Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Then we’re in agreement. I've been here long enough.”
Luke grins as he takes another drink and we watch Paul continue to make an ass of himself.
Thankfully, I’d gotten out of the bachelor weekend with the excuse of work. Although deep down, I don’t think Paul was too upset I couldn’t make it. He went with two of our old poker buddies that I don’t care for and a couple of his friends I outright detest. But tonight’s event is hosted by the firm as an olive branch. Bruce wanted to bring Paul around since it’s been a few weeks since he issued his forced statement and thought it would be a good chance for Paul to make amends.
Oh, how wrong he was.
Paul showed up tonight already hammered and has since been gloating loudly about all his business endeavors since taking time away from the firm. Meanwhile I’m swamped with all the new business, and tonight I’m once again taken away from Chloe because of work.
“He won’t even know I’m gone,” I say, but just then Paul looks over, and his glassy red eyes lock on me. Fuck.
“Looks like he’s coming to say hi.” Luke pretends to wave at someone else and then walks away, leaving me to deal with Paul on my own.
“Coward,” I hiss at his retreating back right before Paul puts his arm over my shoulder. He reeks of whiskey and something sour as he leans in close.
“Look at all of them.” He raises his nearly empty glass and indicates all the people in the restaurant.
The firm rented the whole place for tonight, so everyone that’s part of the financial firm came. I’m beginning to wonder if they were all told this was mandatory.
“Yep. That’s all of them,” I agree and try not to let Paul’s wobbly weight make me lose my footing.
“They’ll all be answering to me. Just you wait.” His last words are slurred like he’s been drinking all day, and from the smell of him, he probably has.
“Absolutely,” I agree again, doing what I can to placate him. The last thing I want to do is start an argument.
I’ve already felt like shit enough today when I had to call Chloe at the last minute and tell her I wouldn’t be home for dinner. I totally forgot this was tonight, and I knew after skipping out on the bachelor party I couldn’t do the same now. How the fuck did I pick making my wife unhappy over Paul?
Reminding myself that this is her family helps me calm down. Gritting my teeth and not being an asshole is the least I can do for my bride. She’s my entire world, and if playing nice makes her life easier, then so be it. She was more than understanding, but I know her well enough to catch even the smallest hint of disappointment.
“You missed an epic time in Vegas.” He pokes me in the ribs and blinks slowly. “They don’t make women like that here.”
“Hmm,” I answer noncommittally.
“Willing and waiting. Am I right?” He pokes me again, and I take the chance to pull away from under his arm.
“I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been.”
“Oh that’s right. You ran off with Flowy.” He waves dismissively with his fingers as he purposely says her name wrong. “Guess I don’t blame you there, I wouldn’t want to waste what little money her mother had on a wedding.”
“What?” The word comes out of me like a threat, and I have to breathe. He’s fucking wasted and talking shit.
“I mean, Dad’s loaded, but you’ll bet it’s locked up tight. That’s the only way to keep them these days.” He’s leaning closer to me like he’s telling me a secret, and I’m beginning to realize how repulsed I am by him. “Got Kelly to sign on the dotted line.” Somehow his laugh sounds as slurred as his words. “She had no idea. Don’t think she read it. Oh well.”
“Sounds like a great way to start a marriage,” I say without filtering myself and half hoping Paul is too drunk for my words to register. Too bad luck isn’t on my side.
“What the fuck did you just say to me?” His glassy red eyes narrow, and he curls his lip.
“Nothing.” I take a drink of my beer and try to keep my mouth shut. It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it.
“You think you’re hot shit, don’t you? So fucking smug.” He raises his own glass to take a drink but then realizes it’s empty. He slams the glass down on the bar beside us and calls for another.
It’s really a shame the service is so good because he’s brought a refill at an alarming speed.
“No, I don’t think I’m hot shit because I’m honest with my wife.”
“Wife?” He huffs a laugh before downing half the whiskey. “One word from me and she’ll be finished with you.”