Sierra

When I arrived at the diner, Delia was already waiting for me. Checking my watch, I saw I was one minute early, so she couldn’t say I was late.

“I’m not late,” I spoke as I took a seat across from her.

“I know. I was early.”

After the waitress walked over and took our breakfast order, Delia folded her hands on the table and glared at me.

“Why the breakfast, Sierra? Did Cameron say something to you?”

“Did Cameron say something about what? I asked you to breakfast because I wanted to know how things were going with you and Clive.”

“Oh. Well, things with Clive are complicated.”

“Wait a minute, Mother. I need to go back to what you said about Cameron. What does he know that I don’t?” I narrowed my eye at her.

The waitress walked over and set our plates down in front of us. My mother took her napkin, set it on her lap, and then picked up her fork. She let out a long sigh and then looked me directly in the eyes.

“I had sex with Marco in the pool house and Cameron walked in.”

I needed to react in shock so she wouldn’t be suspicious that Cam had already told me.

“WHAT?! Oh my God, Mother.”

“I know what you’re thinking, so keep your opinions to yourself.”

“Isn’t Marco your personal trainer?” I cocked my head.

“Yes.”

“Isn’t he like twenty-five?”

“What’s your point, Sierra?”

“Rawr. My mother the cougar. But seriously, how could you?”

What I was really thinking was how could he. Or more like, why would he.

“I have my reasons. Reasons I’m not about to discuss with you. So drop it, and for god sakes, don’t ever tell your sister.”

“I won’t. I’ll save her the embarrassment. But I do want to point out what a hypocrite you are.”

“Excuse me? How?”

“You were having a complete psychotic episode when you thought I hired Cameron as an escort, yet you go and shag a twenty-five-year-old?”

“Oh, for goodness sake, don’t use the word ‘shag.’ I didn’t have to pay for sex with Marco. It was free.” She smirked.

Okay. I’d heard enough. This conversation was making me lose my appetite. We finished up breakfast, said our goodbyes, and as soon as I climbed into the car, my phone dinged with a text message from Cameron.

“Tell me you didn’t tell her I told you, babe.”

“I didn’t, but she told me everything. She has no clue that I knew before I even got there.”

“Thank you. I love you, babe. I’ll call you later.”

“I love you too.”

As soon as I arrived at the office, I told Sasha to join me so I could talk to her about the engagement party.

“See if you can get that caterer we used for the advertising gala I held last year. Also, call Patty and set up a meeting at my house. I want her to plan the whole thing.”

“You’re talking two weeks, Sierra. Patty books months in advance,” Sasha spoke.

“She’ll do it for Kirsty.” I smiled.

“Do what for me?” Kirsty asked as she strolled into my office.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I needed to think fast.

“I’m asking Rosa to make your favorite dish because I want to have you and James over for dinner tomorrow night.” I casually smiled.

“How fun! We’ll be there. Your meeting with the design team is about to start.”

“I’ll be there in a minute. I need Sasha to do something for me.”

Kirsty left the office and I let out a breath.

“That was close.” Sasha pointed at me.

“I know. Anyway, stop everything else you’re doing and get to making those calls.”

“I’m on it, boss.” She smiled.

After my meeting, I was heading back to my office when my phone rang.

“Sierra Adams.”

“Sierra, it’s Ashton.”

“Ashton, how are you?”

“I’m fantastic. Hey, I wanted to thank you for recommending Cameron to remodel the club. He did an amazing job.”

“You’re welcome, Ashton. I told you he was the best.”

“The opening is Friday night and I’ll have your names on top of the VIP list.”

“Looking forward to it. I’ll see you then.”

****

Cameron

Sierra and I went to dinner before heading to the grand opening of Luxe. As we were waiting for our food to arrive, I glanced over and saw Dante, the owner of Patina, walk into the restaurant.

“Dante.” I waved.

He saw me, and with a smile, walked over to our table.

“Cameron, my friend.”

“Dante.” I nodded. “I would like you to meet—”

“Sierra, sweetheart. How are you, darling?” He grinned as he took her hand and brought it up to his lips.

“Fine, Dante.” She smiled.

“You two know each other?” I asked with a narrowed eye.

“Sierra’s father and I go way back. Anyway, I must get to my table. It would be rude of me to keep my guest waiting.” He winked. “Good to see you both.”

I looked at Sierra, who was sitting there with a nervous look on her face. Something inside me didn’t feel right.

“You know the owner of Patina?” I asked her.

“You mean the restaurant you’re remodeling?” She bit down on her bottom lip.

“Yes.”

“He was a good friend of my father’s. I guess I didn’t realize he owned it.”

Her answer was unsettling. She was lying and I knew it. Especially by the way she grabbed her glass of tequila the minute she saw him. My mind went back to what Ashton said about overhearing me talk about her to Paolo. The more I thought about it, it seemed strange that he wouldn’t have at least confirmed it beforehand. Not to mention the fact that I didn’t remember talking about her at Luxe. Or if I did, I didn’t remember him being around.

“Cam? Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked as she set down her drink.

I picked up on her nervousness so I decided to wait before confronting her about it. I swear to God, if she had anything to do with me getting those jobs, hell was going to break loose.

“No reason.” I lightly smiled.

We finished dinner and headed to Luxe. The place was jammed with people. The music was thumping and almost every table was full.

“Cameron!” I heard someone call my name.

I turned around and saw Ashton heading my way.

“Look at this turnout, my friend.” He smiled as we shook hands.

“It’s great, Ashton. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It wouldn’t have been possible without your magnificent work.”

“Sierra went to the restroom. She’s excited to see you again. She told me if I saw you to keep you around until she gets back.”

“Ah.” He gave me a strange look. “So she told you we know each other?”

I knew it. Fuck!

“Yeah. She did. She said you go way back.”

“We do. She’s a great woman and friend. I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t going to hire you because I felt you were too expensive. But then, after talking to Sierra and her singing your praises, I’m happy I just said fuck the budget and went with you. Plus, who would I be to turn down free advertising for the club?” He winked.

I gulped as I tried to remain calm, but the rage inside me was strong.

“If you’ll excuse me, Ashton, I’m going to get a drink at the bar.”

“Sure. I’ll be around when Sierra comes back.”

I walked over to the bar and ordered a whiskey on the rocks. Whiskey wasn’t something I drank a lot, but I needed something strong. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe her. She lied to me; to my face.

“There you are,” Sierra spoke as she placed her hand on my shoulder. “I was looking for you.”

I stared down at the glass that was in my hand and swallowed hard.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” she asked.

I stood up from the bar stool, grabbed hold of her arm, and led her over to Ashton.

“Cameron, what are you doing?” she exclaimed.

“Sierra, meet Ashton McCarroll, the owner of the club. Ashton, this is Sierra Adams.”

He looked at me in confusion.

“Oh, that’s right. The two of you already know each other!” I shouted.

I turned to Sierra. The sight of her made me sick.

“You are nothing but a liar.” I pointed at her. “You lied to my face. How could you?”

“Cam, I—”

“I don’t want to hear your piss poor sorry ass excuses, Sierra. I specifically told you to stay out of my business, yet you go behind my back and beg for these people to hire me.”

“It wasn’t like that!” she shouted as tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t lie to me!” My finger was mere inches from her face. “I can’t stand here and look at you. I need to leave.”

“Cameron, don’t!” She grabbed my arm as I began to walk away.

I jerked away from her and stormed out of the club.