Stark made a hmm sound. “Well, he’s lucky to have a friend like you. I’d like to set up a meeting, as I need a favor.”
“I don’t do favors.”
He laughed. “Nothing untoward, I assure you.”
He talked like he came out of some old British novel.
“I’m putting on an event. I’d like to talk to you about it. Do you have time today? I can be there this afternoon, around three.”
What was the saying? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I checked my calendar. “I can give you fifteen or twenty minutes at that time.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you then.”
I needed air. Between my personal problems and now Stark coming in, I felt like there was a vise around my lungs. I grabbed my coat and headed out.
“I’m going to the bank. I’ll be back in an hour or so,” I told Trina, who was finally at her desk. I didn’t wait for her reply.
For once, something went as planned. The transfer of the money came through, and with the financials Frank gave me, I made the necessary payments. I felt good about helping Frank, and at the same time, that tightness in my chest constricted even more. If Brooke and I couldn’t make it a year in this marriage, I’d be the one in financial straits in repaying this money. How I was going to go a year lusting after her and not touching her was beyond me, but I had to find a way, or I was hosed.
When I arrived back at the office, I called Brooke in to tell her it was a done deal. Her father’s farm was safe. I could see in her eyes she was grateful and relieved, but she was also annoyed. I couldn’t blame her. I fucked her and then abandoned her.
“I appreciate all you’ve done for us,” she said, mustering a smile.
I nodded. “About last night—”
She held up a hand. “I know where you stand. You don’t need to continue to hammer it in.”
I was a fucker. “I hurt you. I hate that I did that.”
“You did hurt me, but not by touching me. You hurt me every time you tell me why I’m not good enough—”
“That’s not it.”
“I might be younger than you, Mo, but I’m mature enough to be honest about how I feel.”
She was right. I denied my feelings. When I didn’t, when I gave in to my want for her, I ended up feeling worse, and I handled it wrong. All the more reason to keep away from her.
My phone buzzed. I didn’t want to answer it, and yet, I desperately wanted to have Brooke stop looking at me like I was an asshole.
“Mr. Stark is here. He says he has an appointment with you,” Trina said, her tone clearly not happy. So, what else was new?
“Ah, yes. I forgot to mention that to you. Send him in.” I looked up at Brooke. “Simon Stark is here.”
She nodded. “I’ll see you later, I guess.”
I really wasn’t in the mood to see Stark, but I put on my mayor’s face and shook his hand when he came in.
“How can I help you?” I asked, motioning for him to sit in a chair. I didn’t bother to offer him coffee.
“I’m hosting an event at my place, but I understand that I need a permit for it. Even on my own property.”
“Depends on the size and purpose.”
“I’m hosting a fundraiser for Jay Wallace. He’s running for mayor.”
I clenched my jaw. So, this was Stark’s next move. He was going to get a mayor that was more amenable to his needs. I wondered if getting back at Sinclair was his main motivation or just icing on the cake.
“I see. Well, it only requires paperwork. I’m not sure why you needed to see me about that.”