Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Samantha
“You look incredible.” I smiled as I stared at Greta in her slinky black dress.
“Thank you. Why do I feel a little nervous? I’m never nervous.”
“Because you’re having dinner with a billionaire. It’s a nerve-racking experience. Trust me. I’m surprised he’s not picking you up.”
“It’s better that way. I really don’t need him knowing where I live in case things go south.”
“True.” I shrugged. I walked over and gave her a hug. “You look stunning. Have fun tonight and text me if you need me.”
“Thanks, friend.”
I was sitting on the couch with a pint of ice cream when a text from Greta came through.
I’ve been here for an hour, and he hasn’t shown up.
“What? Did you try calling him?”
“Yes, and it keeps going straight to voicemail. Do you know how humiliated I feel?”
“Maybe he’s stuck in traffic, and his phone died.”
“Oh, wait. This is him. I’ll text you later.”
A few moments later, my phone rang. Glancing at it, I saw Greta was calling.
“Hey, what happened?” I answered.
“That rich bastard stood me up. He said some business thing came up and he won’t be able to make it, but to go ahead and eat and have the restaurant put it on his tab.”
“Asshole,” I said.
“I can’t believe this, Sam.”
“He’s a jerk, Greta, and it’s best you found that out now.”
“But he paid for me.”
“Rich men like him don’t care about the money.”
I could tell she was really down, and it hurt my heart.
“Listen, Weston’s grandmother is throwing some party tomorrow at the country club. Come with us. It’ll be fun.”
“I’m going to spend the weekend drowning myself in self-pity.”
“No, you are not. You’re coming with us. Free food and booze, at a country club where all the rich men roam.”
“Okay. You’ve convinced me. Are you sure Wes won’t mind?”
“I’ll call him now and ask him. I’ll call you back.”
I ended the call and dialed Wes. I didn’t know what he was doing or if he’d even answer.
“Hello, Samantha.”
“Hi. Quick question. Would you mind if my friend Greta joined us tomorrow? She just got stood up by the man who bid on her at the auction, and she’s feeling down.”
“I suppose that would be okay. Have her meet us there around noon. I’ll text you the address.”
“Thanks, Wes. I appreciate it.”
“How did class go today?”
“Devon spilled the beans, and the class had a field day, but I threatened to take away their extra credit if they didn’t stop.”
He chuckled. “Good girl. I have to run. I’m meeting Finn for a late dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
I dialed Greta.
“Hello.” I could tell she’d been crying.
“Wes said he’d love for you to join us. He’s sending me the address and said to meet us there around noon.”
“Okay.” She sniffled.
“Greta, it will be okay. I promise. It’s his loss, not yours.”
“I know.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Who were you talking to?” Zoey emerged from her room.
“Auntie Greta. Her date stood her up.”
“What a jerk.”
“Right? She’s meeting us at the country club tomorrow.”
“I don’t even know why I have to go,” she whined.
“Because Wes invited you. Besides, you’ll have fun.”
“It’s going to be nothing but a bunch of old rich people drinking their scotch and tossing their money around.”
“It’ll be an experience. How many of your friends get to spend a day at a ritzy country club?”
“They’ll make fun of me.”
“No, they won’t. And if they do? Mama bear will step in.”
“Oh, my God. You’re so embarrassing.” She walked back to her room, and I couldn’t help but smile.