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Dad is deep in conversation with Alvin that he doesn’t hear me approach the bar cart. Pulling out three whiskey glasses, I pour each of us a drink and carry them over to the men.
“Great timing, son,” Dad says as he takes a glass from me.
I hand Alvin another glass before downing my drink.
Alvin looks at my suit before whistling. “Damn, you look too good for your own good. You’re going to have women falling all over you tonight.”
There’s only one woman I want falling all over me, and I’m not even sure she’s going to come to the opening.
I give him a dry laugh in return. “I highly doubt that, and if they do, it’s because they want my money.”
“That’s the downside of being young, rich, and handsome, but what a problem to have.”
I roll my eyes and he laughs.
Dad downs his whiskey and claps me on the back. “Be safe out there, son. Keep your guard up.”
I place my empty glass on the bar cart and say, “I always do.”
Making my way to the garage, I unbutton my jacket and climb into the driver’s seat. The drive to the club usually takes fifteen minutes, but tonight, traffic is backed up on the interstate.
I turn on the radio and find the local traffic station. The reporter is in the middle of a traffic report.
“The overturned tractor trailer has caused all lanes to be shut down. For the folks trying to get to Tybee Island, you might want to make other plans. Those of you coming to the city will have your lanes opened here shortly.”
Fucking great.
I send a group text to Rhett, Francesca, and Spencer.
I’m stuck in traffic. Will be there as soon as I can.
Traffic inches forward ever so slowly. I flip through the radio channels, stopping when I get to a rock station playing Disturbed.
A smile forms on my face as long-forgotten memories come back. The summer after we moved to Savannah, I begged Dad to take me to their concert. I offered to do all the household chores and help him and Uncle Tony file the paperwork for all of their businesses.
He refused, saying it was a waste of time and money.
It wasn’t until Francesca asked to come that Dad agreed to take us. Uncle Tony and AJ tagged along to keep Dad company and to keep Francesca and me from arguing.
That concert was the last time we acted like a real family.
Dad and Uncle Tony went their separate ways with their own businesses. I grew up and helped Dad grow our family name and our connections, and Francesca moved away for college.
We aren’t the close knit family we used to be.
Traffic continues to move slowly, and before long, I drive around the accident. Speeding up, I pass the slow cars and head straight to the club. I pull into the shipyard and park in the back.
Brian stops moving the empty pallets and raises his eyebrow at me until I step out of my car. “Damn, where are you heading looking like that? The Grammy’s?”
Laughing, I shake my head and button the button on my jacket. “Across the street. I didn’t want to get trapped in by other cars. It’s the club re-opening. You should stop by after you are finished here.”
“I’m already finished for the night. I was just tidying up a bit for the crane work tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you finish this and head over? I’ll tell the bouncer at the door you are with me and put you on the VIP list.”
“I’m not really dressed as nicely as you.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I don’t give a fuck what you’re wearing. You work for my family; you’re one of us. Come over, eat all the food you can, drink expensive champagne and whiskey, and watch the girls dance. You deserve it.”