Page 15 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
I stood from the bench and started walking back toward my car. “Sleep? I’ve been up since four-thirty.”
“It calls for celebration. Meet me and Xander at North River Billard in two hours. We’re buying you drinks until you forget your own name.”
North River Billiard was an upscale pool hall in St. Louis County where the Brandy was top-shelf, and the privacy was guaranteed. We’d been going there since our early twenties, back when none of us should’ve been there in the first place.
“Two hours? The sun isn’t even up, and you have surgery at eight.”
“I have two surgeries this morning then I’m done.”
“As much as I know you mean well, your day never ends that early.”
“Are you trying to get out of this celebration?”
“Not at all. We’ll meet up soon. Check your calendar then add me to it.”
“Being responsible as always,” he chuckled. “Alright. But answer your phone.”
“I always do.”
“Not always.”
“I love you, brother.”
“I love you, too.”
I entered the bank of elevators with a smile on my face. Through the glass walls, St. Louis spread out below, a city waking up to take the day by storm. If I knew Dexter Davidson’s routine well enough, and I did, he was most likely drinking his coffee, unaware that his net worth had just increased by forty-seven million dollars.
My penthouse hadn’t changed since I’d left for morning practice, yet when I stepped inside, the energy, atmosphere, and aura had shifted. It became apparent that it was simply the good news of my win that made me feel the shift. I was proud of myself and Dexter. He could’ve told me to give in to one of the opposing counsel’s demands at any time if he thought we didn’t have a chance. But his belief in himself and me kept me tethered. My brother was right, it was time to celebrate.
The shower in my master bathroom was a work of art—Italian marble, rainfall showerhead, and enough space for three people. I cranked the temperature up and let the hot water wash away the sweat and stress of the morning run.
Standing under the stream, I thought about the loved ones in my life.
My father would be proud, though he’d probably make a joke about lawyers finally being good for something. My mother would give me a compliment that sounded more like a sermon with a deep heart-felt message when she was done. Those always replenished me, just like a prayer did.
I soaped my body, washed, then dried off and moved to my walk-in closet, knowing there was someone else I wanted to share this victory with. Someone whose opinion mattered more than it should, considering the nature of our arrangement.
I pushed the thought away and focused on getting dressed. I was starting the day on a high, and I would carry that with me regardless to the absence of the one person I wanted but couldn’t have.
My closet held enough clothing to fill two master bedrooms, but I knew what I wanted. A navy cashmere V-neck that fit my chest and shoulders without being tight, khaki trousers that had been tailored to perfection, and the Rolex Submariner my father had given me when I made partner.
The look was effortless wealth—expensive without being flashy, confident without being arrogant. I considered myself a person who carried the manner of a man who had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Dexter. “Meet me at North River Billiard in one hour.” I ended the call without giving him a chance to respond and dialed Dahlia, my personal assistant.
“Mr. Valentine, I’ve already got the Davidson deal documents pulled up and ready to send out, just say when.”
“How did you know I would need them sent out today?”
“What kind of assistant would I be if I wasn’t on top of things?”
I smirked. “You’re the best.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“Prepare them all and send them over.”
“Anything else I can be on top of?”
