Page 9 of Reconciling With the Rival

“I’d love that.” Most older brothers would probably hate that, but Alissa and I have always been close. Being less than a year apart will do that. She may be my older sister, but I’ve always been fiercely protective over her, and she’d probably say the same for me. She’s my built-in best friend. “It’s called Loft Media.”

My sister suddenly drops her fork into her bowl and laughs.

“I’m sorry, did I tell a joke I wasn't aware of, or am I reallythatfunny?”

Alissa continues laughing, waving her hand in front of her face. “Oh no, it’s nothing really. I was just remembering something funny from work.”

Suddenly not feeling very hungry anymore, I flag our waitress down and ask her for a box. “Has someone caught your eye at work, Liss, or are you lying to me?”

Her face is always unreadable, which pisses me off, but I guess that means she went into the right line of work doing…whatever she does. “Oh no, nothing like that. You know I don't have time to date, Leo. Work is too busy.”

“Good. I’d hate to have to scare them all off if I saw someone trying it on with you. Dad’s not here, so I have to fill the role of the scary protective guy in your life.”

“Whatever you say, but you should know I’m not scared of you. I never have been.” She smiles at me, and I roll my eyes. “Or do you keep forgetting I was born first?”

“How can I forget when you remind me about it a thousand times a day?” I joke with her as the waitress drops the check off. When I snatch it before Liss can, she glares at me. “Too slow. This one’s on me.”

“Fine.” She pouts, and when I take a look at the check, a smile glosses over my face. “What’s that look for?”

“She left her number on the bottom of the receipt.” I wave it up so she can see, and she groans.

“If you fuck her and ruin this place for Ella and me, I’m not responsible for what wrath she imposes.”

“I’m sure I can take on whatever she throws my way. I’ve never had a problem before. And how do you know this waitress isn't the one?” I say while pressing a hand to my heart, but Alissa knows I’m bullshitting her.

“Oh, please. The day you settle down is the day I can relax. Do you even remember her name?”

Shit.I think it started with an M.“Melissa?” I question, and Alissa waves her hand off.

“What time is your tour?”

I look down at my watch—Van Cleef Perlée, 18K yellow gold, with a brown band that my dad bought me for Christmas last year. “About an hour and a half. It shouldn't take long to get there, though. I’ll be fine.”

When the waitress comes back with my card, I shoot her a wink before she blushes and walks away. I know what I look like, so that happens a bit too often. She was cute, but I can't bring myself to ever use her number, so I throw it in the bin before Alissa and I leave. It’s a fairly nice day out, the warm breeze flowing through my curly brown hair.

“Are you headed home for the day?”

“Yeah. I’m having a self-care day while Ella is stuck at the office.” She smirks at me, and I’m not sure why.

“What was that look for?”

“What look?” And she does it again.

“That. The stupid smirk.”

“Oh, nothing. I hope your tour goes well.” And I swear, I hear her mumble something else before she gets into her car parked right next to my rental. I don't have an official license yet, but I have three months to get one, according to what Alissa told me. That’s fine, but I’m stuck in this small car until then. I miss my Range Rover back in England so much when I get into this small car.

“Thanks, sis,” I mumble as I try to get the odd feeling out of my stomach that she knows something I don't. Turning my car on, I speed away from the curb and head to my new place of employment.

As I pull intoa spot in the parking garage, I look down to make sure my clothes aren't wrinkled before getting out of my car. I’m excited to start tomorrow, and this tour I’m taking is making this seem more real—the fact that I’ve moved to the States and I’m working in a field I love.

I’m glad I’m closer to my sister, but leaving my parents behind—especially my dad—was difficult.He’ll be fine, I remind myself for the twentieth time. They’re only a phone call away. Thinking of them, I grab my phone as I get into the lift and press the thirteenth floor.

Leo: Heading in for the tour now. Hope you guys are well.

Alissa: Good luck! Be on the lookout; you never know what new jobs can hold…

Mum: Have fun, sweet boy!

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