“Only one new one this summer,” I declare. “If there’s still so much interest next season, then we can talk.”
Patrick shakes his head. “You don’t even know what brands reached out?—”
I wave that away.
“You know me, you know what I like to represent. You pick and let me know.”
“Fuck, kid.” I look back at him when I can’t identify the tone.
He’s grimacing, looking almost pained.
“What?”
“You trust me too much.”
I roll my eyes at him. “You’ve never led me astray, you’re always looking out for me, and you know my family yet you haven’t tried to put any of us in an asylum. Why wouldn’t I trust you?”
He tilts his head, contemplating. “That’s a low bar.”
“And,” I add with feeling. “If you did wrong by me, then your wife would divorce you and take all your money.”
His face falls while I just keep smirking.
“Cindy loves me thebest,” I throw back in triumph.
“You’re a brat,” he deadpans.
“So which one are you choosing? I know you’ve already picked your favorite.”
“You’re a New Yorker now, so we’re going with style, but I’m actually between Montblanc and Patek Philippe.”
That surprises me.
“You really haven’t chosen one?”
He shrugs, turns to look out the window.
“I think Montblanc could be better long term, they have a history of keeping their partners for longer, but Patek is offering more money upfront.”
I think about it for a few minutes while we’re stuck in downtown traffic.
“Hell, say yes to both if they can coordinate shoots in the city. But you better buy Cindy something fucking blinding with your ten percent,” I warn jokingly.
He smiles indulgently.
“You got it. Now, tell me how you’re doing with the trade. I’m surprised Ruko isn’t here with you.”
“Oh, Mom’s making him go to work with her again so he’ll actually learn how to use all the lotions and serums and stuff she’s always sending him.”
He snorts and shakes his head.
“I’d pay good money to see that.”
“They’re ridiculous,” I say with a fondness I can’t hide. “And I think Dad doesn’t want to put any kind of pressure on me the way he thinks he did when I joined the Empire.”
Patrick only hums, clearly waiting for me to get to it.
I sigh, I know I have to talk about this.
