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“We get it,” Grace cuts me off with a snort.
“But until then? I’ll just have to keep having fun all on my lonesome.”
“But you’re open to it, right?” Grace brightens. “What are you looking for in a woman?”
Uh oh. She’s about as organized as they come, and with her new concierge business, is used to tracking down the impossible, so I have a sneaking suspicion that if I tell her, she’ll have a lineup waiting outside the door in an hour.
So, instead, I just give one of my careless shrugs and grin. “Flexibility. Gymnasts are good. Also, professional cheerleaders, athletes…”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”
Lucky for me, a rescue crew arrives in the form of our other business partners. “Do I need to get you an agent?” Austin teases, strolling in. The guy is built like a ball player, because for years, he was one. “Since you’re now on-air talent?”
“Maybe I will.” I grab another bagel as we head to a corner booth to join Flynn, arriving in his trademark flannel shirt and scuffed workboots, still dusty from a job site.
“You should have thrown on a Mavericks ballcap,” Flynn says with a smirk. “The free publicity would have been awesome.”
“Not that we need it,” Charlie collapses in his seat with his official business binder. “The new bar launch was a big deal, and business here is stronger than ever.”
“Hit it, boss,” I say, glad of the change of subject.
As operating manager, Charlie takes us through the latest financials, while I’m content to sit back and follow along. I’m not so much a silent partner as an extremely relaxed partner. I may have fronted most of the money for this place from my trust fund, but I know better than to stick my nose in when these guys have everything under control.
Charlie is the details guy, Austin brings the sports and celebrity crowd, Connor takes care of real estate and construction, and our other buddy, Sebastian, sources high-end liquor from around the world. He’s off somewhere right now, probably sipping tequila on a beach with a pretty girl.
Some guys know how to live, alright.
But the rest of us aren’t doing too badly. Pretty great, to be honest, the way the bar is taking off. We have lines around the block every weekend, and with the second location launching strong, we’re turning this company into a real empire.
We’re just wrapping up when I get another text. “Tell Misty to wait,” Charlie heckles me with a smirk.
“Or give her my number, if you’re busy,” Flynn quips. “Some of us know how to treat a lady right.”
I laugh, checking my phone. No sexy texts from Misty, just a curt note from my financial advisor, Sarah.
‘See me ASAP.’
She blasts me with another text before I even have a chance to respond to the first.
‘That means NOW. If you’re not here by noon, I’ll come looking.’
‘Don’t make me come looking.’
Grinning, I fire off a quick reply, then get to my feet. “Business calls.”
“And we know what kind.” They all exchange knowing glances as I leave, but I don’t blame them. I know my reputation as a good-time kind of guy, hell, I’ve cultivated it for years. Besides, there’s something reassuring about keeping people’s expectations low.
It means you get to surprise them.
* * *
Sarah’s office is ten blocks from the bar, so I walk over, dropping by a great little donut shop on the way. My financial advisor is immune to my charms, but through trial and error, I’ve figured her weak spot: Pineapple-filled bear claws, so I detour to pick up a box, weaving my way through the tourists in the street, chatting with excitement.
I always get a kick out of their faces. Some people visit the city, take one look at the crowds and grimy sidewalks and street hustlers, and vow never to return. Trust me, I get it. New York can be overwhelming. Not me, though. I thrive on New York’s vitality, I can feel the city’s energy buzzing through my veins. Every week, I remind myself what a lucky bastard I am, to live the lifestyle I do in a place like this.
Sarah’s office is located in a sleek high-rise near Canal Street. I duck into the chrome and glass lobby and catch the elevator, mentally reviewing my latest start-up investments. So far, they’re all doing great, so I’m not sure what this summons could be about.
“I come bearing sacrificial offerings from the donut gods.” I greet Sarah with a smile.
