Chapter Nine #2
“Simon, my man.” His voice oozed false warmth.
“It’s been too long.” His gaze slid to me, his smile widening.
There was something slimy about it, and I had the thought that this was what a snake would look like if it could smile, right before it sunk its teeth in deep. “And who is your beautiful friend?”
The compliment landed nothing like Simon’s had. Where Simon’s simple “nice” had sent warmth cascading through me, this man’s words made my skin crawl.
“This is Raina Seager,” Simon said in a flat tone.
To my confusion, recognition sparked in the man’s eyes. “Ah, Raina Seager. You must be Kurt’s little sister.”
“Yes,” I said slowly, unease prickling along my spine. “You know my brother?”
“From a long time ago. I’m Chuck Collins.”
I jolted in surprise at hearing his name, which I hadn’t heard in a long time.
Years ago, back when I was still in my early years of college, Kurt had started an athletic wear company with two partners.
One was Simon. The other was a man named Chuck Collins.
I’d been consumed with my own life at the time, and building a business had devoured most of Kurt’s attention, so I’d never actually met his partners.
I knew the business had failed, but I didn’t know the details. By then, I’d been caring for our mother, too overwhelmed to absorb my brother’s professional troubles. I just knew that whatever had happened had kept Kurt from being available to help with Mom’s care.
Now, watching Simon glare at Chuck with barely contained fury, I wished I’d paid more attention. Clearly, there was more to that story than a simple business failure.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Collins,” I said, forcing a polite smile.
Chuck introduced the woman at his side as his wife, Rachel. She didn’t seem remotely confused by Simon’s hostility, which suggested she knew exactly what had caused it. I was the only one in the dark.
Simon pulled out my chair with stiff, mechanical movements, and I sat down, trying to read the dynamics swirling between these two men as Simon settled in next to me. Two seats at our table remained empty, their place cards reading Alexander Spencer and Brenda Spencer.
Alexander was the reason we were here and he was the man Simon wanted to impress. Simon must have arranged to be seated with the Spencers.
“How did you end up at this table?” Simon asked Chuck, his voice a tight rumble.
Chuck took his time responding, straightening his silverware and sipping his drink with deliberate slowness. The delay made Simon practically vibrate with suppressed anger beside me, and I was certain that was exactly Chuck’s intention.
Simon was clearly furious while Chuck appeared utterly relaxed. Whatever existed between them, it affected Simon far more than it did Chuck, and that imbalance worried me. If Simon acted like this when Alexander arrived, he’d come across as unstable.
“I have friends in high places too,” Chuck finally said. “You pulled strings to sit with Alexander Spencer. So did I.”
Simon’s jaw clenched so hard I worried for his teeth. “Why?”
Chuck’s smile turned predatory. “You think you’re the only one interested in doing business with him? I’ve recently started an investment company of my own. When Alexander expands his resort chain, I’ll be his partner. Not you.”
I might have admired the man’s confidence if I wasn’t worried that Simon might start throwing chairs any minute. This was definitely not just about having some unexpected competition for Alexander’s business. This was personal for Simon.
Before I could process any of it, a couple arrived at our table.
“Hello, everyone,” the older gentleman said warmly, a hint of Southern drawl softening his words. “I’m Alexander, and this is my wife, Brenda.”
I’d helped Simon research Alexander Spencer.
I knew he was originally from Georgia, that he was a devoted family man with thirty years of marriage behind him.
In person, he was shorter than I’d expected, with wispy gray hair and eyes that crinkled when he smiled.
His tuxedo jacket stretched over a comfortable belly, and there was something genuinely kind in his face.
I rose immediately and offered my hand to Brenda first. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Raina.”
Approval flickered in Alexander’s eyes. My instincts had been right. This was a family man whose wife was important to him, and the best way to earn his respect was to win over his wife.
I shook Alexander’s hand next while Simon got to his feet, as well.
“Simon Powers,” he said simply, and I could hear the lingering anger in his voice.
I internally cringed, because that wouldn’t do.
While Chuck and his wife made their own introductions, I turned to Simon and rose onto my tiptoes, bringing my lips close to his ear.
“Compliment his cufflinks,” I whispered. “They’re probably a gift from his wife.” It was an educated guess. The red rose design intwined with the man’s initials seemed feminine, but even if I was wrong, it was an opening compliment for Alexander and a nice ice-breaker.
Simon gave no indication he’d heard me, but as we settled back into our seats, he focused on Alexander with the most charming smile I’d seen from him yet.
“Those are striking cufflinks,” he said, the tone of his voice surprisingly genuine. “Very eye-catching.”
Alexander glanced at his wrists, then turned to his wife with obvious affection. “Thank you, Mr. Powers. They’re very special. My wife gave them to me for our thirtieth anniversary.”