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“It’s bull,” I say tightly.
“I know that. Sorry to say, so long as you have any tie to them,” his gaze sweeps around my office in a pause, “you’re going to have to put up with this from them. Do you want to fight tooth and nail about everything in your life?”
“No.” It’s an easy response.
“Then, you’ve got some thinking to do, big brother. Beginning with if you’re going to Texas or not.” He slaps my desk. “I thought you should know what Mom had to say, though.”
“It makes sense why Dad was so set on this trip.” I need to be smart about this, not allow my anger to guide me.
“As soon as you mentioned it, I knew it had to be a scheme.”
I take in my brother and his shaggy wavy hair that makes him look like a surfer, but I know better than to assume he’s all play and no responsibilities. However, I know how much he wants that money to build his own dream.
“You really turned down the trust fund for my privacy?”
“Of course. Besides, that money will legally be mine when I turn twenty-five in a few months, so I have some time to plan a way for them to release it to me. I’m not backing down, and a little bribe wasn’t enough for me to betray you.” His smile is genuine.
“Thank you, Tristan.”
“Just remember when I need some business advice in the future.” He chuckles, leaning back in his chair and crossing his ankle over his knee.
“You got it,” I laugh. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“Anytime. Wanna grab dinner after work? I have a few things to do but should be done by six.”
“Sounds good,” I nod.
“Great. And you’re buying since I don’t have my business yet,” he throws over his shoulder and laughs on his way out of my office.
Shaking my head at his antics, I get back to work before having to go to the condo showing this afternoon. Before that, though, I plan to call my dad’s secretary and make sure she doesn’t book any flights, or my father will be upset about losing money.
“I’m proud of you.” Tristan claps my shoulder before lifting his hand and calling our waiter over.
“It’s not the full plan, but at least I made my point. I’m not going to stand by and allow him to interfere in my personal life. Just because I work at the agency doesn’t give him a right to dictate who I see outside of work.” I shake my head, jaw tight with tension.
“Atta boy. I’ll stand by your side.” Tristan laughs.
“What can I get you?” The waiter finally stops at our table. This place is packed, and all I want is a warm meal so I can go home and talk to Lex.
“I’ll have the jerk chicken,” Tristan orders.
“The steak for me.” I hand the waiter my menu.
“Great.” He nods and walks away.
“I wish I could spy on Dad to see his reaction when his secretary tells him she didn’t make any reservations.” Tristan’s smile is mischievous.
“Same,” I chuckle. “I’m sure he’ll be blowing up my phone. Heck, he might even come down here.” I shake my head.
“Hopefully, that won’t be the case.”
“I can’t be held accountable for what I say if he does,” I shrug.
“Don’t blame you. I’m surprised by your self-control. I would’ve already confronted him.”
“Is that how you ended up in your current predicament with the trust fund?” I lift my brows.
“Something like that, but in my defense, they had already said they’d only give me the money once I proved I had matured and was settled down with a serious job, preferably in a relationship.” He never mentioned the part about a relationship.
