Marriage?
Max
All three.
Cole
You’re a commitment-phobe.
Max
I think Nathan wins that title.
Me
Fuck off.
He’s right, but at least I’m obvious about it, and I’ve never given anyone I hook up with false hope or left room for interpretation.
I’m married to my business. Simple as that.
I’ve never told my brothers before but being the eldest, and with Dad the way he is now, I feel like the business is myresponsibility. Even though they all work hard, and we make decisions about the company together, the burden of success rests heavy on my shoulders. I don’t want to let our father down.
Covertly, I watch Arianna and Joseph gather their belongings then leave their desks before heading to the elevator. My feet are itching to follow her.
Me
Eli, are you joining us?
Cole
Why are we going to The Golden Spirit? We never go there.
Max
Has your new secretary got you rattled yet again?
Me
No.
Liar.
I may have talked—sorry, complained—about her one too many times.
Something I have no control over.
All her little quirks and things she does for me don’t annoy me. I fucking love them, but I will never admit that to my brothers.
Eli
You’re a terrible liar. I’m in.
Eli’s strength is sniffing a bald-faced lie a mile off, and at this point I’m reeking.
Me
Meet you in the foyer.