Chapter 66

CHAPTER 66

SIMON

A couple of weeks later, Rylee and I were at my house in Dallas. She was in the shower, getting ready for our night out with her friends. I supposed I could call them my friends as well. At least, I hoped I could call them friends soon.

I knew I still had some work to do on that front. I needed to prove to them I was serious about Rylee. Not just serious. I was dedicated to proving how much I loved her. They were going to see I was going to protect her and cherish her.

I already did.

The oil spill cleanup was ongoing, but the majority of the hate mail had stopped. We were making amends and committing to being more vigilant.

The work was hard, and long hours were spent in cleaning the shores, saving the wildlife, and making the waters safe again. But I was grateful for every moment because it gave me an opportunity to show Rylee that I was willing to take responsibility for my actions. It showed her that I was ready to make a change.

My eyes drifted from my laptop screen to the window. The backyard was littered with orange and yellow leaves. I knew it was only a matter of days before it was Christmas everything.

I heard her footsteps coming down the stairs. She was wrapped in my robe, looking fresh and lovely as always. Her hair was wrapped up in a towel.

"I know, I know, I'm running late." She sighed. "Trust me, they'll expect that."

"Take your time."

"Are you working?" she frowned.

"I'm just going over some of the details about the new safety plan the team is putting together," I told her. "I'm ready whenever you are."

She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll be ready in twenty minutes."

"I'll be right here waiting," I told her.

She smiled and then nodded before disappearing upstairs again. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness at this new life I was building with Rylee. We had filled a void in each other's lives that we never knew existed, and it felt like we were growing stronger with each passing day.

I spent the next few minutes going over the plans for the new safety protocol. It was essential that our team was well prepared and that we took every precaution to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the cleanup efforts while doing everything humanly possible to avoid future accidents. I knew that Rylee was proud of the work I was doing, and that only made me want to do better.

As promised, Rylee came downstairs twenty minutes later, more beautiful than ever. I couldn't help but let out a low whistle as she walked toward me, her waves of dark hair framing her beautiful face.

"I like this," I said, getting up and going to her.

She was wearing a little black dress that hugged her curves and showed off her perfect body.

"This old thing," she joked.

It wasn't old. It was new. I insisted we do a little shopping. She of course insisted she didn't need me to buy anything for her, but we had a talk, and it was established I had money, and she was my girl, and I would spoil her if I wanted to.

And spoil her, I did. I ran my fingers down her back, feeling the silky fabric of the dress. Then I pulled her close and whispered into her ear. "You look stunning. I love seeing you in dresses like this."

She smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling. "You always have the best taste, Simon."

I grinned, leaning down to give her a soft kiss. "You have no idea. If I would have known you were going to look this good, I would have bought one in every color."

"I think black is my color." She shrugged.

"I agree." I nodded. "I like the mystery and the edginess when you wear black."

She playfully pushed me away. "We better get going before this dress ends up on the floor."

I winked. "But it is a good thought."

We walked out to the waiting car I hired for the night. I knew there would be a lot of drinking and I didn't want to have to worry about getting home safely.

We wound up at the hotel with all of her friends at a food and wine tasting for Lauren and Jameson's wedding.

We walked into the private room where everyone was already sitting. I nodded at the guys. "Everyone," I said.

"Lighten up, guys," Rylee scolded. She grabbed my hand, leading me to the two empty chairs at the table.

"We just ordered the wine sampler," Lauren said. "The apps will start being delivered in half an hour."

"Let's do this," Rylee said, clapping her hands together.

As we settled into our seats and the wine started pouring, the conversations began to flow, and it quickly became apparent that I was the topic of the night.

"How's the oil spill?" Jameson asked.

I nodded. "The cleanup is almost done. Residents are happy that the place looks better than it did before. It's not something I'm proud of, but I'm glad it's in the past now."

"Here's to no more eggs!" Jenny said, raising her glass.

They all laughed thankfully. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a joke or not. I could see how much her friends cared for Rylee, and I knew that they must have been worried about her when the situation was happening.

"I'm so glad you're here," Lauren said. "And it's nice to see Rylee so happy."

"I'm glad to be here," I said, taking a sip of wine.

It was a playful, carefree evening. I found myself truly enjoying the gathering—minus the shiitake mushroom appetizer that tasted like dirt and mildew. Gross.

We were seated at a long table covered in white linen, with a variety of dishes and wines spread out before us. The conversation flowed easily, everyone laughing and talking about the wedding, which was only two months away. Lauren was practically glowing with excitement.

