“That explains why your dad tried to call me today. He sent a frantic text that they think you’ve been kidnapped or something.”
I rub a hand over my face and groan. That was a lot sooner than I expected. Is there a way to send a message that I’m safe but to leave me alone for a bit?
“Maybe that’s the right answer,” I say with a laugh.
“I don’t remember asking a question,” Aiden says, sounding confused.
“You could tell him I was brought over here against my will, and I’ll contact him in a month.”
Aiden’s laugh came through the line loud and long. “That is the worst story I’ve ever heard you tell, Max.”
“Well, it’s how much I don’t want to be found right now.”
“Just a second.” Aiden’s voice sounds a bit farther away and then comes back on the line. “He must’ve known we were talking about him, because Wolfgang Bauer just called me again.”
Letting out a long puff of air, I say, “Remember when you needed help buying up buildings for your favorite beach town?”
“Yes,” Aiden says, sounding skeptical of what I’m about to say.
“Remember how your favorite person in the world willingly bought a building?—”
“—Four buildings,” Aiden interjects. “And who says you’re my favorite?”
“I boughtfourbuildings? Are they all together?” I ask, getting distracted as I turn to look at several of the ones surrounding me. “And of course I’m your favorite. How could I not be after dragging you out of Costa Rica when you broke your leg?”
“Close enough, I think,” Aiden replies, but doesn’t answer the last quip.
I go back to the issue at hand. “I did you a big favor, right?”
“I’m scared to answer yes.”
“Would you call my father and just tell him I’m okay. That I’ll contact him soon and that I’m still thinking through his offer?”
Aiden groans. “You want me to take the wrath of your father? That doesn’t sound like a fair trade.”
“You’re just lucky your parents don’t keep badgering youabout your life and why you haven’t had grandchildren for them yet.”
He chuckles. “Oh, I’ve had my fair share of chats about that. With Evan and Sophie now having their first after a few years of marriage, and my sister and Gabe pregnant with twins, I’ve had an earful lately.” Aiden is a triplet, which he likes to complain about, but I know he loves them. They’re a lot closer than I am with my sister.
“Then you know how I feel.”
“No, because they’re not forcing me to marry someone.”
“Exactly,” I say, moving too quickly and getting a bit of leftover coffee on my shirt. “That’s why I need your help. Just for a few days and a chance to make a sane decision without major persuasion.”
“Have you met her?”
Victoria Meier flashes through my mind, her fake smile and need for attention.
“Yes. I know her a little too well.”
“I’m guessing she’s not your childhood crush?”
I laugh. “Definitely not. If you looked up ‘high maintenance’ in the dictionary, her picture would be there.”
Sure, I’m used to nicer things now, but I don’t go overboard. We had leaner years growing up. I don’t forget that.
Victoria, on the other hand…
