by Mari Brown
A butler greets us at the door where another man is checking off names as guests check in.
“Cole Knight and Katarina Roberts” My man’s deep rich voice states to the man. The man looks at the clipboard in his hand flips a couple pages before making a mark by our names.
“Enjoy your evening.” the butler says as we are cleared to enter. Walking through the doors, I hear the strains of string instruments playing from somewhere. A waiter with a tray of champagne greets us. Cole and I each take a glass as we head to the open doors to our right.
It’s like entering a different world when we cross into the ball room. A buffet table is along one wall. Chairs and tables are scattered throughout. A string quartet is in the front of the room on a make shift stage that is set up with a podium on it for speakers later. The men and women are all dressed to the nines. We search names cards on the table until we find the table we are assigned to. I’m surprised that we are placed right next to the guest of honor.
“How did we score seats at his table?” I whisper to Cole. He sips his champagne.
“My dad and his dad apparently went to school together.”
“Is there anyone your dad didn’t go to school with?” I ask with a smile lighting my eyes.
“His being in a fraternity paid off.”
“Weren’t you in one too?”
“Yes, the same one my father was in. The Sigma Kappa chapter of Belmont-Gibbs University.”
It’s funny that I never realized Cole went to college when we were together the first time. He looked like such a thug, a sexy one nonetheless. It wasn’t until I was away at UCLA that Drew mentioned to me once about some guy named Cole that he went to school with was in town visiting.
Cole had a business degree that has served him well. I’m glad Bruce and him were Fraternity brothers as well. That’s how Bruce has built his empire. It’s how Cole and I will continue growing the empire.
“Cole, is that you?” I turn toward the female voice.
“Denise, how are you?” I watch as Cole greets the blonde with a smile.
“Happy to be out of the house tonight. I just had baby number three.”
“Wow, really?” Cole questions her. “Kat this is Denise Harrison. She married my fraternity brother, Greg, while we were still in school.”
“How nice to meet you.” I turn a smile on her as I realize this woman was not a threat. “What does Greg do?” I ask Cole.
“Greg’s family is in finance.” Cole tells me.
I nod my head. In other words, their family business isn’t all legit. I make a mental note to ask Cole about this guy more later.
“Cole!” I watch as a man wraps my boyfriend in a bear hug.
Chapter 25
Kat
“Greg! Good to see you man.” He slaps Greg on his back. Releasing each other Cole grabs my hand. “Greg meet my fiancé, Kat.”
“Ahh, the infamous, Katarina Roberts” Greg says taking my hand and placing a chaste kiss on the top.
I giggle, “Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Honey, we all know who you are.” Denise says with a smile but I see the malice in her eyes. I realize quickly this woman is not going to be a friend to me but she will smile and be polite because of her husband.
“Anyway…” Greg starts “So What’s going on with Justin man?”
I tune out the conversation as it turns to things I really don’t want to talk about tonight. I look around the room and smile when I see someone I know and like across the room.
“If you’ll excuse me, I see someone I must go say hello to. I smile at the couple before telling
Crossing the room, I become excited at the prospect of seeing someone that is a blast from my past. I question why she’s here but I’m thankful to see her familiar face.
“Marisol!” I call out. She turns toward me, clearly confused who would be calling her name. As she focuses on me her face lights up with a huge grin.
“Kat!” She rushes toward me hugging me tight “Thank fuck! This is the most uptight room.”
I laugh as I pull back from my old friend. “What are you doing here?”
“Seems the future senator is a fan of my fighting.” She shrugs her shoulders.
“Really?” I cock my head to peek around the room to check out the guest of honor. He’s clearly caught up with a bunch of old men; however, he must have felt my eyes on him. He grins as he raises his glass in a salute in the direction Marisol and I stand in. We both grab a champagne off the passing tray and down it in one swallow. “Cole will kill me if I get drunk here tonight. But something tells me it may just happen.”
