Page 17 of The Boss Situation

My brother bursts into laughter. “He did mention that. Didn’t realize he was serious.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. He’s telling people this?”

“Before you get pissed, it was just us and Nick. Last week, I confronted him about the Lustre deal and asked what it’d take for him to work with you instead.”

“Please tell me you didn’t,” I whisper.

“I did, and he knew I hadn’t asked on your behalf, but because I was genuinely concerned. Anyway, he said you’d have to beg, and I told him he was being a facetious asshole. I think he knows you’d never do that.”

My jaw clenches tight. “Good. But it hasn’t stopped him from posting a thirty-foot sign across his office.”

Weston shrugs. “The two of you are so much alike; it’s disgusting. Except he’s nicer. Laughs more. Enjoys a joke.”

I glare at him. “Don’t make me add your name to my shit list. There are only a few more available spots.”

“Between the two—Asher or Josh—who’s listed first?”

I take a sip of water, as my throat feels dry. “Right now, they’re sharing the number one spot. Knowing two people I can’t stand might join forces feels like a nightmare. Am I the supervillain, or are they?”

“Sometimes, I think it might be you,” he says, winking. “Also, Asher shouldn’t be beside Josh on your shit list,” Weston says between bites. “What happened between you and Josh was personal.”

“Banks has been a terror in my life for thirteen years—a decade before Josh and I officially met. He made my life at Stanford hell, and it’s never stopped. Trust me when I say, he’s more than earned his place at the very top. You know what? Let’s forget I mentioned any of this. Thanks for the suggestion.” I roll my eyes.

“When you decide you’d like a lesson at Petty University, you know where Easton and I are. We’re the masters of petty.” He gives me an evil grin.

“I might,” I tell him. “Do you think I have a chance at beating them?”

He smiles. “I don’t know. We will help you strategize. The three of us are smarter than the two of them, even with Banks’s connections.”

“And not a tad modest either.”

“Why should I be? It’s the truth,” he says, studying me. “You need a vacation.”

I chuckle. “I’d love a vacation. However, there is no rest for the wicked.”

Honestly, I’m thankful for the subject change. I’m tired ofhaving Banks at the center of my conversations this week, and it’s primarily because of Josh. He wanted my attention, and now he’s got it. They both do.

“Apparently, the house in the Hamptons is ready for guests,” Weston says.

“Dad didn’t tell me.” It used to be my tradition to go up there and escape for a weekend once every quarter.

“Because you haven’t been since you broke it off with Josh. Why?”

“I don’t want to have this conversation,” I say.

“Okay,” he says.

While we eat, Weston discusses a surprise art show he’s hosting over the summer, featuring Carlee’s favorite artists. She won’t know until the day it launches, which I find adorable. He’s painting special pieces that will be revealed on opening night as a gift to her. Their love is what most of us dream of finding.

“I heard Louis contacted you.” Weston changes the subject again. “You cannot afford to get caught up with him, dear sister.”

“It’s Prince Louis.” I glare at my brother, knowing I’m going to murder Harper, considering she’s the only person who knows.

“You cannot date him,” Weston whispers. “He’s a man-whore.”

“I can date whoever I want, whenever I want, so drop the scary big-brother shit. That man will one day rule an entire country. He’s more than capable of ruling my body. I’d probably have a fiancé by now if it wasn’t for you. It’s getting old, and so am I. I’m almost thirty-one.”

“No one will ever be good enough for my baby sister.” He wipes his mouth with a napkin, growing annoyed with me. “You deserve only the best. Someone who can match you intellectually.”

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