Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series Ainsley Claire (primary phonics books .TXT) 📖

times. I can’t believe they can make those masterpieces with real people.”

The Festival of the Arts happens each summer, and they recreate works of art with live models. It’s really incredible. The final piece is usually something like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

I nod. “I was in the festival as a young boy, and it was painful. I spent three hours in makeup and then stood still in a painting for ten minutes.”

She giggles, and for the first time in a while, I realize there might be something missing in my life.

Nate and Jim arrive, and Nate gives her a kiss on the cheek as he sits. “Sorry we’re late.”

“No problem,” I say.

“Axel is from Laguna Beach,” Lilly tells him. “We were talking about the Festival of the Arts. We should make plans to take the girls down.”

“If you do, let me know,” I say. “My mother is on their board, and I can probably swing some nice VIP tickets for you.”

“We’d definitely be interested,” Lilly says.

Nate clears his throat and points to his friend. “This is Jim Adelson. He’s the owner of Clear Security.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say.

“I’ve told him about Jeremy’s situation, and he has some ideas for you.”

The server uses that minute to show up asking for drink orders. Nate and Jim both order a high-end bourbon, and I do the same. Lilly opts for a glass of merlot.

Jim leans in. “Before the waiter comes back, can you tell me about where Jeremy lives?”

“He has an apartment in a two-level building in Cow Hollow. It’s a quadplex—four apartments in the building—but the real estate agent called them flats.”

Lilly puts her glass down. “They do that here. Makes San Francisco sound more European.” She rolls her eyes.

I really like her.

Jim looks at Nate. “I think we need to put in a good security system—monitored with video cameras in public areas.”

I nod. “That would work.” The server arrives with our drinks. “He also frequently spends the night in my guest room,” I add.

Jim looks at me with his brow furrowed.

“He sees me like a big brother, and he’s often a little lonely here in San Francisco,” I clarify, so no one thinks we’re lovers. “He’s only seventeen. He has his GED, but he was picked up by a farm team when he was fourteen, so he didn’t have a traditional school experience, and most of his teammates are older. He hangs out with Crispin Meyer and Jake Garcia—both of them are eighteen. And they live close to him. So, no alcohol and lots of Fortnite at my house.”

“Should we set up a system at your place?” Jim asks.

I shrug. “I tend to be there most of the day, but we certainly can.” I’m not opposed to a decent security system.

We pause to order, and then over dinner Jim takes us through what they’ll need to do to set up a system. For now, we decide Jeremy doesn’t need any personal security, and I’m glad.

The evening has been pleasant, but it’s running much later than I wanted. I really like Nate and Lilly. You’d never guess that Nate is one of the five richest men in the world. And after he explains that he and Jim were in the Marine Corps together, I can’t help but like Jim, too.

When the bill comes, I reach for it. Nate’s eyes grow large.

I shrug. “Jeremy is my client, and he’s the reason we’re meeting tonight. Please let me buy dinner.”

Lilly laughs.

I slip my card in the billfold and hand it to the server.

“You didn’t need to do that,” Nate says. “I invited you.”

The billfold returns, and my card’s been processed. It’s twelve-hundred dollars for the four of us, plus I need to tip. “I don’t mind at all.” And I really don’t. I may not be a billionaire, but I do just fine.

Outside, I wave as their driver pulls up in a large Range Rover and my rideshare pulls up in a Prius behind them.

On the way home, I consider calling the woman I got a phone number from earlier today. She was beautiful, with dark hair and sapphire blue eyes. I wouldn’t mind her looking up at me while she swallowed my cock.

I’m about ready to text her, but when we pull up, there’s a light on in my apartment. A moment later I see Jeremy in the window, so I don’t worry as I head into my place. Blue eyes will have to wait.

Chapter 3

Mia

I’ve been working almost nonstop on this app since I got home from the board meeting three weeks ago, which has made acclimating to my life without an active role at Diamond Analytics easier than I expected. I started with an algorithm I created for Diamond and made some changes to create the Flirt algorithm, which will match people, rather than just data. I’ve not been this excited about anything in a while, and I’m grateful for the distraction.

I’ve just finished a late lunch, and the app is ready to be tested, but it’s going to take more than just me to try it out. I’ve been considering how to do this, and I think I need to gather my friends at the Tiger Den and walk them through my plan. They’ll tell me if they think it’s a viable option or just something to occupy my time.

Me: I have a new app I’ve been working on and need some help. Can we meet for a drink tonight at the Tiger Den 6ish?

 

Claire: I’ll be there.

 

Elena: Count me in.

 

Toni: Yes, please.

 

Ryder: Sounds good to me.

 

Caroline: Can’t wait.

 

Me: Feel free to bring friends. I’m going to run my new adventure by all of you.