Chapter 53

Bentley

“What do you have planned for the second Saturday of November?” James asked as he emerged from his office for the first time that day. At least, it was the first time he’d emerged while I was at my desk. I was still handling issues regarding the recruiting process.

“We’re throwing an anniversary party for my parents that weekend,” I replied. “You already approved my time off for that Friday.”

“Damn,” he muttered. “We’re hoping to have the wedding that day.”

I’d expected an invitation to the event, but I was surprised my inability to attend was an issue. We had a very good business relationship, and I knew Colin appreciated my help at events, but we weren’t that close. “Did you need my help that day?” I asked.

“Colin figured Gage would want to bring you as his date,” James explained. “I’ll talk to Colin about the date. We haven’t made any arrangements yet.”

“You shouldn’t change it because of my plans,” I insisted. “Gage is a big boy. He can attend a wedding without me.”

I’d only been seeing Gage for a couple of weeks, but it already seemed everyone thought we were inseparable.

“Things are going well?” he asked, studying me.

“They’re going fine so far,” I replied.

James nodded. “I need to get on a conference call. Shouldn’t you be on your lunch break?”

“I’m glad you mentioned that. I completely lost track of time, and I’m meeting my brother. Should I pick up anything for you while I’m out?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I’ll order in. When you get back, I need to have a word with you.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“It’s nothing bad,” he assured me. “I’d like to talk to you about taking on a new position. We’ve been taking advantage of you far too long.”

“You pay me well,” I reminded him. It was true. I was paid more than any other assistant in the company.

“I think it’s time we give you a title to match all you’re doing,” he began. “We’ll talk more after you get back from lunch. Don’t come back for an hour this time.”

He told me that often, but I rarely stayed out for an entire hour, having too much to get done.

I hurried across the street to the deli where Lex was meeting me and was shocked to find him already there. “I must have hit my head. Am I lying unconscious somewhere in my home?”

“Very funny,” Lex said in a dry tone.

“You have a history of getting caught up on a project and forgetting you have plans with me,” I pointed out. Admittedly, he’d been better lately.

“I was practicing with Reckless Release, and they all knew I had a lunch date with you,” he explained. “They said to tell you hi.”

“How is practice going?” I asked. While I’d worried about how this would affect Lex, I was thrilled with the change in him over the last couple of weeks. My brother was actually leaving his apartment on a regular basis.

“Good,” he replied. “Everyone is awesome. Harley threatened to kick my ass if I play better than her.”

“She’ll do it,” I told him. After knowing Harley only a short time, I understood why so many men thought she was a dominatrix. “I’m going out with her tonight.”

“Yeah, she mentioned that,” Lex replied. “Gage complained about you abandoning him on a Friday night. I told him to grow some balls and have a guys’ night.”

I laughed. “He told me he’s glad I’m going out tonight.”

“He is,” Lex added. “At the time, he was joking about Harley trying to steal you from him.” My brother fell silent, his expression thoughtful.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing’s wrong,” he replied. “I just didn’t realize how much I miss the dynamic of being part of a band until I started hanging out with Reckless Release.”

“You don’t have to be in a band to have that kind of dynamic,” I pointed out before quickly adding, “This isn’t me insulting bands. I know why you’d expect that from me. I’m just saying you can have close friends without being in a band.”

“Sorry I’ve been worrying you so much,” he said quietly.

“You’re forgiven as long as you promise not to lock yourself in your apartment again.” I told him.

“I’ll do my best,” he agreed. “Xander suggested I see a therapist to talk about the stuff that’s been bothering me.”

“Xander suggested that?” I asked.

“He’s more insightful than he lets on,” Lex told me. “I’m always surprised by him.”

“Are you going to take his advice?” I asked.

“Yeah, I am,” he replied. “Are you still going to come see me play?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I assured him.

We ordered our sandwiches and made small talk until we were seated at the table with our food.

“I’m glad you decided to give Gage a chance,” Lex told me. “He’s a great guy. I was worried you’d shoot him down because of me.”

“It wouldn’t have been because of you,” I assured him. One thing I’d spent a lot of time thinking about over the last couple weeks was my own prejudices. “I’m not saying what happened with you wasn’t on my mind, but I need to move past my own issues.”

“You seem to be doing a good job of that,” he remarked.

“Most days,” I added. “I’m still working on it.”

“Don’t mess this up, Bennie,” he told me, his eyes locked with mine. “Gage cares about you.”

“I know,” I agreed with a smile. “I care about him, too.”

“So, where are you heading for your girls’ night?” he asked. “Harley said you were making the plans.”

“The Frisky Beaver,” I told him with a grin.

Lex chuckled. “It must be ladies’ night.”

“It is,” I replied.

“Is Mercy working tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’m hoping to get her to hang out with us,” I replied.

“Good luck with that,” he said with a snort. “Mercy is even more of a workaholic than you are.”

That was the sad truth, but at least Mercy had more fun at her job than I did.