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“Can’t wait to see your new Taylor Swift signage,” Gabe states before bursting into a fit of laughter.
“Fuck off.” I run my hand down my face. “Can you believe her?”
“Actually, yes, I can. The funny thing is you still seem shocked by her behavior.”
“What does that make me?” I ask, more to myself than anyone else.
“I don’t know, man, but by the end of next week, you’ll be a business owner with fun new Taylor Swift signs,” he quips.
Again, I run my hand down my face in frustration. None of this would be happening if my dad hadn’t left my then-wife half the family business. I understand he thought he was doing a great thing for us as newlyweds, but that simple gesture in leaving our family business to both of us has done nothing but cause me headaches and heartburn. No matter how much I offer to buy her out, Shay won’t sell me her fifty percent, and because my father was of sound mind when he finalized his will—oddly, not long before he died of a massive heart attack—there was no way of getting around it.
We are business partners; despite our divorce and the fact she knows nothing about the industry.
This is my life.
I’ve got two women who drive me absolutely fucking insane, and the wild part is I’m not sleeping with either.
Can’t make this shit up.
Chapter Three
Hallie
“I’m not feeling well.”
I spin around, which was a bad idea. The earth moves, causing Blair to tilt funny and blur. “What?”
“I’m not…” She pauses and holds her hand to her mouth. “I think I need to sit a minute.”
By the time I’m at her side, she’s already dropping into the nearest chair. Her face looks pale, and despite the amount of alcohol I’ve consumed tonight, I can tell she’s on the verge of throwing up. Her eyes are glassy and her skin splotchy.
I look over her shoulder, my eyes connecting with my brother. He must register the panic on my face and is up and heading our way moments later.
“What’s wrong?” Gabe asks, dropping to his knees in front of Blair.
“I got a little dizzy and feel like I’m going to throw up,” Blair mumbles, her head dropped down as she tries to breathe slowly. “No big deal.”
“No big deal? Honey, you’re ghost-white. What was the last thing you ate?” Gabe asks, slipping into physician mode.
“Cake about an hour ago. And I haven’t drunk enough alcohol to feel this queasy.”
“Oh my God, you’re pregnant! I’m going to be an aunt. I’ll be the bestest aunt in the history of all aunts,” I state proudly, suddenly incredibly happy for my brother and best friend. Of course, it might be the alcohol talking.
“I’m sure it’s just the excitement of the day, mixed with a little champagne and sweets,” Blair insists, but not before I catch a hint of joy in her eyes.
“All right, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here,” Gabe replies diplomatically. “Can you stand, Blair?”
She nods and carefully stands. “The wave of nausea has passed.”
Gabe gently grips her arm, offering her the support she needs. “Let’s get you home.”
“I told Hallie I’d help clean up,” she says, glancing around at the thinning crowd.
“Just go. I got this,” I insist with a dramatic wave of my hand.
“I’m supposed to take you home,” Gabe realizes.
“I’m a big girl. I can walk.”
