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“Listen, I know what it’s like to be in the media and it sucks. In my playboy days I was in them all the time getting dragged through that filth. But man, you fucked up with Quinn,” Ivan reminds me.
After we place our food orders, we dive back into the conversation. Dane listens intently, his gaze never leaving mine. "Ezra, you've always been a risk-taker when it comes to business. Why not take a risk for love? If Quinn is the one, then don't let our parents or your career stand in the way."
I take a bite of my steak. “My first marriage ended because my career got in the way. I don’t think I can have a careerandlove.”
“Yes, you can,” Ivan replies. “If you stop being such a control freak and let some of the people at your company take on more responsibility.”
Dane adds, “You can’t control everything.” He points at me. “You’ve built an amazing company and you’ve hired great people. Let them step up, so you can step back a little.”
Ivan nods in agreement, his words hitting home. "Our parents have always had high expectations, but at the end of the day, your happiness is what truly matters. Don't let fear or societal pressure hold you back from being with someone who makes you feel alive."
Dane leans in, his voice sincere. "Ezra, we've both seen how you light up when you're around Quinn. She's good for you, and you need to give yourself a chance to be happy. Life is too short to let an amazing woman like her slip through your fingers." Dane smiles. “You and Ivan convinced me to fight for Katrina and I’ve never regretted it. Yes, there have been challenges but it has been worth it.”
Their words resonate within me, and I realize they're right. I've been so focused on protecting my reputation and pleasing our parents that I've lost sight of what truly matters—love.
“I don’t see how she will take me back. I’ve messed up so many times.”
Ivan says, “You know her better than we do. Do something that shows her you love her and that you will fight for her and publicly acknowledge the relationship.”
As we continue to talk, the sun sinks below the horizon, and the city lights grow brighter. The warmth of my brothers' support and encouragement fills me with newfound determination. I decide, right then and there, to risk it all for love and hope that Quinn will be willing to do the same.
With a deep breath, I clink glasses with Dane and Ivan, toasting to the future. "To love, and to fighting for what truly matters."
They smile, raising their glasses in agreement. "To love."
As the night goes on, and the laughter and conversation flow, my heart swells with gratitude for my brothers and the bond we share. With their support, I know I have the strength to fight for Quinn and the life we could build together. No matter what challenges lie ahead, I'm ready to face them head-on, for her and for us.
I decide to visit my dear friend, Mabel, who owns an independent bookstore in town. She's an older woman with a kind face, sharp wit, and a love for literature that rivals Quinn's. Her bookstore is a cozy, inviting space filled with the scent of old books and the soft sounds of pages turning.
As I enter the store, Mabel looks up from her reading and greets me with a warm smile. "Ezra! It's been too long. What brings you here?"
Before I can answer, she notices the determination in my eyes and says, "Let me guess — it's about a woman?"
I nod, feeling a little embarrassed that my intentions are so transparent. "Yes, it is. There is a woman I want to show how much she means to me."
Mabel's eyes light up. "She's a book lover?"
"Yes, I've seen her read classic books and mystery novels."
A large tabby cat hops down from one of the shelves and rubs up against my ankles.
"Mr. Pots remembers you," Mabel says with a smile.
"Hey there, buddy." I scratch the cat behind the ears.
"I know the perfect book," Mabel says, heading down the aisle of her shop. Mr. Pots follows closely at my heels as I trail behind her. The scent of old books grows stronger as we venture deeper into the store. The soft creaking of the wooden floor beneath our feet is the only sound apart from the occasional rustle of pages.
Mabel stops at a section filled with beautifully bound classic novels. Her fingers gently trace the spines, as if she's greeting old friends. "Ah, here it is," she exclaims, pulling out a leather-bound book with gold lettering. "This is a first edition ofJane Eyreby Charlotte Brontë. It's one of the most romantic novels ever written. The story of two people who, despite their differences and the obstacles they face, find love and happiness together."
I take the book from her, feeling the weight of the volume in my hands, and marvel at the intricate detailing on the cover. "This is perfect, Mabel. Thank you. I think she'll truly appreciate it."
Mabel beams at me. "I'm glad I could help.”
I thank Mabel and pay for the book, giving Mr. Pots one last scratch behind the ears before leaving the store.
Dane’s wedding is this weekend, but there is one more thing I need to do before the wedding. I need to visit Quinn’s grandmother. I know Quinn and her grandmother are close, and I want to show her that I’m going to treat her granddaughter well.
I check my work schedule on my phone and confirm that I have time for a trip to her grandmother’s before heading back to work.
