Chapter 1397 Goodbye Megan
"Why you in such a rush? Ain't like it's your first rodeo. What's there to be jealous about?" Cassie fiddled with her fingers. "Wait till Lucas ties the knot. He's your buddy, and if you get hitched too, he'll be all by his lonesome. So sad."
Joseph sighed. "He ain't sad at all. Dude's a hardcore bachelor, alright?"
"Really? Wasn't he about to marry Sarah before?" Cassie put a finger to his lips, her eyes all flirty. "Besides, if I get bored of you, I can just bounce. Easy peasy."
"Cassie, do you love me?" Joseph asked, frowning hard.
"I love you now, but who knows about forever? Depends on how you act." Cassie grinned at him, her eyes twinkling.
She looked so cute but so damn annoying.
Joseph really wanted to grab her and give her a good shake.
But he didn't have the guts.
After all, Joseph had been a real jerk in the past.
The Jude Group.
In the office.
Michael was on the phone with Laura. "Babe, it's Jonah's birthday bash tonight. He helped me out before, and he invited me. Can't really say no. I'll just grab dinner and be back by eight."
"It's cool if you're a bit late." Laura, probably 'cause Michael had been on his best behavior lately, was super chill. "I know you're swamped with work and gotta schmooze. Networking's key, and you don't have to be home for dinner every night. Yesterday, when I was at the Jude Mansion, Aaron was griping about always being the one on the road."
"Aaron's single, so it's normal he's busier." Michael snorted, then added sweetly, "Babe, you're just too understanding."
Laura felt a bit shy. "You sure?"
"Totally. Never realized it before," Michael said, all nostalgic. "You're such a good girl."
He really meant it.
Since they started dating, he rarely fought with Laura. She went with the flow, unlike before when she always pushed back.
Lately, as it got colder, she even gave Michael a scarf and a sweater.
Even though the scarf wasn't pricey, the thought behind it warmed Michael's heart.
"I've always been a good girl. I only acted up 'cause you pushed me." Laura's lips curled sweetly, but she pouted as she said, "You mentioned Jonah's birthday. Who's Jonah? Have I met him?"
"He was at Maeve's celebration party. But there were so many people, you probably missed him. Plus, he's not as handsome, tall, or charming as me." Michael didn't miss a chance to toot his own horn.
"Shameless," Laura laughed and teased.
"Guilty as charged."
"Alright, enough joking," she said playfully. "You rich guys always end up finding women at your parties. I don't care about others, but you better not let me catch you getting cozy with another woman."
"I've never done that, okay? If I was that kind of guy, how could I have saved my first time for you?" Michael quickly said. "With you, I don't even look at other women. But Jonah does like to party. I told him no women tonight, or I wouldn't go. Of course, if you're worried, you can come with me."
"I ain't going. I wanna head home and chill with Maeve. I miss her," Laura shot back.
"Do you miss me?" Michael asked, all eager.
"No," Laura lied through her teeth.
"Cold-hearted woman. Fine, you don't miss me, but I miss you."
Michael's smooth voice on the phone made Laura's cheeks go red.
"I'm done talking to you. I gotta work."
She hung up in a flash.
Michael chuckled. She was definitely shy.
He knew that shy look of hers all too well now, especially in bed.
Just thinking about it made Michael's body heat up. He couldn't help but grumble about why Jonah had to have a birthday. If he had to have one, why invite him and cut into his time with his girl?
At six in the evening, Michael rolled up to the restaurant.
When he got there, he saw it was just Jonah, no one else.
"Just us?" Michael blinked, thinking he might've hit the wrong spot.
"Can't I invite just you for my birthday?" Jonah grinned, pouring some tea.
"Not your usual style," Michael said, puzzled. "You usually have a crowd, like twenty or thirty people, and a few pretty girls."
"Want me to call some girls?" Jonah winked.
"No, I'm married," Michael shot back quickly.
"Just messing with you. Everyone knows you're loyal. Besides, it's clear you only have eyes for Megan." Jonah slid the menu over.
"Don't bring up Megan. That's old news," Michael said flatly.
"Man, every time you got wasted over her, you said it was old news," Jonah scoffed.
"I got kids now," Michael really didn't wanna dig up the past.
Jonah thought that having kids meant no chance with Megan anymore.
Jonah didn't buy that Michael was over Megan. When Megan dated Joseph, Michael couldn't show his feelings in front of Joseph and Lucas, but he often spilled his guts to him.
"Order up. The food here is legit," Jonah said. "How's the project at Emerald Lakeside coming along?"
"Should be wrapped up by the end of the year. Gotta thank you for that. If it weren't for your help, those thugs at Emerald Lakeside wouldn't have played ball." Michael raised his glass. "Even though my uncle's the president, some stuff has to be handled on the down-low. If not, people would say I'm abusing my power, which would mess with my uncle's rep."
"No sweat. We've been tight for years." Jonah paused, then said awkwardly, "I didn't mean to leave you hanging when you got booted from the Jude Family. It's just that your dad gave the order, and we didn't wanna cross him."
"I get it. It's all water under the bridge."
Michael had really made peace with it. Everyone's got their own interests. Just like now, he was here 'cause of the perks Jonah brought him.
They shot the breeze about work for a bit until there was a knock on the door, and a waiter walked in.
Michael didn't pay much attention at first, but when he heard a glass drop, he looked up and saw a gaunt face. He was floored.
Megan.
Michael never thought he'd see this woman again, especially like this.
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