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“Dude, I’m calling because I might have a business proposition for you.”
In the past, Tristan has acquired and refurbished bars and nightclubs. We can do this together. He’s a sure bet as all of his places are successful. I’d like for the Silver Moon to rise like a phoenix instead of going down after Reed retires. The place is an institution and helped Chris, one of my fathers, start his new stage in the music business after his band broke up.
“Are you in California?” he questions. There’s no background noise, and I’m guessing he’s at home. “We can meet for a late dinner or an early breakfast if you want.”
“No. I’m staying in Seattle this week. Long, boring shit I won’t get in to.” I start my truck, pull out of my parking space, and decide to crash at my sister’s place. The apartment isn’t the same without Tristan there. “There’s a run-down bar but it’s in a good location. The owner is a family friend, and he might sell the joint. We can buy it, be partners.”
“I see,” he says, sounding bored. That man needs a chill pill. After several breaths, he finally speaks. “No. I don’t like partnerships, Matt.”
“You’re a pain in the ass.” He has trust issues.
When my brother tried to bring him on board for our venue it took a lot to convince him to be a part of it. Including a bunch of fucking clauses and only wanting to be Jacob’s partner. He pushed Ainsley and me out of the negotiations.
“You have to check out the joint. It’s an institution. Look, Reed hasn’t put it up for sale yet. Next time we’re both in Seattle, I’ll bring you over. If you’re not convinced, you can tell me to fuck off.”
“Look up the meaning of the word no, Matt. It’s time for me to call it a night,” he growls.
“You’re missing out on such a great opportunity, Trist.”
He growls with the nickname, and I can’t help but laugh. “As much as I miss you, I have to go. Good night, Decker.”
“Night. Dream of me.” I hang up before he explodes, or I tell him that I miss him too.
ChapterTwenty-Three
Matthew
“Rise and shine,”an annoying voice calls out.
And without any warning, a flare of sunshine hits me all at once.
“Go away, Ainsley Janine.” I pull the blankets over my head, regretting yesterday’s decision to crash at her house. “It’s too early.”
“No. It’s ten in the morning,” she adds with her chirpy morning voice. “You said something about having something to do.” The covers are ripped from my grasp, and her eyes meet mine. “Yes, I remember. Work. I think that’s what the peasants call it.”
“These accommodations are terrible.” I scratch my head. “There’s no breakfast in bed, and the help is way too noisy.”
“If you wanted me to feed you, you’d have to be downstairs before eight.” She looks at her bare wrist, pretending to read the time, and shakes her head. “Past feeding time, sorry. You can use those housekeeping skills and do it yourself. Now wake up.”
Ainsley reaches for something on the nightstand. A mug. She starts moving it closer to where I’m lying, and I jump up from the bed before she pours that shit on me.
“What?” She pulls her best innocent voice. “I’m handing you a cup of coffee.” The sweet smile doesn’t fool me.
I snatch the mug, take a few sips, and narrow my gaze. “You’re evil.”
She bats her eyelashes at me, gifting me that innocent smile I can’t be upset at. “You’re confusing me for someone else.”
I scoff. “You sure you can’t whip up one of those fancy omelets for your favorite brother?”
“My favorite brother is out of town,” she lies.
Ainsley loves us both, but she babies me more than she does Jacob.
She looks at her nails, then back at me. “Tell me why you came to crash so late at night, and maybe I’ll feed you.”
Information. That’s Ainsley’s weakness. Give her information—knowledge—and she’ll do anything.
“I’m your favorite.” I put on my T-shirt and leave on the sweats Bradley lent me last night. “I didn’t want to go home. It’s not the same without Jacob. Plus, I helped Mason with the three o’clock feeding.”
