Page 41 of Isolation

I have been preparing daily breakfasts so we can all enjoy at least one meal together.

Except today it’s called brunch instead of breakfast, even though I am still sticking to what I can easily serve; toast, fruits, yogurt, cereal.

The difference?

It’s called brunch because it’s on a weekend and we are serving alcohol.

Hallelujah.

I have lined up two jugs of orange juice and bottles of cheap champagne that I found in the fully stocked bar.

I am cutting up fresh fruits when Brandon strolls in and leans against the counter, towering over me with his tall body.

I have never seen Brandon this up so close. Suddenly, I am jealous of his hair. His rugged good looks are complemented by a headful of pretty black locks. Yes, this man has pretty hair.

“Hey!” he crosses his arms over his chest.

“Morning,” I smile at him warmly and take in his floppy sweaty hair. “You go for a run?”

“Yeah. I usually go for runs in the morning.”

“Good for you. I wish to have your motivation someday.”

“You do. You are just motivated about other things, like your designs. But I hope Alexa didn’t overwhelm you the other day about it. We are just passionate entrepreneurs.”

“Oh,” I wave it off. “Not at all. It was sweet, but I don’t think I’m in the headspace to start my own line right now. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

Brandon grabs a jug of orange juice and pulls out two glasses. He easily uncorks one of the champagne bottles, barely even making a pop. He hands me a mimosa, and we raise the glasses in cheers.

“That’s how we felt. When five… sorry four,” he says pointedly, “of us started, we didn’t know where to begin. We were a bunch of college kids who made an app for a class project.”

“Pray tell, what’s the sudden interest in getting me to start my own business?”

“All of us do micro-investments and prefer niche start-ups.We like investing in products that interest us, and Alexa likes fashion.”He shrugs.

A random thought crosses my mind. “Does Milo ever invest in small businesses?” I ask without meeting his eyes.

I know thatMilo invested in my mom’s business. Mom told me that Milo called it an investment in my talent because he thought I could turn the company around.

Brandon shakes his head. “Milo is notoriously stingy with his portfolio. Out of the four of us he has made the least number of investments, and only when he feels it’s too good to pass up.”

I don’t know why, but a knot in my stomach unties on its own.

“That’s good to know,” I mutter. “It’s really cool that you guys invest in so many start-ups.”

“It is. And Alexa asked me to butter you up so she can invest inyourstart-up. She refuses to miss the opportunity to invest while you are still suffering from low self-esteem and have no idea how talented you are. This way, she can really low ball you and take a larger stake than she otherwise could.”

I start laughing. Brandon is apparently adamant about making a business deal before breakfast is over.

“What stake? I haven’t even done anything.”

“You will. Alexa told me that she texted your Instagram handle to a few friends. You already have interested customers. If you hire beautiful junior designers and models, maybe I’ll invest too. I’ll do it for a smaller stake in exchange for coming to your work and gawking.”

“Oh my God,” I playfully punch his shoulder. “You are absolutely insane. Maybe I’ll also hire hot male models, so Alexa also gives up her shares in the business.”

“I don’t think Alexa will be quite so generous. She only has eyes for Milo.”

My eyes flip up to meet Brandon’s in shock. “Still?”