Page 71 of Paradise in Progress
“Of course you can. You’re Kennedy fucking Reed, a baddie who deserves to be the top architect in modern times and who deserves to be loved.” I hear the smile in her voice, which causes the corners of my mouth to tip up.
“Thanks, Zoe.”
“Anytime, babe. Now go soak up the bliss of being newly in love.”
“See you soon.”
We end the call, and I flop back down in my chair. Chewing on my lip, I stare at Tristan’s social media feed. My thumb hovers over the ‘follow’ button, and I hesitate for a moment before clicking it. I watch as the blue button turns white.
Instantly, as if he was waiting for it to happen, a text message pops up.
Tristan: Took you long enough. How hard was it to hit follow?
Me: I just wanted to make sure you were worth it…still on the fence.
Tristan: Still on the fence? You weren’t on the fence last night. Need I remind you where you were sitting?
My cheeks flame at the reminder of last night. The two of us were lying side-by-side on one of the outdoor daybeds, enjoying a beer, and watching the stars since the sun sets so early. Next thing I knew, I was no longer on my back. My legs were straddling his face as he enjoyed his second dessert.
Tristan: I bet those cute cheeks of yours are warm and in the prettiest shade of pink.
Me: Shut up.
Tristan: I love you, Firecracker. See you in our room whenever you’re done bronzing like a goddess.
Me: OMG, what is with you today?
Tristan: It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m excited to ring in the new year with you.
Chapter thirty
Tristan
From: [email protected]
Date: January 3, 2025
Subject: Grand Opening
Tristan,
Congrats on surviving this renovation with Kennedy. I thought for sure she would have killed you by now. I guess it’s safe to assume the two of you have… ”patched things up.”
With the grand opening being in a week, the board, including myself, Dad, and Victoria will be flying in tomorrow to observe the final stages of completion.
Dad wanted me to pass on that Kennedy’s services will no longer be needed and she will be returning on the jet tomorrow evening once our debrief is complete.
Way to not fuck up this project, little brother.
Proud of you.
-X
Closing out of myemails, I’m instantly on edge. How can my father be so cold in not allowing Kennedy to oversee the grand opening ofherproject? Everything was her idea, down to the last detail; I was merely a spectator.
Sliding my phone out of my pocket, I scroll through my messages until I find Xander’s name.
