machines and busted-up arcade games to create something unique to us. That’ll be in development for a while yet.”
Then she led me through the car-themed and TV show–themed areas. The largest, most open area housed games that fell into the fantasy realm.
Dallas took me back to the bar where we’d started. “Sorry if that was more of a drive-by than a blow-by-blow. I’m sure I’m forgetting half of what I’m supposed to showcase.”
“No, it was perfect. I don’t know how you’re keeping this all straight. My head is spinning.”
She swiped two flutes of champagne off the counter. “Here’s to keeping that smart brain of yours offline all night as you get ready to play the game.”
“What game?”
A devious little smirk deepened her dimples. “Telling you would just spoil the fun.”
“What are you up to?”
“Not me, blame the cosmos.”
I blinked at her.
“Anyway. Cheers!”
We touched our glasses together.
After we sipped, I said, “I’d envisioned this place more like—”
“Dave and Buster’s,” my cousin Ash said behind me.
I turned and faced him. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
Dallas said, “That comparison sort of works. Except no one under twenty-one is allowed. We give out tokens for free or reduced drinks instead of paper tickets for cheap-ass toys. Oh, and there’s no food.” She paused. “Although, that may change once the other club is open.”
“Everything is top-notch . . . I’m so damn proud of you, sis.” Ash hugged her. Then he stepped back to give her outfit the same perusal I had. “Interesting fashion choice. I’m hoping the music here isn’t ’80s themed.”
Dallas patted him on the cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll request some Backstreet Boys and NSYNC to keep you happy.”
“Don’t know why you’d do that,” Ash scoffed. “I never listened to that stuff.”
She and I exchanged a look. Then I said, “Uh, yeah, you did. I was there. Remember?”
“But she wasn’t.” Ash nudged Dallas’s shoulder.
“But you left evidence of musical choices where a snoopy baby sister could easily find it. And you weren’t around to tell me to keep out or go away.”
Ash kissed the top of her head. “I never would’ve done that anyway, brat.”
Dallas handed him her empty champagne glass. “Duty calls. I’ll catch you guys later.”
We anchored that corner of the bar for the next hour as the place began to fill up. Ash and I didn’t make small talk beyond commenting on the arrival of specific guests.
While Ash and I had always been close outside of work, things had changed between us after my father had named me the future CEO of Lund Industries. I didn’t know if it bothered Ash that when I took the reins, he’d have to answer to me. And I hadn’t nutted up to ask him.
Then he looked at me oddly. “It’s weird that you’re still chilling with me. Is that because your date isn’t here yet?”
“What date?”
“Come on. You always have a hot woman hanging off your arm at events.”
Not lately. But since he and I hadn’t been hitting the clubs after work he wouldn’t know that. Nor would I tell him that because I’d been putting in extra hours at LI, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gone out with a woman.
Wait. I had gone out with Gabi, but that hadn’t been a date.
“Shit, there’s my mom,” Ash said and turned away. “Cover me.”
“What? How am I supposed to—”
Aunt Priscilla waved at me, then her gaze zeroed in on her son. She fought the tide of people—politely, of course, because she was a southern woman.
“Is she gone?” Ash asked.
“No. She’s still headed this way.”
“Dammit. Did she see me?”
“Yes, she saw you. Ash, you’re too old to try and ditch your mother. Not to mention you’re too damn big to fit under the counter.”
“Piss off.”
“Fine. I’ll leave.”
Ash grabbed my arm with enough force to keep me in place. “Sorry. Please stay.”
“What is going on?”
“You’re the youngest in your family; you wouldn’t understand. And you never have an issue finding a simple damn date.” Ash straightened and downed a glass of bubbly before he turned around.
Aunt Priscilla glided toward us, dressed in art gallery–patron chic: flowing black pants, a loose-fitting white silk blouse unbuttoned at the neck to showcase her jewelry—lots of large sparkling diamonds in a silver setting—and finishing the look off with a fire-engine-red jacket that matched her lipstick and her heeled boots.
I kissed her cheek. “You look incredible, Auntie.”
“Thank you. Wear enough diamonds and no one will notice other flaws.”
Then it was Ash’s turn to buss her cheek. “You are radiant