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“It’s ok to admit you own the world.” He laughs and squeezes my hand.
“It can seem like that, but it’s not true. Reilly Tech is everywhere. But my dad never wanted to have a monopoly on technology. In fact, we have several product lines created in partnership with smaller tech companies. He believed in giving everyone a chance that deserved it.”
We separate as the server brings our drinks. I take a sip as I contemplate my next words and an idea strikes me.
“I assume you do a lot of charity work too, right?”
He nods, setting his glass down after a sip.
“Tell me about that.”
He twists his lips to the side and lets out a sigh. “I’ll tell you about my favorite one. It’s a veteran’s fund that focuses on suicide prevention and we’re working with the government to implement a program for new recruits and veterans with PTSD. My buddy Trevor is the President.”
There’s obvious passion in his voice as he talks about the program, and my heart swells to the size of Texas. I shake my head. “Who are you?”
He chuckles and shrugs. “Just a guy.”
“No Luke. You’re much more than that.”
I can’t hide my shock when his cheeks turn the tiniest bit pink and my smile grows.
“Did I make you blush?”
He leans closer to me. “Yes, but not for the reason you think,” he says in a low voice. His pupils dilate as I shift in my chair and I can feel my neck flush. He chuckles low in his throat, sending a heat wave through my body. I’m rescued by the server who returns to take our order. I haven’t looked at the menu so I order the same thing as Luke.
The sun dips below the horizon and I gaze out over the water at the fading colors. I turn to find Luke watching me, but he doesn’t turn away, only smiles.
“I feel like you’re being overly patient with me. You must have more questions. Please, ask me anything,” he says.
Someone comes to turn on the space heater near us as the sky darkens and the market lights turn on.
“How are you so grounded?”
He barks out a laugh. “Not what I was expecting. But it’s my dad’s fault. He grew up middle class and didn’t want us to turn into spoiled snobs. My friends got Porsche’s for their birthdays. I got a skateboard. My football gear was excellent quality, but second hand because I had to pay for it with the allowance I earned. My dad made sure that I ruled the money, not the other way around.”
I smile as he talks, imagining a teenage Luke rolling through the parking lot of fancy cars on a skateboard.
“Did you get made fun of?”
He shrugs. “Sometimes, but I didn’t care. I stood up for myself when necessary, but it wasn’t very often. It’s ironic, but people left me alone because my dad was the richest out of all our parents. It was this stupid archaic hierarchy based on how much money your parents made.”
“How did you and Brody end up friends?”
He laughs. “That motherfucker was the one with the Porsche.”
I chuckle as the server sets a salad in front of each of us. We dig in and he continues. “I met him at the start of freshman year. He was getting bullied by some older guys and I stepped in. We were best friends from that day on.”
My fork stops moving, and I stare at him. He swallows and smiles. “What?”
I shake my head. “And then you joined the Marines and saved the world?”
He lifts an eyebrow.
“I’m serious Luke. Is there anything you suck at? Nobody is this perfect.”
He shakes his head at me. “I’m not perfect at all. Believe me. I have a temper that’s gotten me into stupid fights. I’ve made mistakes that caused irreparable damage.” He trails off and his gaze returns to his salad.
Before I can respond, he clears his throat and smiles. “So please don’t put me on a pedestal. I’m a normal guy in a unique situation. That’s all.”
