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I roll my eyes, unsure of why I even bother. Med school has always seemed to take priority over me. It’s something I should be used to by now and for the most part, I am. Since I moved back a month ago, him and I have worked to get back to where we were before my affair. For the first two weeks, I had his undivided attention. However, when I finally started to want him around me again, he went back to focusing on school. I guess that’s what I get – my karma for cheating on the person I promised to spend forever with.
My phone ringing on the counter is the only thing that pulls Parker from whatever he was doing. I glance over to see Maverick’s name on the screen.
“Who is it?” He questions accusingly.
I exhale, frustrated but understanding of his paranoia. “My brother.”
It took a little while after the fight for things between Maverick and I to be okay. Despite not leaving with Colton in order to not lose my brother, I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him. Not only did he physically attack Colton, but he said some really hurtful things to me. It wasn’t until I started to feel a little more stable that I saw him at our parents’ house for dinner. We ended up agreeing to let bygones be bygones. I had lied and hidden things from him, and he had reacted badly to finding out about it.
I answer the phone and put it to my ear. “Hey Mav. What’s up?”
“How much do you love me?”
“Depends. What do you want?”
He hesitates for a minute. “I’m trying to get everyone together for a night out on Saturday. It’s really important to me that you be there.”
Everyone. The word sticks out like a flashing neon sign in my mind. Could I handle seeing him again? I know there is no chance in hell that Parker will let me go without him. The mere thought of me being within 100 feet of Colton enrages him. Still, I know Maverick wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t a big deal.
I sigh. “What time and where?”
He excitedly gives me the name of a fancy place in Boston and tells me to get there around six o’clock on Saturday. After thanking me repeatedly, we say goodbye and get off the phone. Well, this should be interesting.
COLTON
I’m putting the final sketches of a blueprint I’ve been working on. It’s a two-story house meant to replicate the one my client grew up in as a child. A little weird, in my opinion, but I can understand the sentimental value. As I pick up my stylus from the tablet, a knock sounds on my door.
“Mr. Brooks?” My sister teases as she addresses me. “There’s a Mr. Stanford here to see you.”
Avery was complaining about wanting money for things. While I was more than willing to just write her a check, our mother told me it wouldn’t help in teaching her the value of a dollar. So instead, I hired her as my part-time secretary. She may be making more than the average sixteen-year-old, but what can I say? I’ve always had a soft spot for that little girl.
“Did he say what he wanted?” She shakes her head. “Strange. Okay, send him in.”
Landon Stanford is a former client of mine. Not only did I design his last two houses, but I’ve also redone his office. He probably has another idea in mind, or his wife is once again growing tired of their perfect home. Every time she watches something on HGTV, she ends up going on this tyrant about building a new house. It doesn’t end until he gives in to whatever she wants. Not that it matters much to him – they have more money than God.
“Ah, if it isn’t my favorite architect.” He greets with a too friendly smile as he comes into the room.
I stand up from my desk and shake his hand. “Landon. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
He chuckles. “See, that’s what I like about you, Brooks. Straight and to the point, 100% of the time.”
“No better way to be.” I glance at the clock. “Besides, I have somewhere to go soon. You caught me just before I was leaving.”
“I better make this fast then.” He sits down across from me and rests his ankle on the opposite knee. “Cora and I are moving to Los Angeles. She’s decided that we’ve outgrown it here and I’m inclined to agree.”
My eyes widen. “Wow, that’s quite a move. Although, I’m not sure what it has to do with me.”
“Well, for one, I’d like for you to design our house there as well as oversee the construction. I don’t know anyone out there enough to trust them with it.” I go to respond when he holds up one finger. “Secondly, I’ve purchased a very large piece of land right outside of the city. My plan is to build a development on it.”
“And you’d like me to design the plans for the houses.” I finish for him.
He grins. “Precisely.”
Standing, I push my chair in. “While I’m honored you’re considering me-”
“I’m not just considering you, son.” He interrupts. “You’re the only one I’m willing to work with on this. So, before you turn me down, take a few days to think on it. There’s no rush.”
After working with this man so many times, I know he’s not one who gets turned down often. Still, I have way too much on my mind right now to add this to the pile. I nod, letting him know that I’ll consider the offer, and the two of us leave my office.
