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I decide to be direct. "Did you know I was getting this jobbeforeI did?" I ask bluntly, needing to know the truth.
Talon falls silent, his expression turning serious. I can't help but feel a mix of apprehension and frustration. What's he hiding?
"Don't lie to me, Talon. How did this happen?"
He sighs, putting down his chopsticks and reaching across to hold my hand. "Okay, Genesis, I’ll be completely honest with you."
My heart sinks as I brace myself for his confession. I have a feeling I'm going to need more wine for this. "Just tell me, Talon."
He stands, searching for another bottle of wine. I point to the wine fridge under the counter. He grabs a bottle and refills my glass before sitting back down.
"I should've been more upfront with you," he starts, his grip on my hand tightening. "Let me explain what I know about any of this."
Talon's eyes soften as he speaks, a rare glimpse of the more serious side hiding beneath his playful exterior. "So, these Wednesday night dinners at the Forrester's...they're a staple. Every other week, without fail, unless Mom and Dad are traveling."
I can't help but groan sympathetically. "Every other week? That sounds...intense."
He nods, taking another sip of his beer. "Yeah, it's pretty much a given. It's their way of keeping the family close, I guess. But sometimes, it's just too much."
I grimace, trying to imagine what those dinners must be like. "So, what happened at these dinners?"
"Well, there was this one dinner where my parents brainstormed ideas to revitalize Forrester Media, particularly to attract a younger audience. They were pretty adamant about coming up with something innovative."
I listen intently, nodding along. "What kind of ideas were they throwing around?"
Talon shakes his head. "You wouldn't believe it. My mom was talking about getting insights from her friends ‘kids,’ trying to gauge what they're into ‘these days.’ She even mentioned this 'Bachelor' idea. At first, I thought it was hilarious. But the more I think about it, it's not a bad concept."
I sense there's more to the story and gently prod, "And? There's more to this, isn't there?"
Talon meets my gaze, a knowing look in his eyes. "You're wondering if I had a hand in you getting the job, right? Go ahead, ask me."
His directness surprises me, but I appreciate his willingness to be open. "Okay, so did you know about me getting this job? Was it because of you?"
"No, I swear, I didn't have anything to do with you getting this job," Talon insists, his voice firm and sincere. "I know how much you value your work and your achievements. I wouldn't mess with that."
I'm still puzzled. "But then, how did your mother know I was interested in this position? It just seems so random."
Talon smirks, a knowing look in his eyes. "Reece!"
The mere mention of his name sends a jolt through me, and I nearly choke on my food. Talon's eyes are fixed on me, amusement dancing in them.
"I knew it!" he exclaims triumphantly.
"Knew what?" I ask, trying to keep my composure.
"You and Reece...there's something there. Did you two hook up or something?"
I dismiss his claim with a wave of my hand. "Absolutely not. And how does Reece factor into me getting this job?"
Talon leans back, a grin playing on his lips. "You were a topic of conversation at more than just one of those family dinners. Reece has been curious about you since that night at the graduation party. You left such an impression that he couldn't stop asking about you. He knew about every achievement and milestone in your career. It's like he was keeping tabs on you from a distance."
My heart races at the thought. "So, you're saying Reece is why I'm here?"
"In a way, yes. My mom overheard Reece talking about you. She knew you were pursuing journalism and had become quite a writer. When she heard about your interest in Forrester Media, she jumped at the chance to hire you before Reece could make his move. They're always trying to one-up each other. So, in a roundabout way, Reece played a part in you getting the job."
I sit there, stunned, processing this revelation. "And at Thanksgiving Eve dinner...?"
Talon blows out a long, low whistle. "Oh, the tension between you two was palpable. Reece nearly lost his shit when he thought I was asking you out. He's protective, sure, but not likethat—not for just anyone. Trust me, Genesis, my brother's got it bad for you."
