Page 112 of The Renter

“He understands money more than most.” Adam taps Geoff’s glass. “I like to keep him close. But the guy is impossible to bring out in public. He doesn’t know how to live a little.”

“Kate!” I squeal, interrupting their conversation. I haven’t seen this purple-haired, septum pierced old friend in years. I stand to hug her.

“Tiny! I didn’t know you would be here!” She lifts me off the ground in a bear hug. Another ghost from summer 2017, I think as she sets me down.

“I’m with Adam.” I smile. “Adam, this is Kate.”

He looks at me like he already knows. “Yes, Geoff’s daughter. Nice to officially meet you.”

“Daughter?”

The world is too small. How is Kate Geoff’s daughter? I always knew Kate was a rich kid, but shit. Her dad is the CEO of Pour!

“Kate,” Geoff scolds. “Take a seat.”

We’re arranged with Geoff at the head of the table, Autumn to his left, and Adam to his right. I’m next to Adam, and Kate is across from me. Watching Kate take her seat, it’s clear she and Autumn are also friends. Kate’s maybe thirty-five now? Maybe Autumn is closer to her age?

“We’re having the five-course tasting with wine pairings,” Geoff says, ending my internal monologue and getting everyone’s attention as the server begins pouring wine.

“Where’s Greg?” I whisper to Adam.

“On a call for me.”

“How do you know Kate?” Autumn asks; it’s the first thing she’s said since we got here.

“It’s a whole story, but I grew up near Lake Geneva, and we met one summer.”

Eyeing Kate as I answer Autumn’s question. She’s fidgeting in her seat and seems high right now. She and Autumn whisper about something, and then Autumn and I exchange a knowing look, confirming my thought.

“Kate, will you go to the bathroom with me?” I ask. I’m not grilling her about what drugs she’s on in front of her dad and Adam.

She leaps up. “Buddy system.” I sense how annoyed her dad and Autumn are with her.

Looping my arm with hers, I whisper, “Girl, what the fuck?” as we walk to the bathroom.

“What?”

“Have you forgotten that I know what you look like when you’re high?”

She sticks her tongue out at me. “I did a couple lines and took a pill.”

“Look at your fucking pupils.” I point to the mirror in the bathroom.

“Fuck.” She laughs.This could be me.This is what I could look like if I stayed on that path. Had I continued to say yes when drugs had been offered to me.

“You cannot seriously think you can handle a multi-hour seated dinner right now,” I scold.

“Tiny!” she squeals, seeing my ring. “What is this?”

“It’s like a promise ring.” I smile, then laugh at the absurdity of it all.

“A big fucking promise ring.”

“According to his jeweler, it’s too small to be an engagement ring.”

We fall back into a familiar banter so easily. A wave of sadness washes over me. The last few months have been all about Adam. I haven’t been keeping up with any of my friends or family.

“Kate.” I refocus my attention on her. “I think Autumn should take you home.” It’s what’s best for her, and I know Adam wants Geoff’s full attention tonight. Kate would be nothing but a distraction.