Page 114 of The Heartbreaker

I exhaled the burn the vodka had left on my tongue. “Where would you even start? My brother being a fucking asshole? The situation I’ve gotten us into? The wedding that I want you to attend and …”

She shrugged. “Any of those would work.” She shifted her position so she was fully facing me. “I’m not saying your brother is the unfriendliest person I’ve ever met”—she winced—“but each time I’ve been around him, he kinda ranks up there.”

“He hasn’t always been like that.”

“What brought it on? Age? Your dad’s death? Or I’m not even close?”

I held up a finger, letting her know I needed a second, and I went into the living room to pour myself another drink. Into the mixer, I added vodka and extra olive juice, shaking the shit out of it before I poured the concoction into my glass. As I was heading back into the kitchen, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

It had better be Rhett, apologizing for being such a bastard.

Jana

Ridge, I have horrible news.

Me

What’s wrong? Is Daisy all right?

Jana

Yeah, yeah, she’s fine. I just found out I can’t make it to Taylor’s concert. The opportunity of a lifetime came my way. One I’ve been dreaming about since the start of my career. If I pass it up, I’ll never forgive myself.

Me

I’ll take her. Don’t even worry about it.

Jana

But what about the extra ticket? I don’t want it to go to waste.

Me

I’ll bring Rhett.

Jana

Come on. We both know that isn’t going to happen.

Me

I’ll figure it out. Don’t stress about it.

Jana

I’m sorry …

“Is everything okay?” Addison asked as I slid my phone back into my pocket.

I heard myself exhale, not even realizing I’d been holding in air or that I’d released it so loudly. “That was Jana. Things are fine. Anyway, about all of this”—I moved in front of her and cupped her cheek—“I’m going to solve it. Soon. I promise.”

Her hand went to the back of mine. “It’s okay if it doesn’t happen before Brady’s wedding. You know my only concern is Daisy. I don’t want any of this to affect her. Remember, I was the one who suggested to wait until the end of the school year, so even though Rhett is giving you all this shit about it, I don’t agree with him.”

I focused on her eyes. “You’re so patient, baby.”

She gave me a soft smile. “Honestly, I’m slightly worried too. If Jana gets pissed enough and goes to the school board, I don’t know what would happen.”

“She’d move Daisy out of your class before she went to the school board, but she wouldn’t go as far as discussing your personal life with the administration—I guarantee that.”