“What?” It’s not the most welcoming answer because I’m not in the most welcoming mood. This is the second weekend that I’ve spent Sundays with Chloe, no work, no interruptions, and I want to keep it that way.

“Hey, man. Where are you?” he says.

“Getting brunch with Chloe. What do you need?”

“I’m in the office. I thought we’d be going over the final contracts today.”

“No. That’s what Monday is for.”

“Really? That’s never how you’ve wanted to handle a deal like this before.”

“That was before.” I glance over at Chloe studying the menu with deep concentration. I don’t know why she’s bothering; I was serious about getting everything. I was also serious about eating her for dessert.

“So, do you want me to go over it and mark notes for our meeting tomorrow?”

“No, I want you to leave the office now and do something with your Sunday other than work.”

Carl sighs.

“This is a big fucking deal, Barrett. I didn’t want to say anything, but it feels like the last few weeks your head hasn’t been in the game. Until these papers are signed, Fred can walk.”

“He’s not going to. There’s no reason for him to.” I say it with confidence, though I know Carl is right, there’s always a chance something could change his mind.

“Fine. I’ll see you at seven tomorrow,” Carl says.

“I’ll be in late. Make it nine.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

“Goodbye, Carl.” I end the call and turn my phone on silent.

“Everything okay?” Chloe asks.

“You bet.”

The waitress walks over to take our order.

“We’ll take one of everything.”

“Excuse me?” She looks panicked.

“He’s kidding.”

“No, I’m not. She can’t decide, so we’re going to try everything.”

“That’s a waste of food. We won’t be able to eat it all,” Chloe argues.

“Fine. We’ll take one of each from every section. Chef’s recommendation.”

The waitress looks between us and smiles, then jots it down on her notepad. “Sure thing.” She gathers the menus and leaves.

“What do you have going on this wee—” I begin, but Chloe’s attention is on the front windows of the restaurant, her eyes narrowing as she stares intently.

“Oh my God. Is that Frankie?”

I turn around to follow Chloe’s stare.

Outside the window, on the sidewalk, is a woman in a tight mini dress and heels with a man’s arms wrapped around her waist while they both lean over the menu posted by the door. It is Frankie. And Vance from the club.

Fuck.

I turn my attention back to Chloe, but her eyes are still on Frankie and her sidepiece.

Our booth is quiet as she takes in the scene behind me.