“Charles, it was good talking with you. Let’s catch up again. I’ll call you.”
“I would like that.”
“Welcome back.”
“Thank you very much.” Charles nodded to River, and Kacey gave him a little finger wave and a grin as they moved off farther into the penthouse.
Charles touched his shoulder. “This is a good drink. I haven’t had one in a while. How is your beer?”
He felt that touch deep in his bones, somehow. Weird. “Nice and hoppy, thank you.”
Charles offered an arm again. “Care to wander a little? Victor has an amazing home.”
“I’d love that, thank you. Are you friends? Colleagues?” He took Mister Charlie’s arm and stepped close.
“Victor and I served on a board together a few years ago. We travel in the same circles now. We’re both investors.”
“That’s cool. Everyone here is obviously glad to see you.”
Charles smiled but there was something a little sad about it. “It’s a little surprising. Tad was so much better at social gatherings than I am. It’s nice to think that I was missed.”
Oh, poor guy. Ryder just wanted to hug him. It must be hard to miss his guy. “Well, obviously you’re well-liked.”
“Yes, perhaps. I do hope that’s true. I suppose that’s what we’re doing these social events for, right? To find out, to maybe make some new connections, reestablish some old ones.”
“There you go.” Eventually Charles would find himself a sweetheart, and he’d be hanging out at the house and listening to an audiobook.
Maybe he’d be fired when that happened.
Who knew?
Charles leaned a little closer as they walked. “River thought we made a good couple. I didn’t know what to say, so I just said thank you.”
“That’s fine. They can think whatever you want them to.” He didn’t mind. He was here to make Mister Charlie’s life easier.
“Charles.” The way the blond-haired man said Charles’s name was odd. “Look at you. You’re looking well.”
Charles raised an eyebrow. “Lewis. You’re looking just the same.”
“Thank you.”
He didn’t think Charles had meant that as a compliment.
“How have you been? I see you’ve found yourself a little cowboy. He’s adorable.”
“It’s been a difficult month, as I am sure you know. Lewis,” Charles tone was terse. “This is Ryder. He was a rodeo cowboy until recently, and I am very sure he could kick your ass.”
“Goodness, such language. You have changed. What would Tad say?”
“Oh, Tad would definitely cheer him on.”
“Honestly. Still such a bear. I’m ready to buy that lake house.”
“My estate is not for sale.”
“Tad’s estate, you mean. And it really ought to be mine.”
“Lewis, we need to move on. I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, but it never has. Excuse us.” Charles steered them right around Lewis, who laughed as they left, but it didn’t quite land as the man had probably intended.