Page 65 of Voyeur

“I know,” I revealed.

“How long have you known?”

“I’ve known since I started working with Andrew. Perhaps now you won’t wait so long to act on your interests.”

“Believe me, I know that was a costly move on my part. Aside from being a time waster, Andrew suffered at that bitch’s hands.”

“He did. Those were his decisions, and I believe—just like you—he has learned something from all of this.”

Tabitha smiled and tilted her head toward me, agreeing with what I’d said. I saw that Walter was walking toward me, so I wrapped up my conversation with Tabitha.

“Please excuse me,” I said as I stood. “Give Andrew some time,” I suggested.

“I will. And, James,” she called out to me before I walked too far. “Don’t let this place go to just anyone,” she warned, knowing I was about to chat with Walter about that very topic. I smiled and nodded before stepping away from the bar and following Walter to his office.

“Well, I think we have it narrowed down,” Walter said as he shut the door to his office.

“Good,” I mirrored his enthusiastic voice and took a seat in one of the large wingback chairs that he’d gestured toward.

Walter set out a handful of white index cards on the coffee table between us. Each card was labeled with the name of a member who had expressed an interest in potentially becoming the new owner and operator. All of them were good men, and all of them had the money to purchase the club.

I laughed when I saw my name written on a card. I tapped my finger on the card.

“I think we can remove this one, Walter.”

“Really, James?” he asked as he sat back heavily in the chair.

“Really.”

“You are the best man for the job. I’ve known you for many years. Everyone would be comfortable with you, above anyone else.”

“I’m flattered, and I appreciate that. Really, I do. You know as well as I do that this would take a lot of time and dedication. My dedication is to Brandon.”

Walter laughed and shook his head at me.

“Well, you can’t blame me for trying. Brandon is a lucky pup to have captured your time and attention. He is in the very best hands with you, and everyone here loves to see the two of you together. So, do everyone a favor, and make sure you still come around here.”

“Of course I will. Now, even though I don’t want to be the owner and operator of Oxygen, that doesn’t mean I won’t help and guide the new owner.”

“That would make me very happy,” Walter admitted. “Okay, James, out of the remaining members’ cards, who would you suggest as the new operator of Oxygen?”

I glanced down at all the names, and without hesitation, I pointed to the one I fully believed in.

“Andrew.”