Jay shrugged halfheartedly. He refused to hurry and continued to stare off at the ocean. He placed his hands in his pocket, then turned back into the exclusive five-star restaurant. Eva’s unpredictable behavior stemmed from her work schedule, and she was busy now preparing to star in an upcoming play. With a yawn, he’d guess she’d overreact for photographers, but he didn’t judge her. He smiled politely at all who passed. Business was business, and he understood that part of tonight.
His face flushed the second he stepped through the restaurant. She’d be here late. With a determined set of his jaw, he nodded at the hostess and walked toward his seat at the window overlooking the ocean.
Miami had such beautiful beaches. He relaxed into his seat and closed his eyes. Tonight, would be different if Penny agreed. Her smile was like a warm breeze on the ocean.
With an intake of breath, he lifted his index finger to indicate he needed service. A moment later, a waitress took his drink order.
With a flick of his light brown hair, he turned away and stared at the phone. Penny never called him.
“It’s never good to drink alone, son.”
His mouth pinched together into a scowl. His mother. A vein in his neck pounded as he turned his head. He crossed his arms to somehow block his rising blood pressure. Through clenched teeth, he told her, “I asked you to leave me alone.”
“I asked you not to interfere with your father’s business.”
He gazed past her. “And I have repeatedly asked you not to interfere in my life, Mother. Yet here you are.”
“I was in the restaurant. Was I to ignore my only son?”
His eyes narrowed in on his mother. This woman would sell him, her only son, for cash. Did she still expect loyalty? With a sharp, tart answer, he shrugged. “Yes.”
“Jay, be reasonable.”
The storm of his emotions thundered in his answer. “My business is separate from Dad’s. I know it’s hard for you to lose control of someone, but you need to leave now.”
“That’s harsh. With time you’ll understand my only wish was to help our family.”
His chest tightened while his expression hardened. “Helped yourself. Look, I have a date and you’re not it. Tell Dad if he wants to talk business, he can call me without you on the other line. Every dime I’ve ever made with my company is from my own hard work and sweat.”
“I’ll go, but we’re not done with this conversation.”
When he shut down his parents’ company, he’d earn his reward. “Yes. We are. Eva’s here now.”
“She’s lovely.”
Penny’s unfiltered smile and warmness held true beauty on the inside. Eva’s outward looks didn’t matter. “She’s on your payroll.”
Jay stood up and put his drink down. His blue eyes stared down his mother, though she stood taller than most women, and she haughtily lifted her head and walked away. He glared while she left and Eva joined him. The two shared more than just dark hair and eyes in common. They both would send a boy into prison and stay kidnapped to collect the cash insurance policy.
Eva nodded at him, sparkling in silver and diamonds. With a nod, he indicated for her to sit.
She understood. “Jay.”
He took a slow, even breath then nodded. “Eva.”
“You didn’t kiss me hello.”
His eyebrow arched. “Was I supposed to?”
Her eyes narrowed on his. She knew something was not quite right when she asked, “Is tonight in public for a reason?”
A girl like Penny would never be boring. He took a long pause and stared at Eva. “Yes.”
“I thought so.”
Penny would never be so cool and put together. He tugged at his ear. “Eva, I want us to be friends.”
She crossed her arms. “So you know?”
His brows elevated slightly though he kept his gaze firm. With a nod, he answered, “I know.”
Without warning, she stood up. “I’ll think about this. Meet me tomorrow.”
His mouth dropped open. He jumped to his feet and watched her sashay away. He’d expected more dramatics.
With a shrug, he sat back down and finished his drink. With his phone, he checked social media. Penny wasn’t online. He checked her profile. Up in Gainesville, she had a boyfriend, yet she never mentioned him in person. She listed herself as single on her page, though, and Jay smiled to himself.
She must be free. He’d find out. Penny would never be cold with him, not like Eva or his mother. His high school friend’s face matched the warmness of her heart. It had been a long time since he’d met anyone like her.
The waitress came over and he turned his phone off to quickly pay the bill. Tomorrow, he’d find Penny again.