Chapter 24

“You’re being sarcastic.”

“No. No. I’m sorry. I didn’t have a very good night, and I’m just tired.”

“Anyway, I wanted to say that a young man such as yourself can have limitless potential in my business. Limitless potential for money andthe leisure time in which to spend it. Most people go through life wishing they could somehow figure out a way to marry that particular combination. Most never figure it out. But I can give it to you, Wren.”

“And all I have to do is fuck?”

Wordlessly, Venus set the plates down before Wren and refilled their coffee. She hurried away.

Dave shook his head. “I wish you would refrain from using such crude language around me. It offends me, and it doesn’t become you at all.”

Wren didn’t apologize. He took a bite of his omelet, which was a delightful blend of spinach, egg, and feta.

“Whatever. I can see you need a little work. The phrase ‘diamond in the rough’ comes to mind when I look at you.”