Page 55 of Bourbon Deceit
“Ms. Ruttherford, I’m so pleased that you were able to make it out tonight. How are you feeling?” She’s been struggling with her weight lately and there was speculation that she had cancer, but she wouldn’t let anyone in on her personal life so it was always a surprise to see her at an event and looking well.
“Oh, just fine, dear. Who is this beauty with you tonight?” She looked over at Goldie with a genuine smile.
“This is Goldie, my date.”
“What a beautiful name, Goldie. It’s so lovely to meet you.”
Shaking hands, Goldie smiled and said, “The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Ruttherford. This is a spectacular room. The colors are gorgeous.”
“Why, thank you, sweetheart. The committee always puts together a wonderful palette of colors and décor for this event.” She looked around and waved to someone behind us. “If you will excuse me, I need to go play the part of gracious host.”
“No need to play it, Ms. Ruttherford. You are a joyous host every year,” I replied.
Placing a gentle hand on my cheek she said, “You’re such a lovely boy.”
She quickly took off and left Goldie and I to finish entering the grand room.
“She was so sweet,” Goldie said as we walked toward the bar. The bar was always my first stop at an event. I needed a bourbon to get me through the night, especially when I had plans to talk to the Blarney brothers, who were both city officials. I wanted to thank them for putting up an honest bid process for Lot 17. I was still reeling from Jeremy’s information, actually I was elated. My dad tried to work his cruel magic and it hadn’t worked. Smug bastard thought he could get whatever he wanted and he was put in his place. I couldn’t be happier.
“Jett Colby, what is a sorry son of a bitch like you doing here?” I heard as I put in our drink order. I turned to see Diego standing behind me. He eyed Goldie for a second then cringed. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t know we were in a lady’s presence.”
“I see that Miss Mary’s classes haven’t been sticking.” I shook Diego’s hand.
“It’s hard holding your tongue for so long,” Diego breathed out.
“I understand,” Goldie said, drawing both of our attention. “You have no clue how bad I want to rip this dress off, spread my legs, and chug this drink while spouting out fuck in every different language.”
Shock crossed Diego’s face right before he threw his head back and gave a full belly laugh. He clapped me on the shoulder and said, “Holy shit, where did you find this treasure?”
“Diego, this is Goldie. Goldie, please meet the very well-spoken Diego Muenez.”
Grabbing Goldie’s hand and kissing the back of it, Diego said, “Goldie, you look awfully familiar.” Diego eyed me and at that moment, I knew he knew Goldie was a Jett Girl, but where I should be concerned, I wasn’t, because even though Diego had a little too much swagger for my liking, I could trust him, wholeheartedly.
Goldie, on the other hand, was like a deer caught in headlights, not knowing what to say.
I pulled her hand away and entwined it with mine. “Ignore him,” I said into her ear. Turning back to Diego, I addressed him. “What brings you here?”
“Same thing as you, man,” Diego spoke honestly. He’d never met my mom, but he’d heard me talk about her when I was trying to help him move off the streets and start a new life. He would pay his respects when he got a chance, and I felt honored that he came tonight.
I nodded in appreciation and surveyed the room. “Anyone I need to look out for?”
“Coast is clear,” Diego responded as he looked back at Goldie, who was completely confused by our elusive conversation. “Now, how did you get wrapped up with the likes of this guy?”
Looking up at me with adoring eyes she said straight-faced, “The tree trunk between his legs tricked me.” She was clearly feeling comfortable around Diego and knew she could be herself around him.
Diego slapped his hands together and said, “Damn, I like you.”
“Easy,” I warned him.
He put his hands up in defense but still smiled.
“What do you do?” Goldie asked, being herself. I loved it. I hated that she had to suppress her personality around the other assholes.
“I’m actually opening up a kink club. We are a couple months away from opening and I couldn’t be more excited. Still trying to find someone to help me paint some décor on the walls, and I have to train the performers, but other than that, we’re going to be ready for opening day.”
“Wow, a kink club. That sounds like fun,” Goldie replied while she tugged on my arm.
“Don’t get any ideas.”
