Page 34 of Fixer for the Billionaire

I snort, dusting off my hands. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Pricks One and Two."

"Ah, hell. Don't get mad, Q," Killian says, grinning. "We just know you two too well."

I roll my eyes, unable to resist. "Fine, fine. But if you guys have any actually helpful suggestions, I'm all ears."

"I might be able to help out with that one." Alton runs a hand through his thick chestnut hair. "I mean, I did plan Derek's engagement party last year. And it went well."

"Really?" My eyebrows rise. "I thought you just delegated that to your assistant."

"Hey now," Alton protests, mock offense all over his face. "I did plenty of work for that party. And you bums had fun, admit it."

Killian snorts, shaking his head. "Yeah, mostly laughing at you trying to open a bottle of champagne."

I laugh, remembering the chaos that was Alton's attempt at being fancy. "Okay, okay. So maybe you do have some valuable input after all."

"Of course I do," Alton says, crossing his arms. "Though, I will say this: Carmina's got much fancier tastes than I do." His blue eyes pull downward as he frowns at me. "I'd say I'm surprised that she's not planning the entire thing on her own, but then she might be applying for guardianship of her two sisters, and I'm sure she's super busy with that..."

"She what?" I sit up straighter, leaning forward. "She's applying for guardianship of Gabriela and Valeria?"

My eldest brother blinks at me. “Uh, possibly. Wait, have you met them yet?”

“I have." I brush off his curious look. "When is Carmina going through with this?"

"I don't know. She might be waiting for the right time." Alton's broad shoulders rise and drop beneath his suit. "You know her dad's not around. He's living out in LA. And I think her mother was having some sort of issue back in Oakland.”

My throat tightens. I reach for the water bottle on my desk since my mouth is suddenly dry. "She hasn't mentioned the guardianship part to me."

"Maybe she didn't want you to worry," Killian throws out. "You know Car. She's all about that hashtag-boss-babe life. She's probably handling everything like a pro."

I nod, my mind mulling over this new info.

It's no secret that Sanchez has always been a bit of a control freak, but this step feels like a lot, even for her. And with her helping Jenny plan the upcoming wedding, I can only imagine the stress she must be under.

"So," Killian presses, his brown hair falling into his eyes as he leans in, "you ready for that drink or what? This old man," he motions to Alton, who scoffs, "can only do one drink before he has to get back to his kid and domestic bliss. But McGee's is hosting this sorority reunion event tonight—it's like a magnet for women from all over the city. Plus, I heard they have some killer food specials tonight. I know you're down."

Repositioning myself in my office seat, I grin at Killian's eagerness. McGee's is one of my favorite local bars, known for its happy hour deals and lively atmosphere. And the prospect of a sorority night definitely sounds appealing.

I glance down at my laptop screen, at the Pinterest boards for wedding decoration ideas. I swallow hard and shake my head, the motion feeling stiff. "Sorry, guys. I wish I could join you, but I've got a ton of work to finish up before I get out of here."

Killian groans. Alton nods his understanding.

"Some other time," Alton declares. "Just promise us one thing—you'll get the good chocolate fountains for the party."

I laugh, a genuine sound that feels foreign after the day I've had. "You forget who you're talking to," I tell him. "Now get out of here before I change my mind and join you."

As they exit, Alton claps me on the shoulder, and Killian gives me a playful salute. I glance at the time: 6:45.

Normally, I'd be leaving the office right about now, either heading out to prep for a date or gearing up to watch Nightmare on Elm Street parts one, two, and three with some popcorn and a beer.

Instead, I grab my phone, texting Carmina before I can talk myself out of it.

Need help with the bachelor party side of things. You around?

Almost a minute passes before she texts back.

Sure. Can you swing by in fifteen?

I type back.

---