Free Unexpected Chances by A. M. Willard Page B

Carter didn’t hear me.
    The awkward silence has enveloped our table as we wait for Mitch to bring our drinks back. I should have ordered a martini or something to take the edge off. Figuring that I need to stay on my game, I went safe.
    Clearing my throat, “So the meeting with Angela went well from what I heard?”
    “It did. It’s a shame you couldn’t take her spot. I’m looking forward to the ideas she has. I’ll need to present to the board soon, and then we can move along.”
    “That’s great news,” I try to sound convincing, but I’d hoped he would prefer something different. I’d hate for us to lose the contract, it would mean I’d not have to deal with him any longer.
    With a raised eyebrow, “Don’t sound so thrilled.”
    “Oh, I am. It’s just you have to stop showing up,” I explain, leaning over the table to speak in a hushed tone.
    Carter leans over the table to mimic me, “Why are we whispering?”
    I straighten myself, “I’m not.”
    “You were.”
    “How long do you plan to have us contracted?” I question.
    “Long enough.”
    “That’s not the answer, Carter and you know it.”
    “It is. How long is it going to take for me to make you mine?”
    I flinch back into my seat as I notice Mitch placing my water down in front of me just as Carter finishes his sentence.
    Mitch slams Carter’s tumbler down in front of him and looks over towards me.
    “We’re ready to order, Mitch,” I quickly say.
    “I’m sure you are,” he says, under his breath, but I hear his snide remark.
    Dishing out the evil eye, I look up and say “I’ll take my usual. You do remember what that is, don’t you?”
    “Considering you’ve been coming here with a group that just walked in for the past five years, yeah I think I can remember it,” he’s angry and looks over to Carter, “What can I get you?”
    “I’ll have the sushi platter with an Alaskan roll on the side.”
    “Your order will be out soon. Do you need anything else?”
    “No,” I hastily respond, as I watch him walk over to Seth and the guys.
    My eyes lock with Cory’s.
    Cory looks between us at the table with his eyes full of confusion. Cory leans down to speak to Seth, which causes him to look over towards me. The next thing I know Cory’s heading for the door.
    Wonderful, something else to listen to.
    “I take it you come here with them every week?”
    “I do and it slipped my mind when I told you to meet me here. Sorry.”
    “Don’t stress over it. Remember you said this was business, and that’s what we will play it as tonight.”
    “Tonight?”
    “Yes, tonight. Tomorrow it’s a date. No backing out of it. You owe me one.”
    “I don’t owe you a thing, Carter.”
    “We’ll see.”
    Choosing to not respond, I take a quick glance over towards my brother. Seth is pissed, and it’s all over his face as I watch him talk with Mitch, Jason and Ben. Cory is most likely pacing the parking lot since I know they all rode together.
    “Excuse me for a moment, Carter. I’ll be right back.”
    I don’t wait for his response as I push my chair out to stand. With a quick nod in my brother’s direction, I head outside to fix things.
    Stepping out into the parking lot, I guessed it right. Cory’s pacing back and forth as he runs his fingers through his hair. I’m not close enough to hear him, but if I have to guess, he’s calling this situation every name in the book.
    “Cory.”
    “Not now, Firecracker. I’m not going to be nice, so you need to go back inside.”
    “Cory, please you have to talk to me. We have to find a way to work through this.”
    He stops mid stride, turning towards me. “Is that the guy from The Hill?”
    “Yes.” I answer in a shaky voice.
    “Why him? Who is he?” Cory’s moves closer to me, “I would give you everything, Tabitha. Why can’t you see that?” He says while touching my face in the sweetest gesture he’s ever made with me.
    “It’s not like that. It’s a business