piper
Why doI have to be at work right now instead of hanging out with Beau? I mean, I’ve always preferred being with him instead of work, but now I definitely want to do that more often. Not even because we’re pretty damn compatible in bed, but it’s nice holding his hand and cozying up to him in ways I never thought possible. Maybe I should have relayed how I felt sooner.
Peter’s voice startles me. “Do you have those reports for Pierce?”
Gah, I need to stop daydreaming about my best friend and do my job. “Which ones?” There were a couple Pierce asked me to run. He’s gonna need to be a little more specific.
He narrows his eyes and he looks so much like our eldest brother it makes me want to smack him. I don’t know why he tries to emulate him so much. Pierce is kind of an asshole and that shouldn’t be anyone’s goal.
“The list of wines that have been selling in the last three weeks.” Ugh, even his tone is the same. Someone really needs to tell these older Summers’ kids they’ll get things done fasterif they are nicer. Would it be immature of me to tell Dad? Probably. But our parents are the only people they listen to.
I shuffle through the stack of papers on my desk and pull it out, pausing before I hand it to him. “You know, it’s polite to say please.”
He rolls his eyes. “May I please have the reports?”
The way we all use sarcasm toward each other should be studied. His “please” is exaggerated and isn’t doing him any favors with me. If I don’t give him the reports, he’s likely to stay in my office for longer than I want him to.
“Fine,” I mumble and hand them over. “Is there anything else the all-mighty Pierce needs?”
“A girlfriend,” Peter laughs. It’s not the response I was expecting. Usually, he gets mad when the rest of us mock our big brother. My second oldest brother has managed to render me speechless. Not something that happens often.
“You haven’t noticed how grouchy he’s been? It’s like one minor inconvenience sets him off.”
“As opposed to when? That seems to be his status quo with the rest of us who don’t worship the ground he walks on.” My voice has returned and I have a feeling he’ll report what I’m saying to Pierce, but I don’t really care. It’s not anything I haven’t said to his face at some point.
“That’s not how—” He stops as soon as I hold up my finger. I know exactly how he was going to finish that sentence and there’s no way he can deny his hero worship of our brother. “Look, I just want to make him and Dad proud.”
“You can do that without being their lapdog.” It’s a low blow, and I know that as soon as the words are out of my mouth. Him and Philip are the middle children, but instead of doing whatever he wants, he tries to please everyone he sees in an authoritative position.
“Noted.” He nods and leaves the office, shoulders sagging and head down.
Going after him is probably the right thing to do, but I know it won’t amount to anything. Not while he’s upset.
I’m such a shitty sister. Yes, I’m the baby but that doesn’t mean I need to act like the world revolves around me. Stopping by his house this evening has moved up my priority list when I get off work. Sadly, that means I won’t see Beau until later.
My phone dings with a text and I fully expect it to be Beau. He’s pretty much the only person who messages me in the middle of the day. Except it’s not him, it’s…my sister.
Paula
Lunch at Ashes. 2 hours.
Well, she’s being demanding isn’t she. Despite working for the family, I can’t do whatever I want. I have to see if anyone needs my help with anything. Before I have a chance to reply, my phone dings again.
Paula
Don’t bother coming up with a reason why you can’t meet me. If you don’t show up, I’ll be forced to come to the winery.
She acts like that is such a hardship. She washed her hands of the business years ago, aside from an event here or there.
Piper
I’ll be there. Don’t get a seat at the bar. I don’t need Eric all up in our business.
Paula
That’s a given. See you soon baby sis.
She knows I hate when they call me that. It’s true, but that isn’t the only thing I am. When will they see I’m my own person?