Marisol’s laugh echoes around us. A few people turn to stare. “I must see Cole again.”
“Oh yes let’s go.” I take her by the hand and lead her back in the direction I left Cole earlier. He is still standing, talking to Greg but thankfully the horrid wife is nowhere around.
“Cole, look. I found an old friend.”
“Well shit!” Cole replies. Greg snorts with laughter as he turns to see who I brought with me.
“Marisol, this is a school friend of Cole’s, Greg Harrison. This is Marisol Rivera; she a MMA fighter.” I say with pride.
“Nice to meet you.” Marisol greets Greg before turning to Cole. “Long time, no see, Cole. Did you miss me?”
“Nah, not really.” He says with a cocky grin. “I’ve only ever missed one woman from my life.” He faces me with those words and my heart melts a little.
“Oh girl, he really does have it bad for you.” Marisol laughs “Guess it’s a good thing you two are finally tying the knot.”
“What are you doing here, Marisol?” Cole asks.
“Oh, apparently Mr. Richmond is a fan of mine.” she answers noncommittally.
“Really?” Cole looks toward the man, “Interesting.”
I wonder what Cole is thinking. I can tell something is on his mind. It’s like he’s questioning the reason Marisol is giving for why she is there. Then I catch Marisol out of the corner of my eye. The way she is looking at Landon Richmond leads no doubt in my mind Cole is right to question her reason.
“You’re fucking him.” I whisper.
“Maybe…” she giggles.
“Holy shit, this is big. Is he married?”
“No, Landon is single and still waiting for the one to come along.” I watch as she sighs slightly. Oh, Marisol has it bad for him. I wonder if it’s mutual.
“Please tell me you are at the same table as him?” I ask her.
“Of course I am. I’m his special guest.” She beams at me.
“This is going to be a fun night after all.” I say to no one in particular.
I can’t wait until we are called for dinner because sitting at the table with these two is going to make for some great entertainment.
“Marisol, this is Greg’s wife, Denise.” Cole introduces as the woman makes her way back to her husband making sure she puts her hand on his arm in a way that signifies ownership. Little does the snobby woman get it but its whatever.
“Pleasure to meet you Denise.” Marisol says being overly friendly. Our eyes lock as Marisol finishes speaking. She has Denise’s number already. Our eyes both roll as we realize that this is one of those upper class debutants who has no clue what it’s like to fight on the streets.
The guys go back to their conversation. I watch as Cole talks with Greg about some type of business deal. Cole is already coming into his own and doesn’t even realize it. His body stands straight in a relaxed manner. His hair and tux add to the look of confidence that he is wearing. He’s not just wearing it, he’s owning it.
“Ladies and Gentleman…If you would begin making your way to your seats please.” A voice says over speakers from somewhere in the front of the room.
“It was good seeing you, man.” Greg says as he leads Denise to their table in the middle of the room.
Cole links an arm through mine before turning to Marisol. “Come on, I won’t bite
.”
Marisol laughs as she loops her arm through Cole’s and he walks us both to our table in the front. Once we are at the table, Landon is watching Marisol and does the gentleman thing and holds her chair out as she sits. I have to hold my tongue because I’ve not met this man.
“Cole, is this your lovely fiancée?” Landon asks.
“Yes, Landon meet Katarina Roberts. Kat, meet Landon Richmond”
“It’s an honor to meet you.” Landon says while placing a kiss on my hand. “I’ve heard so many things about you.”
He let’s go of my hand as Cole pulls my chair out. As I smooth my dress down in the back, I take a seat, “I’m sure it was only good right?”
Landon chuckles. “Yes, I’ve heard nothing but good things from Cole.”
Landon introduces us to the rest of our table which is rounded out by his parents and his sister and brother in law. We are honored to be sitting at the table with him and his family. It’s also a testament to how much power and influence Cole already has in this town.
