The Entitled (The Entitled Duet #1) - Cassandra Robbins Page 0,129
with us.”
The music is loud, and I can’t help but gawk at all the pretty people. Not that New York has ugly people—it’s just different. There is a lightness in LA that is appealing on so many levels. The bartender introduces himself and sets a couple dishes in front of us.
“Compliments of Nancy.” Brance and Logan thank him and request the sommelier to pair our wine with our food.
Then we start. Now, bread is my weak spot. And if I had one last meal on earth, I would ask for bread, or more specifically, this bread. Oh my God, it’s huge, grilled with olive oil I think. Then the mozzarella arrives with roasted cherry tomatoes. After that, the grilled octopus salad is placed in front of us. Reed takes one bite and promptly orders another.
Halfway through, I’m stuffed and on my way to being drunk.
“I’m in love with this food.” I lean in between Reed’s legs and he wraps his arms around me. “Wow, it gets busy fast in here, huh?” Looking around the large room, I recognize some big celebrities eating dinner. The vibe is energetic. “Give it Away” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers pulses through the space.
I turn in Reed’s arms. “I want to live here,” I speak into his full lips.
He chuckles, sipping a glass of red wine. “I know. You’ve been saying it all night. I thought you wanted to graduate?”
I wave my arms. “Graduate, shmazuate”
He laughs. “You’re drunk.” He motions the bartender for some water.
Gasping, I respond, “I am not. What comes next?” and glance around for the sommelier.
“Bed I hope.” Reed motions for our bartender. “Can we get the check?”
“Absolutely not, Reed! You must have dessert. Is Dahlia here tonight?” Brance asks the bartender. His handsome face is flushed with wine. Actually, his lips are purple. I almost tell him he should switch to white.
“She is. Shall I tell her you guys are here?” Brance nods and fills up his glass with more red wine.
“So, Logan?” I lean over, trying to make him like me. “Brance says you grew up here?” My voice is a little loud. After all, I have to talk over Brance’s head and all the other people in here.
He shrugs but keeps his voice low. “My parents live in Tustin, California. They are both teachers. I’m an only child.”
“That is so noble. I thought about being a teacher.” Reed and Brance look at me like I’m insane.
“What? I did for a moment.”
Reed shakes his head, pulling me close so he can kiss me.
“Brance mentioned you were studying Greek classics and French?”
“Um, yes, I’m still figuring out what I want to do.”
“Tess is majoring in Reed Saddington.” Brance laughs at himself.
Logan frowns and hands him my water. “Here, drink this. How are you going to function in the morning?”
“Logan, lighten up. We are celebrating,” Brance snips.
“We need the check.” Reed stands up, his arm still locked around my belly. I sway with his every movement.
“Reed, please sit. I have something important to tell you.”
My eyes get big. “Oh my God.”
“Not that important, Tess.” Brance motions for the bartender to refill his wine.
“What is it, man? Tess is fading fast. Drink your water, Kitten.” Reed brings the crystal water glass to my mouth.
“So, Logan has been going to Malawi in Africa every year. He helps teach English, builds houses and schools.”
Brance takes a breath and smiles scooting closer to Logan. “Now, I know you two are going to think I’m crazy, but being with this incredible man has made me want to be a better person.”
“Meaning?” Reed sips his Hendrick’s and tonic the bartender brought over a few minutes ago.
“That I have money. I have decided to join Logan. We’re going to build houses, schools. They need electricity, clean water, vaccinations. You name it, we are going to do it.”
Both Reed and I must look shocked because Logan puts his hand on Brance’s as if for support.
“I’m sorry, did you say you are going to one of the poorest areas in the world to help?” Reed looks at Brance like he has horns growing out of his head.
He lifts his glass to drink, setting it down with a dramatic flair. “I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m actually excited.” He and Logan share a tender glance. I almost don’t recognize him.
“But you hate dirt. And being dirty and—”
Reed cuts me off. “He needs your support, not pointing out his dislikes,” he whispers in my ear.