“Mr. Colby, what a delight to see you,” Marcy Ruttherford said as she stepped toward me, wearing a fake mink around her shoulders and a little too much makeup for a seventy-year-old.

“Ms. Ruttherford, I’m so pleased that you were able to make it out tonight. How are you feeling?” She’s been struggling with her weight lately and there was speculation that she had cancer but she wouldn’t let anyone in on her personal life so it was always a surprise to see her at an event and looking well.

“Oh, just fine, dear. Who is this beauty with you tonight?” She looked over at Goldie with a genuine smile.

“This is Goldie, my date.”

“What a beautiful name, Goldie. It’s so lovely to meet you.”

Shaking hands, Goldie smiled and said, “The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Ruttherford. This is a spectacular room. The colors are gorgeous.”

“Why, thank you, sweetheart. The committee always puts together a wonderful palette of colors and décor for this event.” She looked around and waved to someone behind us. “If you will excuse me, I need to go play the part of gracious host.”

“No need to play it, Ms. Ruttherford. You are just a joyous host every year,” I replied.

Placing a gentle hand on my cheek she said, “You’re such a lovely boy.”

She quickly took off and left Goldie and I to finish entering the grand room.

“She was so sweet,” Goldie said as we walked toward the bar. The bar was always my first stop at an event. I needed a bourbon to get me through the night, especially when I had plans of talking to the Blarney brothers who were both city officials. I wanted to thank them for putting up an honest bid process for Lot 17. I was still reeling from Jeremy’s information, actually I was elated. My dad tried to work his cruel magic and it didn’t work. Smug bastard thought he could get whatever he wanted and he was put in his place. I couldn’t be happier.

“Jett Colby, what is a sorry son of a bitch like you doing here?” I heard as I put in our drink order. I turned to see Diego standing behind me. He eyed Goldie for a second and then cringed. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t know we were in a lady’s presence.”

“I see that Miss Mary’s classes haven’t been sticking,” I said as I shook Diego’s hand.

“It’s hard holding your tongue for so long,” Diego breathed out.

“I understand,” Goldie said, drawing both of our attention. “You have no clue how bad I want to rip this dress off, spread my legs and chug this drink while spouting out fuck in every different language.”

Shock crossed Diego’s face right before he threw his head back and full belly laughed. He clapped me on the shoulder and said, “Holy shit, where did you find this treasure?”

“Diego, this is Goldie. Goldie, please meet the very well-spoken Diego Muenez.”

Grabbing Goldie’s hand and kissing the back of it, Diego said, “Goldie, you look awfully familiar.” Diego eyed me and at that moment, I knew he knew Goldie was a Jett Girl but where I should be concerned I wasn’t because even though Diego had a little too much swagger for my liking, I could trust him, whole heartedly.

Goldie on the other hand, was like a deer caught in headlights, not knowing what to say.

I pulled her hand away and entwined it with mine. “Ignore him,” I said into her ear. Turning back to Diego, I addressed him. “What brings you here?”

“Same thing as you, man,” Diego spoke honestly. He never met my mom but he heard me talk about her when I was trying to help him move off the streets and start a new life. He would pay his respects when he got a chance and I felt honored that he came tonight.

I nodded in appreciation and surveyed the room. “Anyone I need to look out for?”

“Coast is clear,” Diego responded as he looked back at Goldie who was completely confused from our elusive conversation. “Now, how did you get wrapped up with the likes of this guy?”

Looking up at me with adoring eyes she said straight faced, “The tree trunk between his legs tricked me.” She was clearly feeling comfortable around Diego and knew she could be herself around him.

Diego slapped his hands together and said, “Damn, I like you.”

“Easy,” I warned him.

He put his hands up in defense but still smiled.

“What do you do?” Goldie asked, being herself and I loved it. I hated that she had to suppress her personality around the other assholes.

“I’m actually opening up a kink club. We are a couple months away from opening and I couldn’t be more excited. Still trying to find someone to help me paint some décor on the walls and I have to train the performers but other than that, we’re going to be ready for opening day.”

“Wow, a kink club. That sounds like fun,” Goldie replied while she tugged on my arm.

“Don’t get any ideas.”

Diego laughed and said, “There are private rooms for you two to hang out in if you don’t want to do anything out in the open.”

“When’s opening day?” Goldie asked, at least I thought she did. I was distracted by the tall, dark figure that just walked in the door. My father.

I stiffened from seeing him and prayed that he didn’t spot me but as he scanned the room, his eyes met mine and his brow creased in distaste. He pulled on his cufflinks and started walking my way.

Shit, I needed to get rid of Goldie and fast.

“Diego, why don’t you show Goldie the paintings over by the garden,” I interrupted.

Diego was about to chastise me for interrupting their conversation when he saw my face and then looked behind me. Realization hit him fast as he read in my eyes what I was trying to convey.

With a gentlemanly smile, he put out his arms and said, “Come with me, sweetheart.”

Looking up at me in question, I nodded at Goldie and encouraged her to follow him. She leaned up for a kiss but I could see my dad out of the corner of my eye so I instead turned toward the bar for a refresh of my drink. I could feel her eyes burn a hole in my back from my rejection but I couldn’t give her what she wanted, not when my dad was watching my every move.

Seconds later, after Diego guided Goldie away from me, I felt my dad’s presence step up behind me.

“Jett, what a pleasant surprise.”

Turning on my heels, I looked my dad up and down and said, “Wish I could say the same.”

His lips pursed as he took in my comment. “That is no way to talk to family.”

“I would hardly call you my family.”

“Apparently, because I thought I taught my son better manners.”

Not wanting to go around in circles, I said, “Is there something you wanted to say to me or can we go our separate ways?”

“I know you have a mole somewhere, digging up my personal business and you’re not going to like what transpires from your meddling.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t toy with me, boy,” Leo, my dad, said in a menacing voice. “When are you going to learn not to play with fire?”

I leaned forward and was smacked in the face by his expensive cologne; it had the ability to choke me with one deep breath. Steadying myself, I said, “When are you going to learn that even though you have money and you think you have power, you can’t get what you want by bribing people? No one likes you in this town and no one actually wants to do business with you. They only tolerate you because of the status you obtained over the years.”

Grinding on his teeth, he looked me up and down and said, “You think you’re so smart, don’t you, boy? Well, you’re not because I have something I can hold against you that can tear you down.”

“You have nothing,” I replied with confidence. “I run an honest business.”

Leo laughed, bordering on crazy as he took a sip of the drink that he was now holding, courtesy of the bartender.

“This has nothing to do with your business and everything to do with that fine little number you brought to this event.” Leo nodded toward where Diego and Goldie I presumed were. My back was turned toward them and I didn’t want to give my dad the knowledge that I knew what he was referring to.