Page 120 of The Friend Situation

“You’re ten minutes late,” he says.

“My apartment was broken into, so I had to go somewhere else. The subway by Central Park was delayed, there was no bus, and I had to resort to rideshare. I called and left a message, so I wasn’t AWOL,” I respond, my pulse quickening as I plead my case.

He shakes his head, the disappointment evident on his face. “I’m sorry, Carlee. Corporate policy is you can’t be late three times in six months. Rules are rules. If you break them, you face the consequences.”

I think about the rules Weston and I made, then immediately broke. I breathe in deeply, attempting to center myself.

“Thank you, Mr. Martin. I appreciate all you’ve done for me,” I say, knowing this is out of his hands.

“I’m sorry,” he says, his tone firm but tinged with a hint of something.

Is that empathy? I can tell he’s upset. I’m one of his best employees, and we both know it.

“Please turn in your ID and uniform,” he says, turning away.

When the door to his office closes behind him, I feel the finality of this hanging in the air.

As I pull my coat from my locker, I have the overwhelming sensation that life as I know it is changing, and there is nothing I can do to stop that.

19

WESTON

After our incredibly frustrating meeting, Easton and I climb into the back of an SUV, the scent of leather mingling with the faint traces of rain on the asphalt. The engine hums to life, and as we pull away, I glance at my watch. It’s just after five.

“I’m so fucking sick and tired of playing the same song and dance where they expect a different result, knowing I won’t budge on my decisions,” Easton complains, his irritation evident.

Granted, it was a four-hour meeting that should’ve only lasted two, so I understand his irritation. I’m not thrilled about it either.

“It’s a big investment for them to partner with us. That’s to be expected,” I remind him. “Fuck, I bet Lexi is glad you’re not like this at home.”

“My wife never tests my patience.” He rolls his eyes dramatically.

“No, you just enjoy it and find it endearing when Lexi does it. There’s a difference,” I tell him teasingly.

“Maybe,” he replies, a smirk breaking through.

We both know it’s the truth.

My brother has very little patience in the business world. He’salwaysthe bad cop while I play the role of the comedic relief, theking’s jester in this cutthroat arena. Often, it’s necessary because he tends to go too hard, bulldozing through meetings like a freight train. Easton is a known hard-ass who takes no shit from anyone, a reputation forged in the fires of ruthless negotiations. I tend to read the room better than he does, which makes us great partners—yin and yang. We make deals happen, even the impossible ones.

“I get so fucking annoyed, having to constantly repeat myself,” Easton huffs, his voice low but intense. “It’s not difficult to listenandcomprehend.”

“Now it’s over, so you don’t have to think about it anymore,” I say, fully aware he’s still aggravated.

He clenches his jaw, revealing the relentless pressure he puts on himself.

“Until Wednesday, when we meet again,” he mumbles. “I might let you handle that one alone.”

“Whatever you need,” I reply, knowing he’ll rise to the occasion when the time comes.

The industry calls us double trouble because we make billion-dollar deals happen that turn heads and reshape markets. Everyone knows the diamond princes always get what they want in life. We might’ve been born with golden spoons in our mouths, but we’ve worked tirelessly to preserve what’s ours, clawing our way to the top of the business world while remaining fiercely loyal to our family’s legacy.

His phone buzzes with a text, and I see a grin spread across his face. I know it’s Lexi. She’s the only one who can successfully turn his frown upside down. She’s his sunshine, breaking through clouds after a storm. Knowing I helped bring them together might be one of my greatest accomplishments.

He types something quickly, his fingers flying over the screen, and then glances back at me. “Are you attending Asher’s party tonight?”

Asher Banks is one of my and Easton’s friends.He also owns one of the most successful advertising and marketing firms in the world. Tonight, he’s throwing a party for his close friends.

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