Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins [38]
‘Is everything set for the board meeting on Friday?’ Lucky asked.
‘Of course,’ Danny replied. ‘It’s all in order.’
‘I think I’ve persuaded Alex Woods to come. Make sure he has the right accommodations. And arrange to have cars meet everyone at the airport.’
‘Got it, Lucky.’
‘Okay then,’ she said, tossing back her long jet-black hair. ‘I’m on my way to see Gino. We’ll talk later.’
* * *
The Malibu party started off slowly. A trickle of friends hanging out by the pool drinking beer and Coke from cans, laughing and talking and generally getting loose.
Max glanced around and wished that she had invited Ace. Maybe this would’ve been the night they’d consummated their relationship, shifting it to another level. Since she was about to be eighteen, wasn’t it time to do something about taking things all the way?
She took a quick peek at her watch, realized it was only just past eight, so if she called him now he could probably make it in a couple of hours. But then he’d be annoyed that she hadn’t told him about it before, so it was best to leave it alone.
Cookie was busy draping herself all over the deejay Harry had gotten. The guy was Latin and a major hottie straight out of a Calvin Klein ad. Maybe Frankie wouldn’t show, and Cookie would settle for this guy. He certainly knew his stuff – rocking everything from Usher to Drake to Miley to old 80’s soul and Beatles classics.
This is going to be a perfect evening, Max thought. A mellow way to celebrate turning eighteen. And after I’m eighteen, I’m moving to New York, far away from parental concerns. I’m going to be exactly like Bobby and make my own life.
Doing what?
I haven’t decided.
She darted inside the house to check that she’d locked up all the main rooms. She certainly didn’t want anyone coming into the house, Lucky would so not appreciate it.
Harry followed her, his spiked hair gelled higher than ever. ‘You gotta tell Cookie to lay off Paco,’ he said, sounding flustered. ‘She’s such a greedy bitch. If it’s got a dick, she wants it.’
‘Who’s Paco?’
Harry’s pale skin reddened. ‘The deejay.’
‘Why’d you want her to back off?’
‘’Cause I gotta wild hunch he’s gonna be way more into me than her,’ Harry said.
‘Oh crap!’ Max exclaimed, getting the message.
‘So do something about her,’ Harry pleaded.
‘I’ll try,’ Max promised. ‘But you know Cookie . . .’
Yes, everyone knew Cookie. If there was a party, she was there. If there was a hot guy, she was there. Cookie had lost her virginity to one of her famous father’s friends when she was fourteen, and she’d never looked back.
It kind of irked Max that she lurked so far behind in the sex stakes, but then again she didn’t want to give it up to just anyone. The first time had to be special, and she was making sure that it was.
* * *
Back in New York, Bobby stopped by his apartment, checked his email, took a shower, put on fresh clothes and headed for Mood.
It was past ten by the time he arrived, and the place was packed as usual. Wednesday nights were usually extra happening as it was guest deejay night, and everyone enjoyed the change of pace. His manager, Paulo, a suave Italian, assured him things were going well.
Bobby did the rounds, stopping by tables, buying people drinks, complimenting the women. He wasn’t crazy about playing genial host, but he did it because he knew it was good for business.
Martin Constantine – the real-estate mogul – insisted that he join him and his wife, Nona, for a glass of champagne. At one time Bobby had considered asking Martin if he’d be interested in investing in future clubs, but then he’d decided against it, because Martin wouldn’t simply put up the money, he was the kind of man who’d expect to be involved.
Nona was not her normal flirty self. Bobby was relieved. He’d never quite figured out how to deal with the horny wives of rich men, and it was surprising how many came onto him. Horny wives were a business hazard he tried to avoid.
After having a quick drink with Martin