Page 49 of Play Me

“And that’s it. It’s done.”

“How much?” Brad wants to know. It’s not the first time Dennis has had to buy us out of some bad publicity. It’s just part of our life now.

“Enough.”

We know better than to try to get more information from him. He downs his drink and sits down on the couch. Naturally, we gather around him.

“Are we going to have to talk about Cadence?” He turns to us, his tone serious.

“What do you mean?” Marius asks for clarification.

“You know what I mean. Four hotblooded males and one woman. It’s my worst nightmare. It’s been my worst nightmare since I took you guys on.”

“You don’t have anything to worry about.” Marius responds.

“I’m not so sure about that.” Dennis leans forward and peers at Marius, tilting his head.

“Well, don’t look at me, I just told the guys, she’s like a little sister to me.” Marius points to me. “Ask him.”

“Sebastian? Is this something we’re going to have to sort out? Say it now before it’s too late.” Dennis

“No.” I answer with one word, not trusting myself to not reveal my true feelings.

“Seb.” Dennis says warningly.

“I said no.”

“I’ve known you for ten years now. I know everything about you. I know what you smell like during every part of the day. I know that you like no sugars in your coffee in the morning and three at night. I’ve made it my business and YOUR business to know what you want even before you want it. So I’m going to ask you one more time. Do I need to worry?”

“I said no.” I take a breath, trying to keep my voice calm. “I’ve got it under control.”

“I wish I could believe you, mate.”

That made two of us.

He’s right. I had to sort this out, once and for all.