Chapter 223
The next night, Scott showed up wearing a black coat that somehow made him look a little more relaxed than usual. Still, even when he was quiet, he had this calm, serious vibe that was hard to ignore.
When he picked up Claire and Josh, everyone sat in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Josh cleared his throat. “Mamie, is this your boyfriend p>
“Yeah, Dad. This is Scott. My boyfriend p>
Josh nodded politely. “Hello p>
Scott gave a small smile. “Hello, sir. Please, just call me Scott p>
Josh glanced at him, curiosity in his eyes. “Scott, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you p>
Scott answered with a gentle smile. “I’m thirty-four. I work for the government p>
Josh nodded, like that explained a lot. No wonder Scott had that upright, trustworthy feel about him.
“Steady job. That’s good,” Josh said.
Claire looked Scott up and down, thinking he seemed a bit older than she expected. “You’re seven years older than Mamie. Did you two meet through friends p>
Mamie’s heart skipped. She hadn’t planned this part out with Scott at all.
Scott jumped in before she could panic. “Actually, my sister-in-law is Mamie’s boss. We met thanks to her, just by chance p>
Claire smiled, a little surprised. “That really is a coincidence p>
She could tell Scott came from a good family, but since it was just the beginning,
she didn’t want to pry too much. Both parents let it go for now.
When they got out of the car, Scott reached out his hand for Mamie. She hesitated for a second, but when he raised his eyebrow, as if to ask why she was waiting, she stepped forward and took his hand. Their fingers laced together and Scott’s lips twitched with a
barely-there smile.
He led Mamie’s parents into a restaurant where he often dined with colleagues. The manager,
jet
recognizing Scott came over right away Director, would you like us to open the wine you stored here last time p>
Scott glanced at Josh. “Would you like a drink? I’m driving tonight, so I can’t join you p>
Josh shook his head. “No, thanks. I have high blood pressure p>
The manager nodded and slipped out quietly.
A moment later, Josh leaned in, curious. “Scott, did that waiter call you Director? Did
I hear that right p>
Scott smiled easily. “You heard right. But tonight, I’m just Mamie’s boyfriend p>
Josh realized he might have underestimated the man in front of him. Scott’s calm confidence, the way he spoke and moved, all made sense now.
Suddenly, Josh thought of The Stephens Group. Even though they hadn’t been back in the country long, he’d heard of it. “Is The Stephens Group your family’s business too he asked a little blunt.
Scott just smiled. “My brother handles the family business. I stay out of it p>
Josh glanced at Mamie, but she kept her head down, studying her nails, not meeting his eyes.
“Scott, you’re great,” Josh said, his tone sincere.
Mamie heard it and knew her dad was completely won over. The rest of the evening went just as smoothly as she’d hoped.
Later, after Scott drove them home, Mamie looked at him, her eyes warm with gratitude. “Thank you for tonight. I really appreciate it p>