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“Yes, sir,” he says.
Seconds later, the car stops. Brody opens the back door, handing me some Ray-Bans and a Yankees baseball hat. I happily put them on as we zoom away from it all. I’ve been traveling for six months, and nothing has changed except the season. However, being in New York during the summer is my favorite, so right now, I’m happy. Even if it’s temporary.
I look out the windows at the puffy white fluffs of cumuli drifting in the blue sky. It’s a beautiful day, one that shouldn’t be wasted. As we turn onto another street, my cell vibrates, pulling my attention away. I see my brother’s name and answer.
“Did you survive today?” Weston asks.
“You know I did.” I’m being short, but Ihatetalking on the phone. I prefer text unless it’s something serious, and if that’s the case, I want the news delivered to my face. Weston doesn’t care though.
“Sorry I couldn’t be there with you.” I hear a cheeky smile in his tone.
“You’re not,” I state.
“I’ll happily let you stand in for me and deal with Lena any day of the week.”
That’s his soon-to-be ex-wife. They’ve been publicly fighting in divorce court for months.
“Next time.”
When we were younger, we’d switch places weekly because very few people could tell us apart. Even now, when we’re bored as fuck or I need air, he’ll tap in for me.
“Snap your fingers, and we can trade lives, little brother.” He’s fifty-five seconds older than me, and he’ll never let me live it down.
“Had I been standing in your shoes, you’d have been divorced last year.”
“She could use some of the asshole cold shoulder you’ve perfected over the years.”
We might laugh, but it’s true.
“So, I know your schedule is your life, but are you free tonight?” he asks.
“No. Are you free on Friday night?” I ask.
It’s only six days away. Gives me some time to decompress from nonstop travel.
He chuckles. “Considering I’m no longer shackled to the wicked witch, I have no definite plans until the end of time. I’ll put something together.”
“Somewhere with no dress code.” I’m tired of entertaining. I want to sit at a shitty bar and drink cheap whiskey out of a dirty glass and pretend like the paparazzi aren’t following me around the city. I noticed them as soon as I landed yesterday.
“I’ve got the perfect place in mind. I’ve missed you,” he tells me.
“Yeah, yeah.” The truth is, I’ve missed him too.
Weston is my best friend, and we’re thick as thieves. Always have been. In our profession, they call usdouble trouble;because we fucking are. He’s the chief operating officer, and he’s been waiting for me to assume the CEO role. Together, we’ll rule Calloway Diamonds as it was always intended.
My father will retire within the next few months, and I’ll be promoted as long aseverycondition is met.
I attended several Ivy Leagues, studied abroad, befriended world leaders, and sold billions in investments.
Only one requirement remains unfulfilled—marriage before forty. Now, I’m currently the world’s mosteligiblebachelor withzeroprospects. And the only people who know that are on the inside.
“Are you thrilled to be back?” he asks.
“No.” It’s the truth. I need a vacation because I’m teetering on the edge of burnout. “Yesterday, I demanded someone at the W be fired.”
The line is silent for a few seconds.
“Because?”