Page 66 of Brighter Together

Because I designed it for him.

Not officially.

Not in any way that will have my name attached to it.

But every detail Lee is going to present tomorrow came from me knowing how Tommy thinks.

The materials.

The proportions.

The way the new section blends into the original building rather than fighting it.

The extra rooms positioned so the lake-facing ones get the best views.

I knew what would make Tommy’s eyes light up because I sit outside his office every day and listen to him talk about Greenview Manor as if it is a living thing.

At the time, I told myself I was only drawing plans.

I wasn’t sharing confidential information.

I wasn’t rigging the tender.

But that defence feels thinner every time I repeat it.

I should tell him.

The thought has followed me all day.

In the car.

During the presentations.

Over coffee between meetings.

Every time I almost convince myself to do it, Lee’s voice appears in my head.

Family first.

You owe us.

Don’t make this difficult.

My phone starts ringing.

I flinch so hard I nearly drop it.

Lee.

It’s like thinking about him has conjured him up.

For a second I consider letting it ring.

Then I picture him calling again.

And again.

Then Dad.