Page 22 of Memories of You

“Business is good,” Red said. “We’ve got a dozen newcommercial contracts for local restaurants, and we’re running a new adcampaign. Quirky and fun. I think it’s really going to drive the brand up.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“I think Dad’s pretty proud. You know how he is about hisbars and liquor.”

Renly shrugged. “Yeah. I’m sure he’s very proud.”

“Listen, you know you—” Red shook his head. “Never mind.It’s your thing with Dad. I’ll leave it between the two of you.”

“Finally. My brother sees reason.”

“I’m only leaving you alone because I know you’re an ass.”

“If I am, I guess you are, too. Twins, after all.”

“But not identical. Thank God for small favors.”

Renly laughed, then leaned back in his seat. “It really isgood to see you, bro.”

“Likewise.”

“So where’s Mel?” he asked, referring to Mel Swift, Red’spartner in the distillery.

“Your guess is as good as mine. He’s been dealing withpersonal shit lately. I’m cutting him a lot of slack, but pretty soon he and Iare gonna have to have a talk about pulling his weight.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, man.”

Red waved the words away. “It’ll work out. You know Mel. Hegot sidetracked by something, but he’ll be back and focused soon. Same old,same old.”

“That guy never changes,” Renly said, remembering the crazyhijinks their friend from Houston regularly got in during high school. “Don’timagine he ever will.”

“True that,” Red said, then grinned. “Nice to have you here,bro. But you know, I think we talked more when you were working overseas inuniform. So to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, I’m about to go overseas again,” Renly said.“Although this time I won’t be in uniform.”

“No shit?”

“Yep. I’m leaving on Wednesday. Heading to Dubai.”

“So I guess you’re liking working for Stark? I have to say,the guy impressed the hell out of me in New York.”

“Those were some unusual circumstances,” Renly said. Hisbrother had told him all about the crazy heist and the hostages that had beenheld in their father’s bar. “I like working for him just fine,” Renly said.“But he’s not there full-time. Off running the world, I suppose. Ryan Hunter’smy immediate boss. He knows his shit.”

“Does he?” Red leaned forward, a rag in his hand as hepolished the bar, not meeting Renly’s eyes. Renly drew a breath. And herewe go...

He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. He was a twin,after all, and he knew exactly what his brother was about to say.

To Red’s credit, he waited a full ten seconds beforespeaking, long enough that Renly started to think he was wrong.

But, of course, he wasn’t.

“They’re okay with you going?” Red asked, his voice casual.“I mean, with your condition?”

Renly shrugged, then took a sip of his whiskey, just as casualas you please.

Red stopped polishing the oak bar. He leaned forward, hiseyes narrowing as he studied Renly. “Jesus Christ. You haven’t told them.”

Renly closed his eyes. “Sometimes it sucks to be a twin.”