"Everything is done," Lauren said, her eyes shining. "All we have left to do is finalize the seating plan, which has been a real pain in the butt. This person can't be with that one and those two are exes and on and on."

Jenny and Ward exchanged knowing looks. "We had the same issue," Jenny said. "But we figured out a few tricks. One is to mix up the tables with people who might not know each other well but have something in common. It keeps things interesting."

Mary Ellen and Archer snickered as they fed each other cheese balls. Karen, however, was quiet, pushing food around her plate with her fork. I noticed Rylee glancing at her friend, concern etched on her face.

I nudged Rylee gently and nodded toward Karen. "I know," she whispered, already taking note that she needed to check in with her friend.

"Karen, did you try this chardonnay?" Rylee asked her.

Karen looked up, doing her best to look interested. "No, not yet," she said with a half-hearted smile. "I guess I should."

"It's good." Rylee nodded. "I think this one is my favorite. Although I'm not a big wine drinker."

"Because you like everything straight from the bottle," Mary Ellen teased her.

Rylee flashed a cheesy smile. "Wine is for fancy people."

Everyone looked at each other. She was sitting at a table with billionaires. She realized what she said and burst into laughter. "Present company excluded."

Despite the light conversation and jokes, Karen was still only half in. I knew what she was feeling like. I was usually the odd man out.

"I'll be right back," Rylee whispered in my ear.

I nodded, patting her knee under the table. Rylee then leaned over and touched Karen's arm. "Hey, come with me to the bathroom?" she asked softly.

Karen looked up, surprised, but nodded. "Sure."

I watched them walk away.

"Is she okay?" Lauren asked the table in general.

I knew they weren't talking about Rylee. But since I wasn't really a part of the group, I didn't think it was my place to add my two cents.

"She's the only single one." Mary Ellen sighed. "I feel bad."

"Me too," Lauren said. "Am I too happy?"

"No," Jenny assured her. "She wants you happy. She's happy we're all happy."

They started talking about the appetizers again. Before Rylee came back to the table, I wanted to talk to them about my idea.

I cleared my throat to get everyone's attention.

"Hey, guys," I said, leaning forward. "Rylee's birthday is coming up, and I have an idea. I want to surprise her with something special."

Jenny clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "A party? I can help!"

"No," I said, shaking my head with a grin. "Not a party." I pulled out my phone and showed them concept pictures of what looked like a bar. "She told me she wants to open a mixology school. I want to help make that happen."

The table fell silent as everyone leaned in to look at the pictures.

"I've been in contact with contractors, designers, liquor companies, and mixologists from all over the world to get an idea of what sort of program might set Rylee's apart," I said. "I just need a location. Somewhere she can store her inventory, experiment with her own recipes, host classes, and full-blown programs for the more serious student, and expand her business."

There was a collective murmur of approval. Mary Ellen was the first to speak up. "That's brilliant, Simon. She'll love it."

"Yeah," Archer added. "And it's perfect for her. She's so passionate about mixology."

Lauren nodded, her eyes wide with excitement. "That is a very thoughtful gift," she said. "Very thoughtful indeed."

"Thank you." I smiled. "I want her to get to do something she loves."

"We can all keep an eye out for a space that might work," Lauren said.

Jenny looked thoughtful. "I might know a place. It's a bit of a fixer-upper, but it has a lot of potential."

Ward grinned. "Count me in. I can help with any renovations needed."

They were all so supportive. I knew this would mean the world to her. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

"She's going to be so happy," Mary Ellen said.

"I have to admit, when she first told me about a mixology school, I thought she was joking," I said. "I didn't know it was a real thing."

"Oh yeah." Mary Ellen nodded. "It's all she talked about for months."

"You know, a startup like that is going to require advertising," Archer said. "Not to be the downer, but that is a very specific business venture."

"It is." I nodded. "But I think Rylee would be happy with five people. Something tells me Rylee isn't going to care if the school is actually a financial success. She just wants to mix drinks and teach people how to make cool drinks."

"He knows her well." Jenny laughed.

"Yes, I do." I nodded. "But I want to learn more about her."

"Those are the words of a man in love," Archer said with a laugh.

"You're right." I nodded.

"Your face lights up whenever she enters the room," Ward said. "I know the look. I get it every time I look at my wife."

Archer and Jameson groaned.

"Kill me if I sound that whipped," Jameson said.

Lauren frowned at him. "Hey!"

"Sorry, my love, I will always be that sappy."