As a waitress brings our salads to the table and places them in front of each of us, I find myself looking around the room. I’m amazed at the movers and shakers in this room; Politicians, business owners and more. These are the men and women of Belmont with money and power.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a man scurry past the open doorway. I do a double take as I think I recognize him as one of Sal’s men. I rememberstudying him earlier in the day. His name rings through my head, “Brent Larson. What the hell is he doing here?
“Cole,” I whisper while leaning toward my man and trying to be discreet.
“Yes, Kitten?” he whispers back.
“I’m pretty sure I just saw that Larson guy in the hallway.” My eyes keep darting back and forth from Cole to the open doorway. Cole’s hand lays on my arm with a small pat.
“I’ll take care of it.” He motions to his left and shockingly, Pete steps out from the shadows. I knew Pete and Rocco were both here but they were blending in so well I hadn’t actually seen them.
Pete walks up and leans over as Cole stretches his head up a bit to whisper in Pete’s ear. I barely make out the words, “Larson…hall…check it out.” Pete doesn’t say a word just shakes his head in the affirmative. I glance around the table and realize we have all eyes on us because of Pete’s arrival.
“Cole, I do hope all is okay?” Landon asks with a smile plastered on his face. I wonder if he ever gets tired of the fake cheesy smile he has to wear in public all the time.
“Everything is fine Landon. Pete’s just assuring it stays that way.” Cole says pointedly. I notice Landon’s eyes as they assess Cole and then he turns back to his father.
“So Kat,” Landon’s sister Nancy says, “May I call you Kat?”
“Yes, I prefer Kat.” I tell her as I watch her closely. I’m wondering what this woman has to say to me. She is not the type of person I would normally expect to talk to me. Her hair is perfect. Her are clothes tailored and expensive. Her father has always had money and she married money.
“I understand you were a Phi_________” she squeals. “I’m a sister from the U of Mississippi chapter.”
“Holy sh…” I pause looking around the table at everyone “Wow, that’s awesome. I’m so glad to meet a sister from another chapter.”
Oh geez! What have I gotten myself into? Marisol’s hand covers her mouth like its hiding the silent laughter. She, of all people at this table, knows how I felt about that sorority. I did it because it seemed important to Bruce at the time. I wanted to please him. I’m glad that I did; however, dealing with the snobbery was always too much for me.
“When my brother told me about this dinner and who would be sitting with us I admit I did some snooping.”
“Oh yea?” I giggle “What did you find out about me?” I’m genuinely curious what she was able to learn.
“Well, I know you dated Cole in high school but left to attend UCLA. I also know you didn’t return to Belmont until a few months ago. You were part of the sorority and spent one year being tortured by the president at the time.” She takes a deep breath. “However, you became president your senior year. Then you graduated with honors with an accounting degree and went to work managing sports entertainers in the Knight Corporation.”
The whole table is now looking at Nancy; some with amusement, some with shock. Her brother looks horrified. I’m sure he’s afraid his sister has offended me. Especially when I hear him sternly say her name, “Nancy!”
“It’s fine. Did you learn anything juicy?” I ask with a little laugh as I’m enjoying this.
“Only that when you returned you and Cole reunited and are now engaged. There are also rumors you aren’t just a pretty face but a bad ass fighter as well.”
“Nancy!” This time. Mrs. Richmond admonishes her daughter.
Cole’s laughter rings out around the table. “I like your sister…” He says while looking at Landon. “She may have just won my full support for you.”
“Mine, too.” I say with sincerity. I wasn’t sure about this Richmond connection but his sister was great.
Nancy beams at us while her mother is whispering heatedly in their father’s ear; her head shaking from side to side. I wonder if Nancy has a little dark side her parents have kept quiet? Her husband, Chet, looks at her with lovesick eyes. It’s a look I recognize as I see it reflected in Cole’s when we stare at one another.
“I don’t know if those rumors are dinner conversation.” I smile big at Nancy. “However I’d love to chat with you afterward and find out just what’s been said about me. For a local girl who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, I love that I’m known.” I dig my fork into my bowl twirling it around in the lettuce before lifting and taking a bite. I savor the tangy flavor of the vingerette dressing.
