1
Barrett
I lookup from the pile of paperwork on my desk and stare out the window.The leaves on the trees are just now giving the hint of autumn.I crane my neck to see a sliver of Ravenhart Mountain.My older brother had won the coin toss when we first opened our business.His office has the best view of the mountain.Turning back to the documents I still have to read and sign, I allow an annoyed sigh escape my lips.
“You heard?”
I look up to see my brother, Bernie, leaning on my door frame with a scowl.
“No, what?”
“Bill is retiring and selling his business.And as soon as possible.We are in need of a new landscaping company.”
“Ah, shit, really?Who is he selling it to?”
Bernie shrugs.
“Beth?”I call out to our secretary.
Bernie rolls his eyes and points to my desk.
“We have intercoms for a reason.”
“Yeah, boss?”Beth asks, poking her head in.
“My annoying brother here just told me Bill is no longer in the landscaping business.We are going to need a list of landscaping companies in the area to look into,” I say, catching my brother’s eye and quickly add, “Please.Thank you.”
“No problem.Is it okay if that is a Monday project?I am supposed to leave early and take the missus to Branwen Beach for her birthday.”
“Yes, of course Beth.Tell Talula happy birthday from us,” Bernie says before I respond.
He turns to me as she says goodbye for the day.
“We could just use whoever Bill sells the business to?I doubt he’d sell it to someone not up to snuff.”
“You really want to risk such an important business relationship with an assumption?”
Once again, Bernie rolls his eyes at me and grumbles, “Whatever, fine.But I am going to make sure Beth finds out the new owner’s info.”
“You want to help me with this paperwork?”I ask, shooting my brother a smirk.
“Nope!”
He beelines it out of my office.I knew that question would get him out of my hair.
Rubbing my eyes, I get back to the forms.Our company, Bruin Brothers Construction, has been very successful since we started it over a decade ago.But I hate all the paperwork.
Nose to the grind, I don’t notice the sun setting outside until Bernie raps loudly on my office door.
“Dude, we have to go.Aren’t you done?”
“One second.”
“Okay, but I’m blaming you if Calissa is pissy because we are late for dinner.”
“Fine, but I’ll let her know how many times you interrupted my work today.”
Bernie laughs and heads out to close up our office.I finish the last of my Friday paperwork and follow him out the door.
