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They all chime in with an enthusiastic, “Yeah,” as he pours himself a drink.
“I know it’s been a while so I think another introduction is in order. That’s Jameson and Patterson; they’re brothers. Callan, Hunter, and Smiley.”
I wave and take a seat, thankful to be told their names.
The lights are low, and music plays overhead. The surrounding tables are packed with couples, and the bar has no open seats.
“Drink up,” Hunter says with a nod. “Heard you’ve had a helluva day.”
“What have you heard?” I pour a double shot of bourbon and down it in one go.
“Fucking around with a Calloway? You’re gonna find out,” Patterson says, shaking his head. “That’s a death wish.”
I chuckle. “I’ll survive, trust me.”
A moment later, a cocktail waitress with long legs approaches us, her eyes fixed on me. She’s cute.
“Does anyone need anything from the bar?” she asks, smiling directly at me.
I swirl the amber liquid in my glass, smirking back. “I’m good. Thanks.”
“I bet you are,” she replies with a wink. “Let me know if I can help with anything.”
She turns on her heel and walks away.
The guys look at me, eyebrows raised.
“What?” I ask.
“She wanted you,” Smiley says.
“Too bad he only has eyes for one woman,” my brother chimes in.
“That’s how rumors get started.” I shake my head. “And don’t talk to me. I’m still pissed at you.”
“Aww. Here’s all the fucks I give,” Nick says, opening his empty palm.
I can’t help but smile. My brother is my best friend, always looking out for me. He’s been protective of me since we were kids.
I take another shot, craving the liquor to hit me faster. Tonight, I want to forget my name. I need to temporarily forget Billie Calloway exists and that I’m being forced away from work.
“What did I miss?” Patterson asks.
“My brother thought it would be a great idea to get between the diamond princess and Josh Lustre. Now he’s stuck in a shit show.” Nick explains how he temporarily took over the company, grinning.
I roll my eyes. “You forgot to mention I’m not doing it for evil reasons.”
“Then why?” Jameson asks.
It’s tough to put into words what I’m after.
“I’m an asshole, and I’m bored,” I say, slamming back another drink.
“Shit. You have a crush on the diamond princess.” Hunter laughs, standing up to pour bourbon into all our glasses.
“No, I don’t,” I say, lifting my drink and tossing it back.
Jameson changes the subject, and we talk about nothing and everything at once. It feels good to shoot the shit. Maybe taking some time off will do me some good.