Cole is now beaming at me with a smile and lovesick eyes. I just made my man proud. I give him a small smile back as I turn toward Landon and grace him with a smile as well. I want him to be assured I hold nothing against his sister. I find her honesty refreshing in this room.
“Kat, I must admit it’s hard to imagine you growing up different from us.” Landon starts. “You act as if you were born to this life.”
“I’m on my best behavior. “I reply with a giggle. “The tough girl who grew up fighting for everything is still in me. It’s probably what makes me so deadly.” I say that with the innuendo on purpose. Let them take whatever they want from it. “The Knights made it easy for me to adapt to their social circle.”
I can tell I’m making the older Richmonds' uncomfortable talking about my past. It’s obvious that my upbringing is making them feel out of place. They aren’t sure how to relate to me at this point. I smile at them trying to set them at ease but I can tell they are going to be a bit more difficult to win over.
Our second course is brought around after the salad. It’s going to be a long dinner as we have seven full courses to get through. In addition, people are making speeches between each course. The big thing by all them is how we are here to support Landon’s bid as State Senator. This dinner was a huge fundraiser for his campaign. Not only that, but all donations are welcome to his campaign funds. I really want to write a check to shut the last guy up on the stage. Something about him was rubbing me the wrong way. I wasn’t even sure who he was but I planned to find out. I want to make sure I had nothing to do with him.
After the meal is over we are dismissed into a big parlor across the hall where a band plays quietly and a bar is open and flowing. Marisol and I mingle around together when Cole and Landon take off to do some schmoozing with the other men in the room.
“This room is so uptight I’m pretty sure it might explode…” Marisol whispers in my ear.
“I hear ya, girl.” I give a small laugh as we exchange words.
It’s not long before Nancy is motioning me from across the room. She stands with a group of women I don’t know and don’t care to. As Marisol and I join the group
, Nancy makes introductions.
“This is my brother’s date, Marisol. She’s a MMA fighting champion. This is Katarina Roberts…” She gives no description of who I am but it’s clear these ladies are more than aware.
This group of women is unknown to me. I'm not sure how they will react to Marisol and I. I just hope that I remember my manners while I’m talking with them. Nancy begins asking me questions. Her questioning has to do with the rumors around me. I laugh hard as I hear some of the stories being circulated. I only wish I was as bad ass as they make me sound.
“Ladies. I hate to disappoint but I’m not a ruthless fighter who takes down grown men single handily.”
“You could.” Marisol comments. “I’ve seen you in a ring. I’ve fought you.”
“A fight you won.” I remind her.
“Barely.” She shrugs her shoulders. “My brother and Luke taught you well.”
Chapter 26
Cole
Kat lies naked and sprawled out across the bed. I fight every urge in me to wake her up. I have to slide out of this bed quietly and sneak out without waking her this morning. I am not sure I could answer questions without giving things away. I’m meeting with Drew at the diner so we can discuss things. I need his input before I talk to Kat.
Not that Kat will appreciate us hiding or deciding anything for her but I’m going to protect her even if from herself. This is a matter to be handled quietly. Pete waits in an SUV out front. We take off for the diner.. It’s way to fucking early after my late night but hopefully I can come back and relax with Kat the rest of the day.
The diner is busy as always this time of day. There is a bevy of regulars who meet here every morning, our crew included. Although, lately we have met less. I don’t know if it’s because Gracie no longer works here or because Kat’s back but the guys’ breakfast has not been every morning like it used to be.
“Hey, man!” Drew says as I slip into the black vinyl booth. Pete slides in next to Drew. “So what’s with all the secrecy?”
I pull a letter out of my back pocket, one that I intercepted yesterday. I hand it to Drew. His eyes squint but he takes it and pulls out the single sheet of folded paper in the envelope. His eyes move as he reads and a scowl takes residence on his face.