Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Weston
“I don’t like her,” my grandmother said. “And her child is disrespectful. You are not to see that woman again.”
“I’m sorry. Since when did you decide that you can tell me whom I can and cannot date?” My brows furrowed.
“She’s lower class and a bad look for Castile Properties. Come with me, darling. Harry Higgins brought his daughter today, and she’s stunning.”
“I’m good, Grandmother. I’m here with Samantha, and that’s where I’m staying.”
“Consequences, Weston. Consequences.” She walked away.
“What was that all about?” Finn walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder.
“She hates Samantha.”
“Who doesn’t that woman hate?”
“You’ve lived with us, and you’re like a son to her. Why doesn’t she tell you who you can and can’t date?”
“Because I’m not her bloodline. She couldn’t care less what I do or who I see.” He chuckled.
“Wes!” Greta walked over. “Where is Samantha?”
“Oh, hello.” Finn’s face flashed a grin. “You were one of the participants in the blind date auction, weren’t you? Chemistry teacher, I believe.”
“I was, and I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why?” Finn’s brows furrowed.
“Because the man who won me stood me up and has made no other arrangements to take me out.”
“Well,” Finn smiled. “His loss is my gain. Don’t think I didn’t notice you, pretty lady. I did. But I wasn’t allowed to bid. I never would have stood you up.”
“Oh, really?” She blushed.
“Yes, really. By the way, I’m Finn.” He extended his hand.
“Greta.” She smiled, placing her hand in his.
“Who won you?” Finn asked.
“Theo Goodwill.”
“That old geezer?” He chuckled. “Let’s go grab a drink.” He held out his arm.
Greta hooked her arm in his and turned to me. “Tell Samantha I’ll talk to her later.” She grinned.
Sighing, I tipped my glass of champagne to my lips.
“What is going on?” Sam walked over. “I just saw Greta on the arm of your friend Finn.”
“She walked over to me, looking for you, and Finn asked her if she wanted to grab a drink. I think he may like her.”
“There’s everything to like. She’s an amazing woman and friend.”
“I have no doubt she isn’t. Where’s Zoey?”
Sam whipped her head from side to side and then behind her.
“She was just behind me when we left the bathroom.”
“I see her. She’s over there talking to one of the boys who works here.” I pointed.
“Oh, he’s cute.” Sam smiled.
“I’m starving. Let’s grab some food,” I said.
We were sitting at a table when Zoey walked over.
“Maya just called and asked if I can spend the night tonight and go with her and her parents to Long Island for the day tomorrow,” she said to Sam.
“Sure, honey.”
“The only thing is I need to leave now.”
“I’ll have Ben drive you home, and then over to Maya’s,” I told her, pulling out my phone and texting Ben. “He’s waiting out front for you.”
“Awesome. Thanks, Wes.” Zoey grinned.
With her being gone all night, I’d have Sam all to myself, something I was looking forward to.
I glanced over and noticed Theo Goodwill heading toward us. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, and I knew Sam was about to ruin it. I silently smiled because I never cared much for Theo. If people thought I was bad, clearly, they didn’t know Theo Goodwill.
“Weston, how are you?” he extended his hand.
“Good, Theo.” I shook his hand.
He looked at Sam, who stood there carefully, narrowing her eyes.
“Samantha Hollis, right? English Lit teacher?”
“Yes, that’s correct.” She nodded, her jaw clenched. “So, how have you been since the auction?” She tipped her drink to her lips.
“Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.” He smiled.
“Tell me,” Sam said.
“Tell you what, darling?”
“How did that emergency business meeting go?”
Here we go.
“I’m sorry. What emergency meeting?” He genuinely looked confused. I stood there and slowly shook my head.
“The one that suddenly happened while my best friend was sitting alone in a restaurant waiting for your lying ass.”
“Oh, that meeting,” Theo sighed. “It wasn’t serious.”
Stupid, stupid man, Theo.
“It wasn’t serious?” Sam cocked her head.
“No. I just told you it wasn’t. I don’t understand what’s going on here.”
“You stood her up!” Sam exclaimed.
“I sent a text.” He shrugged.
“Which was a lie,” Sam said through gritted teeth.
Theo shrugged. My God, I couldn’t believe he just shrugged.
“Well, I met someone,” he said.
“You met someone?” Her jaw dropped.
“Lovely woman. Beautiful. Sexy. Tits and ass of a goddess.
“And how old is this goddess?” Sam asked.
“Twenty-five.”
I had just sipped my drink and began choking.
“Excuse me.” I tried not to laugh.
“Twenty-five? You stood my best friend up, who you paid thousands for to have a date with, for a gold-digging twenty-five-year-old?”
“Trixie isn’t a gold digger,” Theo said, tipping his drink to his lips.
“Trixie?” Sam burst into laughter. “Where did you pick her up? The streets or the strip club?”
“You’d better watch yourself, young lady.” He pointed at her.
I took a step forward to tell him to relax, and Sam’s arm whipped straight out, crossing my chest.
“My best friend bought a new dress. She got her hair and makeup done. And she spent over an hour in a restaurant waiting for you! And then you text her a lie because you met some gold-digging twenty-five-year-old?”
“Again, she’s not a gold digger.”
“You know what your problem is?” Sam jammed her finger into Theo’s chest. “You have too much money and not enough common sense. I stand by what I said about rich people creating their own problems.”
“I don’t have any problems. I’m too rich to. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He walked away, and Sam lunged to go after him before I lightly gripped her arm and pulled her back.
“He isn’t worth it. He’s a piece of shit. But, watching you verbally dismantle that asshole was the most entertaining part of the day.” I grinned.
Greta and Finn walked over.
“Would you care to accompany me to the restroom?” Greta smiled at Sam.
“Of course. I’ll be right back,” she said.