Pulling her phone out of her clutch, she tossed the small purse on the bed as she called Kate even before sitting down on her bed to take off her shoes. The super cute strappy sandals that she’d been so sure Jake would like. Well, he had liked them when he’d first seen them. She blinked back a few more tears that had sprung to her eyes.

“Sharon? What’s wrong?” Kate’s greeting, the sympathy in her voice, undid Sharon completely.

She burst into tears.

Pacing back and forth in the guest room, Jake raked his fingers through his hair.

Dammit.

He should turn back around and find Sharon and apologize. No matter how pissed he was, he should haven’t called her a royal bitch. Even if she was being one and even if she’d called him an asshole first.

But he couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t end up yelling at her again if he tried. Because he was still angry. He didn’t doubt she was too.

Groaning, he shook his head as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. It was close to midnight, but Patrick would still be awake. Stronghold didn’t close until two, and he usually stayed the full night. Hopefully he’d be in his office and not on the floor.

Jake blew out a sigh of relief when Patrick picked up after just two rings.

“Jake?” Patrick sounded confused and a little concerned. “What’s up? Everything okay?”

“Not really,” Jake said, sighing as he fell back onto the bed. Reaching up he loosened his tie. “Sharon and I had a fight tonight.”

“Already?” Patrick asked, sounding amused. In the background, Jake could hear his sister demanding to know what was going on. “Hold on, I’m going to put you on speaker.”

“Do you have to?” He tossed his tie to the side and undid the top button of his shirt to give him more breathing room. The protest was only half-hearted though. He’d known his sister would be there and that she’d insist on being part of the conversation. In fact, he’d kind of been counting on it. He wanted her perspective.

“Yes. Just so you know, Olivia and Luke are here too,” Patrick said, his voice sounding a little farther away now that he was on speaker. “Although they can step out if you need.”

“No, it’s fine... Who’s running Marquis tonight?” Olivia was the manager of the other club, which Patrick, Luke, and Michael were all part-owners of.

“Michael and Ellie.” Olivia’s crisp tones were immediately recognizable. “It’s my night off this week.”

“Ah... gotcha. Well...” Now that he had his friends ready to hear him out, it was like he stalled out on what to say.