Page 72 of The Friend Situation

“Sorry, big bro. I hate this for you.”

“Me too,” I mutter, glancing at the floor. “She wants the house in Malibu, the one in the Hamptons, the penthouse in Cozy Creek, and a private jet. Oh, and half of my inheritance because I wouldn’t have gotten it without marrying her.”

Her expression shifts, disbelief transforming into outrage. “She’s always been so greedy.”

“A tiger never changes its stripes,” I reply, bitterness creeping into my voice. “Lena can go fuck herself. If she were on fire, I wouldn’t bother pissing on her.” I give a sarcastic smile, but it’s hollow. “I’m formally requesting that she drop the Calloway name immediately. I’m tired of her using it as a VIP pass and disrespecting our family.”

“Good for you. Enough about that demon. I want to know more about yourfriendshipwith Carlee. How long have you been hanging out? Is this recent?”

Almost a year.

“Stop prying unless you want me to dig deep into your company’s financials like I’m doing an audit.” I instinctively lower my voice.

She rolls her eyes. “Dig all you want. You won’t find anything but healthy accounting and billion-dollar projections.” The confidence in her voice draws me in, but her eyes give her away. They always do.

I’ve shared enough laughs and secrets with her best friend and business partner, Harper, to know that’s not reality. I’m trying very hard not to get involved, but I won’t allow my little sister to fail either. It’s not an option.

I finish my bagel, my fingertips smudged with cream cheese. I wipe my lips and my hands on a napkin, then lean back in the booth.

“What are your plans for today?” she asks.

“I don’t have any. I took a mental health day,” I reply with a shrug.

“Want to join me for pickleball?” she offers, excitement lighting up her features.

I’m happy to have the invitation and distraction.

A smile creeps across my face. “Am I taking Harper’s place in your planned excursions?”

She laughs, a sound full of joy. “We planned to play pickleball for two hours, and then I scheduled hot stone massages at one. Pretty please?”

I shake my head, pretending to consider it, but she knows it’s an instant yes. I try to say yes to everything my siblings invite me to after ignoring them while I was married. I’m making up for lost time.

“You’d better be glad I like you.”

“What are you talking about? You love me!” she quips back, her grin infectious.

“Because I’m your favorite brother?”

She smiles. “Don’t tell Easton.”

We step outside and begin our stroll down the sidewalk.

The camera clicks fill the air, and Billie smirks, shaking her head. “Looks like we’re dealing with this today?”

I chuckle, covering my mouth so no one reads my lips. “You knew that. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have worn your Billie Callowaycostume.”

Billie smirks knowingly when we enter the private fitness club. “You’reneverjust friends with women. Why her?”

“She’s different,” I explain. A knot of confusion tightens in my heart.

“Oh, let me guess. She’s not like the other girls,” Billie says as we scan in.

“She’s not. She’s intelligent, and she can hold meaningful conversations without judgment. Her sense of humor matches mine, and she doesn’t take my shit—ever. She keeps me humble.”

Billie’s grin is infectious as we grab our rackets and a ball. The two of us step onto the private court and stretch.

“You’rein lovewith her,” she says seriously.

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