Page 50 of Riches and Romance

“Well, here I am. You better start talking before an act of divine mercy cuts us off, too.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m not laughing. I’m calling to see how likely you think it is that Dad won’t resign if I ask.”

“One hundred percent.”

I groan. “Shit. Why hasn’t he called me?”

She groans. “God, no wonder you two butt heads so much. You soundjustlike him.”

“I’m nothing like him,” I say, when in truth I’m afraid I’m everything like him. Being with Jules has shown me just how much my behavior mirrors his. He didn’t forgive my mother, and I can’t forgive him.

She grunts in disgust. “Ask him. And enough about our endless family drama. I want to talk about the real reason I’ve been trying to reach you. I saw your Instagram story. She sounds amazing.”

“She is.” I smile to myself.

“Oh my God, you just sighed.” She sounds as shocked as I feel. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

“Shut up. She’s the only person I’m nice to.”

“Well, congratulations. I wish I hadn’t seen it online before you told me, though.”

“It happened quickly, Lay.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re not alone, but I will fuck her up if she tries to keep you over there.”

“I’ll bring her home as soon as I can. I know you’ll love her.”

“Did you vet her?”

“Are you kidding?” I scoff.

“No. You’re rich. Connected, powerful. You can’t let just anyone in your life.”

“God, don’t start. Please.”

“I just love you.”

“And you want to make sure the only people who live off me are related by blood?”

“You are such an asshole.”

I put my phone down on the bar and try to convince myself not to feel bad about what I said. It’s true. That house she wants to put on the market was paid for by me. Her trips back and forth to Houston have all been on the expenses I’ve signed off on every month. She spends money without a single thought for where it comes from.

But until the shit with my mother, I’d never cared before. In fact, I’ve always felt lucky that I’ve been in a position to provide for my family. It’s an honor, and thanks to my father I’ve done well enough that it’s not a financial hardship.

Layel isn’t a mooch. She’s stayed home when I know she might not have if I’d been around. But my dad was alone, and she didn’t want him to be. She had dreams she didn’t chase to keep us as cohesive as possible. All while taking care of her kids.

I have a whole team of people to do the things I don’t want or have the time to do. But I’ve never needed a personal assistant because Layel keeps my personal calendar, pays my personal bills, balances my personal accounts, and makes sure I’m at every family and corporate function. Money I can spare is the least I owe her. Jules is right—holding on to my anger is turning me into someone I’m not.

I pull out my phone and call her back.

She answers on the first ring. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I love you and would kick anyone else’s ass who talked to you like that.”

“I know. And I love you, too. But this is what anger does when you hold on to it, O. Call Dad. Work this out so you can move on.”

“I promise I will think about it. I’m sorry I’ve been such an asshole, and thank you for loving me anyway.”

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