CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY – INTIMATE ENTRANCE

Whether by cosmic design or mere happenstance, Gordon and Jasmine arrived at the restaurant's understated entrance at almost the precise moment that Sandra and her infamous plus-one came strolling up the opposite side of the awning-shaded portico. Gordon was in the midst of shaking droplets of rain from his tousled hair when the animated sound of Sandra's laughter rang out, cutting through the ambient noise of the city night. He glanced up, lips quirking in a wry smile as he took in the sight of his vivacious mentor, looking every inch the debonair vixen in a form-fitting crimson sheath dress. Her companion, undoubtedly the fabled Alex, cut an equally striking figure in tailored slacks and a crisp dress shirt – though Gordon couldn't help but notice the man's tousled chestnut locks and roguish grin lent him a distinctly rakish air. "Well, well, well," Sandra crowed as she swept towards them, hazel eyes bright with barely contained glee. "If it isn't the other half of our catastrop