Page 33 of Dragged Home for Christmas
Then he shoved the thought aside. Depression left a sour taste in his mouth, and that would spoil his enjoyment of the pizza. He’d wait until after they’d finished eating to share the bad news.
They sat around the kitchen table, squabbling over who got the last piece of the House Special and the Chicken Bacon Ranch, and drinking soda. It was a great atmosphere.
Have I really only known these guys for three days?
It felt way longer than that.
“Damn, that was good.” Sam let out a contented sigh.
Mike bit his lip. “You have a bit of sauce on your chin.” He resisted the urge to wipe it away.
Sam pinked. “Oops.” He picked up his napkin. “Point me in the right direction, then.”
Fuck it.
Mike grabbed his own napkin and removed the smear of white sauce. “There.”
“Thank you.” Sam’s gaze locked on his.
Mike’s heart did a little jig. Then he spied Ashley reaching toward his last bit of pizza, and he growled. “Do it, and you lose a finger.”
She snorted. “Damn. I thought I’d launch a sneakattack while you were… occupied.”
Mike narrowed his gaze. “I’m neverthatoccupied when it comes to pizza.”
Sam coughed. “Good to know.”
When they’d demolished every last piece, and Jim had let out some very impressive belches, it was time to clear away the boxes and talk. Before he could launch into his speech, Ashley got in first.
“Can I get your opinion on something?” She reached for her laptop and opened the lid. “I’ve been working on flyers, and I wanted you to see them before I hit Send.” She turned the laptop around. “This one is for the Thanksgiving brunch. All it needs is the price.”
Mike smiled. “That looks awesome.” The colors were eye-catching, and she’d put a note across the bottom to say no alcohol would be sold on the premises.
Elliott pointed to that part. “Youknowthey’re gonna turn up with flasks, don’t you? To add a little something to their soda?”
“A flask is one thing. What wedon’twant is people turning up with a case of wine.” Mike had visions of the police being called to remove drunken diners.
“Nah, that won’t happen.” Jim’s voice rang with confidence. “I made it clear to everyone I spoke with.”
He stilled. “Everyone you—just who have you been talking to? And what have you been saying?”
Jim rolled his eyes. “Have you any idea how many people I ran into on my way to pick up pizza? The streets are full out there. It’s Saturday night, remember?”
Anthony huffed. “Yeah, I remember those. It’s been a while.” He chuckled. “Nowwe know why it took you so long. I was about to send out a search party.” He rolled his eyes. “And Provincetown House of Pizza isn’t exactly far fromhere, is it? I mean, it’s a block away.”
“So I took the long way round. So what? Besides, most folks were on Commercial, and you weren’t gonna starve while I chatted, were ya?” Then Jim grinned. “Aw, you were worried about me. That’s so sweet.” He raised his eyes to the ceiling. “Gone for five minutes, and she panics. Cute. Anyhow, I told everyone I met about Mike, the hotel being relaunched, the brunch, the club, even the classes and recitals.” Jim beamed. “Everything. I even mentioned the no alcohol bit.” His face tightened. “I also told them who’s been sniffing around with his fucked-up offer.Thatraised a few hackles, I can tell you.”
“You told them about the classes?” Mike gaped at him. “But… we haven’t confirmed that Stephan is prepared to do them yet, and—”
Elliott coughed. “He messaged me half an hour ago. It’s a go. He says he can start next week, and can offer two per week. He also said it doesn’t matter if we only have a few people to start with. Once word gets around…”
Ashley grinned. “I’ll get to work on finishingthatflyer, then. I’ve already started it.” She tapped the keyboard.
“Wait a sec. We haven’t even decided what we’re going to charge people yet,” Mike protested.
She rolled her eyes. “Then jump to it. I’m on a roll here.”
“The club is the only thing around here that doesn’t require upgrading,” Sam reminded him. “We’ve got a DJ. All we need to do is buy in the sodas and bottled water, and we’re good to go. I’ve already checked the sound system. Hell, we can organize the first night for this coming Friday.”
