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“Yeah, I saw the news.” My jaw tightens. I’m unmoved but also strangely annoyed at the thought of her with that smug asshole.
Stodge takes off his Hungry Llama beanie and squeezes it tightly like he’s choking it. “Asshole. He convinced her to postpone business school and focus on him and his career until he signed a major contract.”
“Puh-lease.“ I raise an eyebrow. “You want me to break out the tiny violins? She got what she wanted. Lived the high life on the arm of a man with status who let her spend all his money. Then he got tired of her. It’s not exactly the most tragic of tales. She had to know he was going to trade up when the real money came in.”
“Trade up? Have some fucking respect, dude. She’s my sister.” Miles shoots me a glare.
I shake my head in shame. “I apologize. I can’t seem to stop being a dick, that was completely out of line.”
“Damn fucking straight.” Miles slaps the dashboard. “Shay fucking loved him. Did everything for him. She made that guy’s career. Who do you think researched the industry to make sure he was in the right place at the right time? She ran his social media. Found a way to make him known to all the top agents, business advisors, and lawyers. Assembled his entire wellness team. Shay also volunteered at some of the biggest charities in LA to elevate Devon’s status and put him front and center. She never asked for accolades, she only wanted him to have the success he craved. Well, he got it. Signed the biggest contract in football and kicked her to the curb with nothing—when he should be kissing the ground she walks on.”
I know zip about the world of professional sports, and this sounds a bit far-fetched, but I don’t want to have a beef with Miles. “Look, she’s your sister and you’ll always have her back, as you should. I’m sorry if I’ve gone too far with my beef. I’ve been pissed that you hired her without discussing it with me. And seeing her again? Yeah, I’ve been pissed about the entire situation.”
“That’s fair.” He visibly relaxes at my confession. “I’m sorry too. I should have come to you before offering her the job. I wanted her to have a chance to shine for a change.”
I consider his words. The Shay I remember and the Shay I’ve recently encountered seem worlds apart. I have a lot to process. “I get it. You want the best for your sister.”
Miles shrugs. “Facts. Maybe this retreat, away from everything, can be a fresh start for all of us.”
“Hmmm.” I look over at him and smile. “I’ll try. How ’bout that?”
As we wind up the steep, windy road to the resort, the grandeur of the snow-packed mountain is revealed with every twist and turn. I pull into the parking space and with the next few days looming before us, I decide to try to keep an open mind.
For Miles’s sake at least.
I’m grateful for the bond we share as friends and business partners.
If it means giving Shay a fair shot, so be it.
Chapter six
Shay
A Few Minutes Later
It’s nearly seven a.m. and I’ve been up all night ensuring everything is ready for the corporate retreat.
Well, me and my small-events team, Thad, Cecily, and Natalie. There’s no way I could have done this on my own. The four of us arrived yesterday morning to get the place ready. It’s been a ton of hard work, but everything’s fallen into place. I’m going to make sure everything we have planned goes off without a hitch.
If for no other reason than to piss Austin off when I succeed.
I’ve had remarkably little sleep this week and I should be exhausted, but adrenaline courses through my veins. Nothing is more rewarding than pulling off the impossible—and anyone who’s ever planned an event will tell you organizing a professional retreat for thirty executives takes longer than a week. Yet, I’m fairly certain we’ve nailed it. The next three days are going to slay.
When it’s over I’ll have time to rest. I haven’t had any incidents in a while so as long as I take my meds and sneak in a nap or two, I should be fine. There’s no time to worry about myself now though. Everyone will be here in about an hour. Barely enough time for me to walk the event and take care of any final details.
I run into Becky, the resort manager, in the lobby of the Silver Skis Chalet. “Morning, Shay. How was your room?”
“Bussin’. Amazingly comfortable. Are we ready for check-in?” I gaze outside at the winter wonderland. Crystal Mountain is absolutely spectacular. The entire resort is blanketed in a few feet of pure, untouched snow, which glistens in the early morning sun.
Becky looks at her clipboard. “Yes. All the condos have been freshened up. The gift baskets were delivered. We’re good to go.”
“Cool, thank you.” I check the list on my tablet. “Oh, and when will the lifts start running?” Ski season won’t start until day after the retreat, but I’ve arranged for my executive colleagues to enjoy the inaugural runs of the season.
She smiles. “Four on the dot.”
“Shay?” Cecily approaches with Natalie following close behind. “Would you be able to give your approval on the welcome station?”
Becky waves and heads back to the office. I follow my staff through the side door outside to where the winter wonderland has been transformed into what looks like a Hungry Llama theme park. Bold blue and purple banners featuring Bert, our mascot, dance in the crisp mountain breeze. Strategically placed spotlights in the identical colors illuminate the halls and footpaths. The entire vibe is super fucking extra.
