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He shrugged as the doors closed. “I’m not entirely evil. You’ve spent most of your life swanning around, you’re actually doing an honest day’s work, I am actually impressed, take it or leave it.”

She bit her tongue. Sometimes it was hard to remember that Jasper really was her brother, and that he wasn’t alwaysa complete bastard. Just most of the time. “Thanks, a double-edged compliment, but I suppose I’ll take it.”

“Going up to the top?” She nodded and he pressed the appropriate button. “I suppose you’re reporting in on the big party. How is it going?”

“Fine,” she said politely.

“I’m not sure Rosie’s going to make it,” he said. “She’s sick as a dog at the moment. Can’t keep a thing down.” He side-eyed her. “What about you? Thought about who you’re bringing to this little shin-dig yet? It’d be nice to see you settling down and growing up.”

Patience, she told herself, patience. The elevator ride couldn’t take forever. “I haven’t put much thought into it yet,” she said politely.

“Huh, I suppose it won’t be that Rolly at least.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” The words shot out of her mouth before she could stop them.

“Just that he’s a pillow-biter now, isn’t he?” Jasper said.

“Jesus Christ, Jasp, do you have to be such a Neanderthal?”

He sighed. “Listen, sis, I’d punch the fellow if I thought he’d strung you along.” He narrowed his eyes. “But I’m not entirely sure that you didn’t know about his…”

“Homosexuality, Jasper. It’s a long word, but I’m sure you can say it if you try.”

“Hishabits,” Jasper finished.

She stared at him. “You make me sick,” she said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Hey, I’m just looking out for you. I would certainly defend your honor.”

Jem snorted and the lift door opened. “You disgust me,” she said, stepping out.

“I really don’t know why,” Jasper said, coming after her.

“Maybe because you’re intolerant, disrespectful, and generally a horrific human?”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Jasper grinned. “You’d better go, you know Pa doesn’t like being kept waiting.” He waltzed off toward his own office, leaving Jem gritting her teeth.

There was something about her brother that made her stupider. Given time she could craft the perfect insult, but all logical and sensible speech left her brain as soon as Jasper started to talk to her.

She wanted nothing more than to just slap him.

Maybe one day she would.

“SO YOU’RE A working girl now, are you?” Rolly smirked, picking up his cocktail.

“Ha ha,” Jem said. “And yes, since you ask, I am. It’s easier to buckle down and just do it. Besides, it’s not exactly the most difficult job in the world, is it?”

“You’ve changed your tune.” He took a drink and put the glass back on the bar.

“Ellie gave me a talking to,” Jem said. “Explained that the consequences of me behaving badly reflected worse on her. I don’t want to bankrupt the poor woman.”

“Ah,” said Rolly. “Ellie.”

“What?” Jem took a hefty drink from her own glass. “You say that like it means something.”

“Doesn’t it?”

She looked at him for a second before looking down at the bar. “No.”