” Royce clapped his shoulder. “You’re right, we have to celebrate. I know a bar not too far from here where we can toast to your new job.”
Kasem raised an eyebrow, his mouth stretching into a curious grin. “The little wife doesn’t mind you going there?”
Damn the non-existinglittle wife. Royce swept the air with his open palm and Kasem burst out laughing
“I like yourwho-caresattitude. That’s how I plan to live.”
“Huh?” Was he giving Susan’s fiancé the bad example? “It’s just a drink. I’m not cheating on anyone.”
Kasem scoffed and bobbed his head. “Absolutely.”
“I’ll go change into something more casual.”
Five minutes later, he returned in jeans and a navy polo shirt. “Let’s go.”
The bar bustled with a lively audience. “Hello, Royce,” the barman called.
Royce headed toward him and introduced his companion. “My friend Kasem Chaison. He grew up in Thailand but studied in New York. We’re here to celebrate his first job in the USA.” Royce turned to Kasem. “Mitch Baron and I have known each other for years.”
“Since he was a wee baby.” Mitch held his hands closer as if cradling a newborn. “Ikindaeducated him in the art of drinking and finding the right date.” The older man burst out laughing. “Okay, Kasem, first drink’s on me.” He made two Manhattans and handed them to them. “Wishing you a successful career. What’s your line?”
“Electrical engineering. Thanks, Mitch.”
A group of three women sashayed toward them. “Royce, where have you been hiding? Long time no see.” A blonde woman threw her arms around his neck.
“You look lovely as usual, Amy.” He hugged her, carefully avoiding her eager lips. “I’ve been busy, drowning in work.” He waved with his hand dismissively. “Nice seeing you, Lyla, and Maddy.” He greeted the two other women with similar hugs and spun to introduce Kasem, repeating the words he’d said to the barman.
“Why don’t we sit at a table?” Maddy, a reddish blonde with green eyes, suggested.
“Kasem, it’s your night. What d’you say?”
“By all means.” The man seemed to be in seventh heaven.
Royce ordered a round of drinks for everyone, toasting Kasem again and again. Basking in his new popularity, the young man didn’t waste time regaling them with his blunders when first studying in New York and trying to adjust to a civilization so strange to him. In less than a few minutes, he reveled in the three women’s unwavering attention.
Damn it, the man was officially engaged to be married. Shouldn’t he behave in a more discreet way? Royce stopped laughing.
No wonder Susan couldn’t stand him. If only he could fall for one of these women or his female companions at the gym and pool, he would be doing Royce a big favor.
