“Possibly. It sounds like a good idea. We will see what plays out.”
Dad’s new Dodge Ram was parked out front and a valet had it already started for us. We climbed in and headed off the club property toward the business part of Rosemary Beach where the stores, eating, shopping and touristy shit was located. I didn’t say much, just watched the town pass by. Wondered about Lila Kate because that was my new habit I couldn’t shake.
“Talked to Lila Kate lately?” Dad asked as if he could read my mind.
I shook my head no.
“Then you don’t know about her buying that place,” he said, and my ears perked up.
“What?”
Dad stopped at one of the three traffic lights in town and pointed to a two-story storefront at the corner of the main street. “That one right there on the end. Grant said she bought it. She’s opening a dance studio.”
I studied the coastal pale blue building. Large windows lined the bottom floor and the second floor had the hurricane shutters that were so damn popular around here. “That can’t be cheap,” I said wondering what the hell she was thinking.
“It wasn’t. But she has a trust fund from Kiro. She’s got a good business head. Instead of living off the money she’s using it to make more. To build something.”
I could hear the admiration in his tone. I knew she was fucking special. He didn’t have to nail that point home. I got it. That was why I pushed her away. It had worked too well.
Dad pulled the truck into the front of Captain’s place in Rosemary Beach, and I climbed out still looking back at the place that was now Lila’s. She wasn’t leaving town. That felt good. Like I could take a deep breath. Not that where she lived mattered, but I wanted her here. As fucked up as that was.
“Listen, pay attention, and be polite. Talk to Emmeline. Don’t act like an ass.”
I smirked. “When have I ever been an ass to a female?”
“Numerous times, Cruz. Numerous.”
Scowling, I followed him inside and the smell of seafood hit me. I hadn’t been here in a long time, but it was good food. I should get out more often. Wouldn’t hurt me to come into this part of town.
“Woods, Cruz, good to see both of you,” Captain Kipling said as he shook dad’s hand then mine. “When did you turn into a man?” he joked then slapped me on the back.
Emmy walked up beside him and smiled at me. It wasn’t the kind of polite business smile I was expecting either. She was older and in the past two years she’d matured. She also knew it. Her long blonde hair and bright green eyes were a striking combination against the sun-kissed tan of her skin.
“Hello, Cruz,” her eyes sparkled with mischief as she said my name.
“Emmy,” I replied with a nod. “Good to see you.”
“While y’all get seated I’ll take Cruz with me to get the laptop you need, Daddy. I can show him around in the back.”