Mr. Bowtie unzips the bag a fraction andtips it so Laura and I can see. I think I know what I’m seeing, but I’m notsure. I try to unzip it more and Mr. Snooty Bowtie slaps my hand away.
“Excuse you.” I pull my hand back, a bitwounded.
“You must sign for the money first.”
“What money?” Laura chides.
The snooty guy hushes Laura, lookingaround the room with paranoia.
“The money Mr. Coulter Holt requested forhis wife, Katherine Holt. My name is Leroy Williams. I work for Mr. Holt at TheUpper House.” He glances around again and then leans in closer to us. “This isthe five thousand dollars that he requested. He said, and I quote. ‘Tell Katethis is the car bet’s money.’ Whatever that means.”
“You’ve got to be joking.” I look at him,feeling exasperated.
“I never joke.”
“No joke.” Laura tries to keep a straightface, but she can’t and we both laugh.
“Please sign.” He shoves the clipboard inmy face, looking annoyed.
“Sorry,” I say, a bit chagrined. I takehis clipboard and pen, signing where he’s indicated.
“Have a nice evening Mrs. Holt.” Heglances at Laura. “And Mrs. Holt’s friend.” Mr. Williams turns on his heels,leaving. I put the bag in my lap and open it a little more. Inside are groupsof ones, just like I asked for.
“Did you ask for singles?”
“Yes. Who makes a five thousand dollarbet on how long I will drive my freaking car?” I pull out a stack of ones.“This is ridiculous. I was thinking a hundred, five tops.”
Laura laughs. “Kate, I think you have noidea who you’re married to. Those men are worth a lot of money.”
I push up onto my knees and look over thebooth. Cole glances over, giving me his sexiest smile. I give him my ‘are youkidding me look’. He winks and mouths, ‘I love you.’ I sit down with a huff.“At least we have money to spendshopping.”
“Heck yes.” Laura fans herself with astack of ones. About halfway through our meal, Laura and I are eating andchatting about old college times, when Cooper suddenly plops down in the seatopposite us.
“Hello Ladies,” he says in what I thinkmust be his sexy voice, because he doesn’t normally sound like that.
“Hey Cooper,” we chime together, and thenlaugh at ourselves. I feel like I’ve reverted back to my nineteen-year-old selfand I’m loving it.
“Where are you headed after this?”
We look at each other and then answer,“shopping,” breaking into another giggle fit.
“Women.” Cooper shakes his head. “Can yoube more specific?”
“No.” I narrow my eyes and point myfinger at him.
“Oh, come on, love. Give it up.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh brother, please. Ihope that isn’t the best line you’ve got.”
“Women love that line. Especially when Icall them love.”
“Well, you’re going to have to tryharder.” I wave my finger at him. “Why are you being so nosey? If Cole wants toknow, he can ask Keaton.”
He raises his hands in defeat and givesus his best smile. And damn if it isn’t almost as good as Cole’s. “Okay, okay,I was just curious. I will see you lovely darlings later.” He winks at us andthen leaves.
“What the hell was that about?” I justlook at Laura, shaking my head. I have no idea, but if Cole calls Keaton andKeaton sees exactly what I’m planning to do... Shit, hitting the fan may be amild term.
“I have no idea, but I don’t like it.” Iclick my phone, looking at the time. “Hey, I’m going to use the bathroom andthen we better bust outta here. I need to be where we are going by eight.” Iwag my eyebrows at her.
