Page 303 of The Maxwell Brothers

Luke’s eyes bulged. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“Wait, you knew?” Travis asked.

Luke ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. I introduced him to the Halsey Group.” He turned back to me. “So, why didn’t you call me the second you were served?”

“I was with Liz,” I said as I worked out. "She wanted us to bake to take my mind off it."

Travis put down his weights, then sat up. "You baked? I need details. Vivid details, because I’m trying to picture it and failing.”

"Fuck off," I said good-naturedly.

"I'll talk to Liz," Travis went on.

"Does she have something to do with the fact that you’re openly talking about it and not just sharing it with me?" Luke asked.

"Way to rub it in, brother," Travis said. "Thanks for not including me. After what Malcolm did to Tyler, I wanted to bash him.”

"Don’t do it," I said. "Thatwillget you a lawsuit."

Travis rolled his eyes, looking at Luke but pointing at me. "Has it ever occurred to him how hypocritical he is? That he tells us to behave but he runs his own show?"

"That's the privilege of older brothers," Luke replied. "We get to lecture. I meanhegets to lecture. I wouldn't know how to do it. But we don’t have to follow the rules ourselves."

"That's a bullshit rule," Travis declared.

"Anyway, after talking to Liz, I've decided to tell Reese as well. The last time we tried to keep things from her, it didn't work. I don't want Malcolm to blindside her."

"Look at you," Travis said. “Keep on like this, brother, and soon I won’t recognize you.”

I scoffed at him. “I'm going to invite the family to my place. It's high time I gave a housewarming party too."

"When? I need at least a few days’ notice," Travis said.

"Why? You're suddenly busy?" I teased.

"Don't be a jerk. I am, actually. And I'm still not giving you details."

"Details about what?" I asked.

"Dude. I thought telling you that I've got stuff in the works would get you off my back. You've been nagging at me ever since I sold the company."

"Just looking out for you," I said.

"Yeah, I know. Anyway, I started to get restless."

"I rest my case," I said. “It’s gonna be on a weekend. Probably this one.” It was Wednesday, so that gave me plenty of time to pull things together.

“I can make that work,” Travis said.

“Now, how about we focus on the workout and stop gossiping?” I suggested.

“Great idea,” Luke chimed in. “Otherwise, I’ll never get anything done. Just one question: What do we have to do to get photographic evidence of you baking?” Glancing at Travis, he added, “We need to get Liz on our side.”

“Don’t bother Liz,” I said. “She’s busy setting up the bakery.”

“Already?” Travis said. “That was fast.”

“She’s very determined and hardworking,” I said with pride. “She found a spot.”