Rise (Rise & Fall Duet #1) - Grahame Claire Page 0,40

show for the suit fitting?

Eric was capable of bouncing back pretty easily, but he didn’t suffer many disappointments in succession. I wasn’t willing to find out how he’d handle it.

“Dinner’s on him.” Beau threw down her napkin. “We should’ve had champagne. The most expensive bottle.”

I appreciated the sentiment but seriously doubted Lincoln would even notice. The meal would’ve wiped out our bank account, I felt sure, while barely knocking a dent in his.

She leaned back in the booth and closed her eyes. “That was delicious.”

Eric mimicked her posture, and I couldn’t help but smile. “So yummy.”

I couldn’t disagree. “I’m going to need you two to cart me out of here.”

“Maybe they’ll let us sleep here,” Beau said. “They should put beds in the backs of these restaurants so we can pass out from our food comas.”

“Miss Hollingsworth?”

Beau popped one eye open when the waiter spoke her name. He shifted on his feet and cast a wary glance in my direction.

“Yes, Benjamin.”

“Um—” He cleared his throat and leaned closer to her. “The credit card we have on file has been declined.”

He spoke quickly and had the decency to look embarrassed for us.

“Lincoln’s?”

“Yes, Mr. Hollingsworth’s.”

She grabbed her purse. “I swear these fraud checks they have in place.” She unfolded her wallet and handed him a black credit card. “Cross your fingers,” she said as she handed it to him.

She had an ability to make awkward situations a lot easier.

“How much do we owe you?” I asked when he’d shuffled away.

She waved me off. “Not a thing. He’s going to be giving me cash for this one. Plus, I get to give him a hard time about the great Lincoln Hollingsworth’s credit card being declined.” Her grin was infectious and dangerous. “Should we call him now?”

I shook my head. I didn’t want to risk he might answer her this time and actually show up. His energy was a lot to handle. If I were being perfectly honest, I wasn’t up to the challenge he presented. Not after the long day we’d had.

The waiter returned with the receipt, which Beau signed with a flourish.

“I was going to give him the painting I made,” Eric said, disappointment lining the fringes of his tone.

I slung an arm around him as my heart twisted. “I bet Beau would appreciate it,” I whispered.

“But I already have one for her. This one is for him.”

I kissed the top of his head. He was an absolute angel. “Maybe you can give the one you made for Beau to her this weekend.”

I couldn’t speak for Lincoln. He showed up at unexpected times or not at all, and I wouldn’t make a promise to Eric I wasn’t sure would follow through.

“Can she come over?”

“Why don’t you ask her?”

He cheered immediately. “Will you come over on Sunday?”

Beau returned her credit card to her wallet. “You got it.” She dropped her wallet back in her purse. “On second thought, why don’t we go over to Teague’s? Maybe he’ll cook for us.”

“Cheeseburgers?”

She high-fived him. “I like the way you think.” She scooted out of the booth. “It’s been fun, kids.”

I hugged her. “I know we’re all busy, but we should make the time to do this more often.” I squeezed her extra hard. “Somewhere more affordable.”

She squeezed me back. “Definitely.”

“Need a ride home?” I asked as we walked into the crisp evening air.

“Sure. It’s not far—”

She stopped short when the window of a dark car parked in the valet spot rolled down.

Her father stared at the three of us. No words were spoken, but she seemed to understand what he wanted.

“I’ll see you Sunday.” She touched my arm. “Call me.”

“Thanks for dinner.”

“Hey. You saved Lincoln.” Eric wandered over to the car.

“Eric . . .” I hurried after him, Beau on my heels.

Steel eyes slithered from my brother to me. “Are you the one distracting my son from where his attention needs to be?”

The man was terrifying. I stepped in front of Eric, the pull to shield him strong.

“Dad, I’m glad you’re here. I want to show you this property I found.” Beau’s voice was too bright. Too perky. She waved at us as she opened the car door.

He scowled but slid over. Without another word, she closed the door and rolled the dark window back up.

“Who is he?” Eric asked as they pulled away.

“Beau’s father.” How did he know we were here? He’d popped up to see Lincoln the other day too. It was weird. Stalkerish.

“I wrote our dad a letter. Mom too.”

I jerked my