Page 170 of Wrecked
The attendant returned. “Is everyone ready?”
After placing their orders, her dad asked Hawk about his family.
“My grandparents are moving out of their farmhouse,” Hawk replied, “and they put me in charge.”
“How’d the family take that?”
“I gotta go with relieved. If I don’t sell, I’m gonna have to do a lot of renovations. The place needs a complete overhaul.”
“How do you like the farmhouse, honey?” asked her dad.
“It’s got a lot of charm,” she replied. “But Hawk’s right, it needs to be updated.”
“What helicopters have you piloted lately?” he asked Hawk.
As Hawk ran through his list, Addison studied both men. Her dad genuinely liked Hawk. It was mind-blowing and heartwarming at the same time. He rarely liked anyone. He was a loner who worked with others to get the job done. He didn’t do the social thing, he wasn’t a talker, but as she watched them chatting, she knew.
The Hawk Effect.
Hawk made her dad feel comfortable. He was a natural-born leader, but unlike Jericho, he wasn’t a bull in a china shop. He led with quiet strength instead of bravado.
“Played poker with the guys lately?” her dad asked.
“About a week ago.” Hawk sipped his martini.
The server delivered a sample appetizer tray of seared scallops, tuna tartare, and wagyu meatballs. “Happy birthday, sir. This is from Ms. Georgia.”
“Please thank her for me,” her dad replied.
“Enjoy.” The server left.
“How’d you do?” his dad asked.
“Made a few bucks,” Hawk replied. “You should join us next month.”
“Okay,” her dad replied. “I will.”
Hawk flashed a smile. “How many years didthattake?”
Her dad chuckled. “Several.”
As a woman passed the table, she gawked at Hawk. A few seconds later, she returned. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but are you Hawk?”
“Who’s asking?” he responded.
“I met you a while back at Jericho Road,” the woman said. “I gave you my number, but you didn’t call.”
“That happens,” he replied.
“I’ve been back there a few times, but I haven’t seen you. Maybe I could get your number and we can have coffee… or something.” Her cheeks pinked.
Addison leaned back. She’d seen this play out dozens of times over the years. Though she’d never cared before, she cared now.
“That’s a hard no for me, babe,” Hawk replied. “I’m off the market. This is my fiancée and her dad.”
Fiancée?She regarded her dad. A ghost of a smile flitted across his face.This is crazy.
“Don’t you see us sitting here?” her dad asked.
