Page 33 of Playing Mr. Perfect

A devil emoji pops up from Noah.

Me: Noah you’re a worse gossip than TMZ.

Me: Vic in my world misbehaving is behaving.

I send a devil emoji.

My siblings know I’m no longer the player some people believe I am, but each of us has a role to uphold in our sibling circle, and this is mine.

Seth: Clay how are you holding up after the loss?

Me: Can’t fix what happened so I’m not stressing about it.

It’s a lie, but as president of BRI Enterprises, a major retail conglomerate, and co-owner of several upscale restaurants, my self-made billionaire brother has his hands full managing his empire. He doesn’t need to worry about my career.

Flynn: Did Pepper pull another disappearing act when you showed up?

Noah: I still think you should’ve brought me as your wingman.

Flynn: Clay doesn’t need a wingman.

Me: Damn right, I don’t.

Me: As for Pepper…

I send the picture I took of us in front of the bookstore, and their responses are immediate.

Seth: About time she realized how awesome you are.

Victory: You two are cute together!

Noah: Damn bro she’s gorgeous.

Flynn: I’m happy for you dude.

Noah: Can I sell this? I’ve got my eye on a new boat.

Noah doesn’t need to sell a damn thing. Like most of us, he’s got plenty of money. Even so, I feel compelled to squash that thought.

Me: Only if you want me to end you.

Noah: Oops! Too late. Already sent it to Page Six.

I mumble “Bastard” as I thumb out a response.

Me: I’m not kidding. I don’t want to screw this up.

Victory: Aw, our little boy’s growing up.

Seth: Are you going steady?

Noah: Did you carve CB + PM on a tree?

Flynn: Did you give her your letterman jacket?

“No, but I gave her a bunch of hickies.” I laugh at how annoyed she was when she spilled those beans.

I send a laughing emoji.