“Look Brianna, this isn’t on you, it’s on me. It’s nothing you’re doing wrong. I’m just jaded. I’ve never lied to you and I’m not going to start now. You’re young, you’re sweet, you’re beautiful, and you’re too young to settle down anyway. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you…and by the sounds of things, you’re off to a great start on a successful career.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, and you’re sooo old. Besides who are you to tell me I’m too young? My parents were already married by my age.”
“Those were different times. There’s a world of difference between twenty-one and thirty…trust me.”
“I don’t care. I know what I want, and I want you.”
“And tonight, you’ve got me. I’m all yours.”
They pulled up in front of the club and the valet approached. “Hey Samuel. How’s it going?”
“Fine Mr. Bennett.”
Brianna’s eyes sparkled inquisitively as she asked, “Samuel, have you seen or heard anything about the movie that’s being filmed here on the island?”
His eyes darted left then right before he lowered his voice and said conspiratorially, “They’re here! Right now.”
Brianna squealed, barely containing her excitement, “Who is?”
“Noah Davis, Penelope Winters, that director Stewart somebody, and the head of the local chamber of commerce.”
“No way.” Brianna clapped her hands in excitement. “I hope I get to meet them. Noah Davis is so hot.”
“What about Penelope Winters? She’s a babe,” Samuel said.
Griffin grinned, “Good taste my friend.” He clapped Samuel on the back and handed him a fifty. “Careful with my baby.”
“You know it sir.”
The maître d’ greeted Griffin. “Good evening sir. Your table is ready. Would you care to be seated immediately or will you be having drinks in the lounge first?”
He arched a brow at Brianna. “You?”
Her eyes rabidly searched the lounge, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hollywood royalty. Her eyes suddenly widened, and she hissed, “There they are, over in the corner.”
Griffin rolled his eyes, “And? They have a right to their privacy Brianna.”
“Let’s sit here in the lounge and have a drink before we get seated.”
“Whatever you say.” Turning back to the maître d’ he said, “I guess we’ll have a drink in the lounge first.”
“Very good, Mr. Bennett.”
He grasped Brianna’s arm and steered her toward the bar. “You do know you’re staring, right?”
“They’re used to it.”
“Nobody else here is gawking.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. “Party pooper.”
Griffin ordered their drinks then allowed himself a discreet glance at the celebrities’ booth. The head of the chamber of commerce, Patrick Gregory, was waving at him trying to catch his attention. Great. Brianna was going to lose her shit.
“Do you know him?”
“Business connections.”
She elbowed him in the ribs, “What are you waiting for? He’s calling us over.”
Griffin reluctantly led Brianna over to the table.
“Griffin! Great to see you!” Patrick pumped his hand enthusiastically. “I’d like to introduce you to some very special people!”
Griffin shook hands with Noah and Stewart as the introductions were made. Penelope was sitting on the far side of the booth, he nodded hello. Brianna tugged on his belt. Sliding his arm around her waist he pulled her forward.
“This is Brianna Wescott,” Griffin said. “Patrick I’m sure you know her parents, Donna and John Wescott.”
“Yes, of course! They’re big sponsors of the Heritage Festival. Nice to meet you Brianna.”
She gushed, “It is so thrilling to meet you all!”
Griffin happened to lock eyes with Penelope, and his nerve endings tingled as if a bolt of electricity had shocked him. Vaguely aware that Patrick was still talking, he forced himself to focus on the conversation.
“We were lucky enough to persuade the producers to film right here. They’ve rented the entire Butler House as their headquarters. They’ll be here for the next several months.”
“Quite the feather in your cap, Patrick. Congratulations. Great boost for the local economy.”
“We’re thrilled of course.” He turned toward his guests, “Griffin Bennett comes from one of our most prominent families. Bennett Enterprise is responsible for many of the developments in this great state as well as locally.”
“When did you arrive?” Griffin directed his question at Penelope.
She ignored him and let Stewart squirm uncomfortably, trying to cover the gaffe.
“I’ve been here scouting locations for about a week. Penelope and Noah just arrived yesterday.”
“A pleasure to meet you all. I hope you enjoy your time here on the island,” Griffin said coolly, trying to ignore the magnetic pull toward Penelope.
“I’m sure we will. Nice to meet you,” Stewart said.
Noah had been sitting back lazily, observing them as if he were bored with the whole exchange. Penelope had folded her arms across her chest and her eyes were downcast.
Griffin nodded and grabbed Brianna’s hand, leading her away. “Let’s grab our table.”
She smiled and said enthusiastically, “I am such a huge fan of both of yours...Winoah,” she said giggling.
Penelope rolled her eyes and Noah snorted with laughter, “Thanks, Brianna, we both really appreciate it.”
Griffin highly doubted that by the expression on Ms. Winters’ face. He signaled to the maître d’ that they were ready to be seated. As soon as they sat down, he ordered another stiff one. The only good thing about the evening…Brianna was so narcissistic that she didn’t even notice he wasn’t listening to her. As long as she had a warm body to talk at, she was happy. He just had to murmur here and there…make a little noise, and she was content. And he wondered why he was bored?
5
“Chug—chug—chug,” the small but rowdy group chanted.
“What are we, twelve?” Griffin said, laughing as he tipped back the birthday shot of bourbon, grimacing as it burned its way down his throat.
“It’s not every day a person turns thirty!” His older sister Faye said, ruffling his hair affectionately. She owned the establishment they were currently celebrating in and had just taken a break to join them while her fiancé Jesse Carlisle tended bar.
The place was packed, unusual for a Thursday night. Since Faye had hired a cook, her business was really picking up. Nothing fancy, great bar food, southern style. Fried everything. From oysters to hushpuppies to collard greens and green tomatoes…if you were looking to eat healthy, you’d probably want to bypass the Pelican. But it was damn good.
Jesse yelled over, “Food’s up.”
Griffin and Faye’s nephew, Tyler, walked by on his way to the kitchen with a tray loaded with empty beer bottles. “I’ll get it Faye. Sit down and celebrate with your brother for a few minutes.”