Page 118 of Filthy Rich Brother's Best Friends

"Of course not," Reid says with a smirk, popping a strawberry in his mouth. "We're pretty much the reason for your success."

Miles snorts as he flips another pancake. "Absolutely. You'd be lost without us."

"Completely helpless," I add, trying to keep a straight face.

We all bust into laughter, and Lola throws a blueberry at Reid, who catches it in his mouth with cat-like reflexes.

Miles sets down his spatula and walks over to her, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You know we're kidding. Your determination is what got you here. We just helped with the details."

"The VitalCore rebrand was genius," Reid adds, his tone changing to something more serious. "Your vision for what wellness can be—that’s all you, babe."

I slide onto the stool next to her. "The franchising plan is going to take this nationwide. Ten new locations in the next three years."

"Twenty," Miles corrects, returning to his pancakes. "The projections look better than we thought. Investors are lined up after that profile in Entrepreneur."

Lola shakes her head, looking a bit overwhelmed. "Sometimes I can't believe this is my life. I gotta say, I loveworkingonthis business, rather thaninit. I mean, I still love teaching and I think I always will, but I never want to teach six classes back-to-back ever again.”

Her phone buzzes. She picks it up and reads the text. “Wes and Harper will be here in ten minutes,” she says.

“I still can’t believe those two are a thing,” Miles says.

"Yeah, I'm so happy for them," Lola says, setting her phone down with a smile. "Harper's been my best friend forever, and honestly, I couldn't be happier that they’re together. Six months in and they're still disgustingly cute together."

"Who would've thought," Reid says, grabbing another strawberry. "Your brother finally found someone who can put up with his bullshit."

"Like you're one to talk," Miles mutters.

Lola laughs and takes another bite of pancake. "I was thinking we could spend the day at the beach when they get here. The weather's perfect."

"Good call," I say, already picturing us all sprawled out on the sand, drinking beer and working on our tans.

Miles pulls out his phone and steps away from the stove. "Let me check with the caterer and make sure they're still on for lunch and dinner. I ordered those lobster rolls you like, Lo."

Lola's eyes light up. "You're the best."

Miles holds up a finger as someone answers on the other end. "Hi, yes, this is Miles Camden. I'm calling about the catering order for today..." He walks toward the living room, his voice fading.

Reid refills his coffee and leans against the counter. "So are we setting up the volleyball net, or what?"

"Absolutely," I say. "I'm going to crush all of you."

“You absolutely fucking are not,” Reid responds.

The doorbell chimes through the house, its melodic tone cutting through our banter about volleyball dominance.

"I've got it," I say, setting down my coffee mug and heading toward the entryway.

I swing open the door to find Wes and Harper standing there, both in casual beach attire. Harper's holding a bottle of champagne and Wes has a large gift bag with tissue paper poking out the top.

"Welcome to paradise," I greet them, stepping aside to let them in.

Harper gives me a hug. "Jude! This place is incredible!"

Wes extends his hand for a shake, which I take before pulling him in for a quick bro hug. "Good to see you, man."

"You too," he says, clapping me on the back. "Nice digs."

I hear footsteps behind me as Lola rushes into the foyer. She practically tackles Harper, the two of them squealing and hugging like they haven't seen each other in years, though I know it's only been a couple of weeks.