Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Weston
I had just arrived at the office when Kylie ran in with her iPad.
“Good morning.” I smiled.
“Did you see it?”
“See what?” I sat down behind my desk.
“Page Six?” She turned her iPad around.
Billionaire Weston Castile Trades Five-Star Dining for a Greasy Spoon with High School Teacher Samantha Hollis.
The notoriously private real estate mogul was spotted leaving Manhattan’s Starlight Café with local high school teacher Samantha Hollis after what sources describe as a two-hour dinner date.
“You took her out on another date?” Kylie asked.
“I did.”
“What is going on, Wes?” Her eyes narrowed.
“It’s good publicity, right?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“You want my image restored, so I’m restoring it.”
“Kylie, can you give me a moment with my grandson?” My grandmother stepped into my office.
“Of course, ma’am.” She narrowed her eyes at me as she walked out of my office.
“Good morning, Grandmother.”
“I saw Page Six this morning. Do you know how humiliating it is to read that a Castile ate at the Starlight Café? What is wrong with you?”
“You really need to try their patty melt. It was incredible.” I smiled.
“Are you trying to destroy this company?”
“What are you talking about?” I asked with irritation. “You wanted me to clean up my image, so I am.”
“By dining at a grease pit, Weston? I raised you better than that.”
“You raised me to appreciate good food.”
“I raised you to have standards. And eating at that diner isn’t having standards. You were supposed to go on one date.”
“I decided on two.”
“Watch yourself, boy.” She pointed at me. “Your grandfather and your father upheld the image of this company, and I expect the same from you.”
“How is my eating at the Starlight Café hurting the image of this company? If anything, it makes me more human.”
“It’s disgusting and tarnishing our reputation. Don’t do it again. And don’t forget about the party at the country club tomorrow.”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
She stood and walked out of my office.
Throwing my pen down, I turned my chair and stared out at the busy city. Grabbing my phone, I sent Sam a text message.
Good morning. There’s an event at the country club tomorrow that I need to attend, and I would like you and Zoey to join me.
Good morning. The country club?
Yes. My grandmother is hosting it, and it’s a big deal. What do you say? Interested in spending the day with a bunch of rich people? It would be a great opportunity for you to archetype them.
I’d love to go. Count us in.
Excellent. I’ll pick you both up at 11:00 am.
I’m looking forward to it.
By the way, how are the students?
Just walking into class now. Wish me luck.
Good luck.
I set my phone down and smiled. My grandmother was going to hate this, and nothing could make me happier.
Samantha
I stepped into my classroom and set my coffee on my desk.
When the bell rang, the students filtered in one by one and took their seats.
Devon strolled in with a wide grin on his face, like he couldn’t wait to bring up what he saw last night.
I grabbed the basket from my desk and walked around the room, collecting each of their phones.
“I saw Sam last night,” Devon announced. “She was kissing Mr. Darcy.”
The class gasped.
“Against a building on the sidewalk,” he said.
More gasps. The students started talking amongst themselves.
“Okay. Settle down,” I said. “Yes, I went on another date with Mr. Castile last night. And yes, we kissed. I’m an adult.”
“Technically an adult,” Chet said.
“Thanks for that, Chet.” I pointed at him.
“So, like, is he your boyfriend now?” Delilah asked.
“No. Mr. Castile and I are not a couple. We went on two dates. End of discussion, unless you all want to lose your extra credit. Because I can do that.” I grinned.
“But that’s not fair,” Delilah whined.
“Oh, my dear Delilah, it is. Now, let’s discuss the first four chapters of Pride and Prejudice.”
I walked over to the board and wrote in all caps:
CHAPTER 1 – LET’S MEET THE BENNET FAMILY.