Chapter 115

“Call him up,” Dorian snapped at James. “I’m going back to Chesterwick in a couple days. He’s not even going to take me out for dinner?”

Wyatt turned to Abigail right away. “You got his number? Give him a call. He’s done us both favors. I should buy him a meal.”

“Me? You want me to call?” Abigail stared at him in shock. She had Sebastian’s number, but she never called him unless she absolutely had to. Plus, he was swamped with work right now, and that was all her fault anyway.

“What’s wrong?” Dorian said. “It’s not like he’s a stranger.”

Abigail didn’t feel like she knew Sebastian all that well. She barely understood anything about him, really. Sure, they’d worked together, but he kept his cards close to his chest. She couldn’t read his moods or figure out what made him tick.

She glanced over at James, who couldn’t help but smile. “Why don’t you give it a shot? You and your grandfather could organize a dinner tonight. Invite him and Mr. Cox. What do you think?”

Abigail figured it wasn’t such a bad idea. Everyone was pushing for it, and if she kept refusing, she’d look like she was snubbing Dorian. She pulled out her phone and dialed Sebastian’s number.

After a few rings, Sebastian picked up.

With everyone staring at her, Abigail felt awkward. “Mr. Robinson, I’m at my grandpa’s hospital right now. Mr. Cox is here too, and he’d like to have dinner with you.”

“I was thinking this would be a perfect chance for me to treat you to a meal and thank you properly,” she spoke carefully, choosing each word.

“Uh, Mr. Robinson is still sleeping right now. I’ll let him know when he wakes up,” Jeremiah’s voice carried a hint of embarrassment. He hadn’t even had a chance to speak before Abigail jumped in.

When Abigail heard his voice, she immediately relaxed and cleared her throat softly. Her tone became much more natural. “Okay, just tell him when he wakes up.”

She quickly hung up and turned to Dorian. “He must be exhausted from work. He’s still catching up on sleep.”

“We’ll book a restaurant now. When he wakes up, he can come straight over,” Wyatt said to Dorian. They settled it between themselves, leaving no room for Abigail to object.

“I’ll handle the restaurant arrangements for you guys,” James said, driving while talking to Dorian and Wyatt. “When it comes to dining and entertainment in Cobridge, there’s nothing I don’t know about. I guarantee I’ll pick a place that’ll have you eating and drinking like kings. You’ll be completely satisfied!”

“You’ve been a troublemaker since day one,” Dorian said to James. “Seb had real skills back then, but you didn’t pick up any of that. All you cared about was partying and having fun.”

Despite his gruff words, Dorian’s voice was full of affection.

James just grinned. “What do I need those skills for? I know how to do business and make deals. That’s enough for me.”

Abigail sat beside him quietly, unable to join their conversation. She just listened as they talked.

James took them to a highly-rated restaurant and booked a private dining room. While they were looking at menus, he slipped outside to text Warren and call Sebastian.

When Sebastian picked up, James lowered his voice. “Is this Jeremiah or are you answering yourself?”

“Jeremiah already told me,” Sebastian’s voice came through the phone, rough with sleep. “I’m just getting cleaned up. Which hotel?”

“Cobridge Private Kitchen—you know, the really good one. Dress nice, 'cause Abby’s here too.” James’ tone turned leading.

Sebastian laughed and cursed. “You little punk, are you messing with me? Looking for trouble?”

James chuckled. “Wouldn’t dare. Her grandfather’s here too, so you better be on your best behavior. And here’s something interesting: Abby’s pretty reserved. She calls you Mr. Robinson to your face, but behind your back it’s just ‘Seb.’ I don’t think she even realizes she does it.”

“Really? Probably just slipped out. Anyway, I’ll be there soon. Take good care of my grandfather and her grandpa while I’m gone.”

Sebastian hung up, and James headed back to the private dining room. He pulled out his chair and sat down, turning to Abigail. “I just called to hurry Seb along. He’ll be here any minute. Have you guys ordered yet? If not, I can recommend some dishes.”

“Go ahead and suggest a couple things. I have no idea what’s good here.” Abigail slid the menu across to him. The thought of Sebastian arriving made her glance unconsciously toward the door.

James finished ordering and grabbed a bottle of whiskey, asking the restaurant to bring out the appetizers first.

“We showed up without a reservation, so the kitchen’s running slow. Let’s start with some appetizers and drinks to tide us over.” He poured drinks for both Wyatt and Dorian, his face beaming with enthusiasm.

Abigail watched him, thinking what a character he was—effortlessly connecting with young people while also knowing exactly how to make the elderly feel comfortable.