Page 9 of Sigma

Between Layla’s words a few minutes ago and him clearly expecting me to blow up, I force myself not to. I’ve already been called childish once in the last minute, I’m not about to go making it worse.

I’m an adult, if a young one. I’m a ranking executive in St. Claire Industries, earned mostly on my own merits, with the assistance of just a teeny, tiny little amount of nepotism.

I’m not going to act like a childish, jealous bitch to my brother, who is clearly over the moon to be going on this trip with our dad.

“What prompted the sudden interest in the company?” I asked. “Get bored of surfing?”

“Psssh. As ifthatwere possible,” he says, still eying me suspiciously. “Nah. I just…I dunno. I want to see what it’s like when Dad actually does stuff. Like, out in the world. Most of the time he’s working, he’s on the computer or video conference. Plus, I haven’t been away from the islands except for the Keys in forever. So.” A shrug, and another glance, eyes narrowed at me. “Why are you not flipping your shit, Rin? I was all ready for you to hit the roof.”

“We’re outside, dumbass—there’s no roof to hit, for one thing.”

“It’s an expression, stupid.”

“Don’t call me stupid, stupid.” I close my eyes and collect myself. “I’ve been on plenty of trips with Dad. I figure it can be your turn.”

He looks at Layla. “I’m guessing I have you to thank for this suspiciously adult-like calm from my normally rabid sister.”

Layla snorts. “Maybe, but I wouldn’t set about trying to ruin it if I were you.”

Dad has been watching this exchange silently. He reaches out, pulls me into a hug, tucking me against his side. “Proud of you,” he whispers, kissing me on the top of the head.

“Any news on whether Musk is going to invest?” I ask.

“We’ve been in talks,” he answers. “He wants more data.”

“What data? We’ve given him everything we have.”

“He’s hedging,” Dad answers. “I’ve got him on the hook for at least two billion, so he’s not going to make the decision overnight, and I can’t pester him.”

“We have to get him on board though,” I say. “He’s the O-G of reusable rocketry. We need his infrastructure to get our materials into orbit.”

Dad laughs. “You’ve proven yourself to me, already, Rin. To everyone. Me taking Cal to this contract signing doesn’t threaten your position in the company.”

I deflate—Dad can always see right through me. “Why’s he looking all fancy?”

“Jealous of that, too?” He ruffles my hair, which he knows infuriates me. “He can’t very well appear at a four-billion-dollar deal signing wearing board shorts and flip-flops.”

“Guess not.”

“Duke and Temple are coming down while I’m gone,” he says.

“Oh good, I like them. Duke is funny.”

Mercedes swaggers up to the group, having done whatever she needed to do ashore. “All right, ya’ll. Ready to head out when you are, sir.”

She’s five-eight, whipcord lean with muscle definition I’m jealous of, her hair in long box braids draped over one shoulder. Light brown, almost tan eyes, incredible facial structure, and a quick smile. She’s wearing a pilot’s jumpsuit, the top unzipped a few inches, showing just a hint of cleavage, enough to accentuate her femininity.

I hug Dad one more time, and then I pull Cal aside. “Have fun, okay?”

He frowns at me. “You’re not mad?”

“I was at first. I’m over it. You deserve it. Just…listen more than you speak, okay?”

“Seems like that’s hard-won advice from you, huh?” he says, with a teasing smirk.

“Shut up,” I say, shoving him. “You look nice.”

“I like wearing the suit, actually. It makes me feel…I dunno. Cool.” He glances at Bryn. “Is it just me, or is she’s looking at me weird?”