Page 226 of The Friend Situation

“My painting belongs here,” she whispers. “It’s only right that it returns home.”

“And what willyouname the exhibition?” I whisper across her lips, savoring each second.

Her eyes drift from my eyes to my mouth. “You want me to rename it?”

“Yes, of course. It’s your painting,” I say, barely leaning forward to kiss her.

“Together at Last,” she says. “Like you and me.”

Eight Hours Later

“Sorry I missed the memo about your wedding,” Asher says as we share a whiskey, the amber liquid glimmering in the dim light while we play pool at his place.

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” I say casually, sinking a ball into the pocket with a satisfying thud. “It was short and sweet. Very last minute.”

He takes a sip. “I can tell you’ve finally foundher. Now I’m convinced the Calloways have all the luck.” Asher calls the far pocket like a pro.

“Notallthe Calloways,” I say, thinking of my sister, but he makes a face. “Ah, so you still can’t stand her either?”

“Billie can get fucked,” he replies with a smirk.

“I’ll never understand it. You two are practically the same heartless person—impossible, hardheaded, stubborn, with anger issues. And soulless. Can’t forget that. Holy shit, don’t get me started.”

I grab my whiskey; it swirls in my glass as I stroll around the table. My only goal right now is to help my sister.

His slightly older brother, Nicolas, bursts into the room, whistling a catchy tune that I recognize but can’t place. In his hands is a vintage bottle of bourbon. “To celebrate your nuptials.”

The two of them are a force to reckon with. Co-owners of amarketing empire that can make or break anyone. Billie’s company is still in the infant stage. The foundation is too shaky to handle the onslaught of seasoned competitors that, if merged together, would ruin her in months.

“How’s the wifey?” Nick asks, his voice warm.

“She’s great. Just what marriage is supposed to be like.” I smile at the thought of her, of us, and our future.

Right now, Carlee’s helping Lexi prepare for tomorrow night’s costume and baby announcement party. I would be there, too, but Easton forced me to do recon for Billie instead. So, here I am.

“Love to hear it, man,” Nick says, casually handing me a glass, pouring the bourbon with ease.

So, now I’ve got two drinks. Whiskey in one hand and bourbon in the other. The perfect combination for the tough conversations that will happen before I leave.

“Did you decide if you’ll work with Lustre?” I cut straight to the point, slicing through the casual chatter.

Nick freezes in place and glares at Asher, who brushes off the tension. He’s not intimidated by anyone, unfortunately. It’s one thing that makes him dangerous. No one gets in his head.

Lustre is my sister’s main competitor, ran by her shitty ex. The rumor spreading in the investment world is that Lustre offered Asher a billion-dollar contract to represent them. It would be devastating to Bellamore, Billie’s fashion company.

“Actually, I think I might,” Asher finally replies. “The money is great. But we both know it’s not about that.”

I stare at him. “What would it take for you to work with Billie instead?”

He chuckles sarcastically. “She’d have to kiss the ground I walk on.”

I roll my eyes. “You know that’ll never happen.”

“That’s because Billie Calloway is too stubborn to ask for help, even when she desperately needs it. The Ice Queen will rescueherself, won’t she?” He shoots back the rest of the whiskey in his glass. “I don’t need Billie and her constant bullshit.”

“Careful. You might eat those words one day,” I warn, breathing deeply, already knowing I’ll need to speak to Harper as soon as possible. The stakes are higher than any of them are aware, but I stay calm. “Seriously, what would it take?”

He pours some aged bourbon into his glass, his eyes narrowing. “I think I’d like for her to beg.”

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