Daniel

“This just isn’t for me,” Honor says next Wednesday afternoon as we struggle to regain our breaths. We’ve been testing indoor climbing at a hall near the office, since it’s at the top of the list of activities our customers requested. Chelsea’s tested it here herself, recommended us to do the same. “What’s the point of all this climbing if you don’t at least have some gorgeous scenery to enjoy at the end, or some fresh air?”

“I agree. Borderline claustrophobic.”

“And it stinks.”

“Yeah. But the customer—”

“Is king.” She stretches one arm, then the next, looking around at the patrons. “And this place is chock-full. Talked to the instructor earlier, said they’re fully booked almost constantly. No denying it’s popular.”

“Let’s have a drink at their juice bar before we leave.”

“If the boss buys, I won’t say no.” We walk side by side, navigating through the climbers and the instructors still on the ground. “So, what’s the plan for the gym? Are you already scouting locations?”

Perfect moment to throw her the bone, as casually as possible. “As soon as the bank clears us on more loans, I’ll get on it.”

“We’re in trouble with the bank?”

“Liquidity issues. They’re not happy with our cash ratio, but we’re still negotiating.”

She stiffens, casts her eyes to her hands. “Does anyone else on the team know?”

“I told Marcel and Justin. Colbert too. But don’t discuss it with anyone else.”

“No, of course not. Wow.”

I try to read her body language. Arms folded over her chest, drumming her fingers over her bicep. I hired Honor one year after Justin, about the same time as Marcel. I pay her a generous salary, an even more generous bonus. She has no reason to be tempted by the press.

“I guess it was a little premature to brag about being one of the most successful companies in the Bay, huh?”

Her mention of that article rubs me the wrong way on too many levels, but I do my best to school my expression. We have a quick drink at the juice bar, and then we part ways. She’s meeting a group of clients; I’m heading back to the office to sign some papers. 

I’m halfway there when my phone rings, Pippa’s name appearing on the screen.

“Hey, sister.”

A chorus of very loud and very exuberant “Uncle Daniel, it’s us” assaults my eardrums. Despite everything, I grin.

“Hi, Mia. Hi, Elena. What’s up, girls?”

“Are you coming to the Halloween party?” Mia asks. Despite them being identical twins, their voices differ subtly.

“Yes, I am. I’ll be the pirate.”

“A pirate isn’t scary,” Elena says, clearly not impressed by my choice.

“Shhhh, don’t be rude,” Mia admonishes. “We need to ask him first, and he has to say yes.”

“What do you need to ask me?”

“Mom said we’re not allowed,” Elena clarifies. These girls crack me up every time. They’ve learned how the world works already. Whenever their parents say no, they turn their charm onto their aunts and uncles. Blake and I are the suckers they can always count on for their shenanigans.

“We need a carriage,” Mia goes on. I almost do a double take in the middle of the street. This escalated quickly. No wonder Pippa said no.

“A carriage? With h—horses?”

“Yes, two. And we also—”

A static sound follows, and a yelp.

“Sorry,” Pippa says, sounding out of breath. “They hijacked my phone, and I had to chase around the house to find them. You didn’t say yes, did you?”

“To a horse-drawn carriage? I was too stunned to answer.”

Arriving in front of my office building, I step inside, nodding at the receptionist before heading toward my office.

Pippa chuckles. “They sure take Halloween seriously. By the way, I heard you’re bringing Caroline.”

“How exactly did you hear?” I ask once I’m inside my office.

“Called Caroline to invite her, thinking you two needed another nudge, and imagine my surprise when she told me you already invited her.”

“Let me guess, you already know everything?”

“No, I’m going to need a girls’ night out and some alcohol to lure out details. Of course, you could spare me the trouble and just tell me.”

“Where would the fun be in that?” I pace up and down the room, taking immense delight in teasing my sister.

“True. Plus, men don’t understand the meaning of details. But Daniel? Don’t let a good thing go a second time, okay?”

“I don’t plan to,” I assure her.

“Good. We all work hard, and we’re ambitious, but there’s nothing like going home to people you love at the end of the day.”

“Pippa, are you okay?” I ask in alarm. My sister does love her heart-to-heart talks, but she sounds off.

“Long day at the office. Half the things didn’t go my way.”

“Ah, I can sympathize.”

“And now these two have started bombarding me with their carriage idea. Please promise me I won’t find two horses and a carriage on Saturday at Mom and Dad’s house.”

“I promise. That’s a hard line, even for me.”

“Well, it’s good to know you have one. I’ll keep my phone close. I bet they’ll try cornering Blake next.”

I laugh. “I’m sure they will.”

“I need to go back to watching the little devils. Enjoy your evening, brother.”

My mood is considerably better after I click off. Logan once said something similar, that no matter the shit-show going on at work, knowing he’d go home to Nadine and their son put everything into perspective. I grunted and nodded, not really getting it, but now I understand the sentiment.

As I finish signing the stack of papers on my desk, my phone chimes again.

Caroline: I heard back from the preschool closest to the bookstore! They scheduled their first reading next month. Woohoo! And I had an early dinner with Dad. Made him fried chicken. Thought I’d save him (and myself) from his cooking today. There’s plenty left over. I can bring you some by if you want. I can make donuts too.

Instead of messaging back, I call her. I need to hear her voice.

She answers right away. “I knew mentioning donuts would earn me a phone call.”

“You had me at fried chicken already. How come you’re not trying to rope me into coming to your place?”

“Well, I might have bought a bath bomb I’m dying to try in your Jacuzzi.”

The thought of Caroline naked in my arms while we’re surrounded by bubbles is enough to sell me on anything.

“What smell?”

“Cherries.”

I groan. “Don’t they have any masculine scents?”

“You’re such a man. This is their newest stuff.”

“Here’s a compromise. You’ll try it out. I’ll eat the chicken, the donuts, and then I’ll have you for dessert. Out of the Jacuzzi.”

“Can we sneak in a glass of wine on the terrace too in between?”

“Watch it, or I’ll think you only want me for the terrace and Jacuzzi.”

“Don’t be silly. I want your mad shmexy skills too. I fully expect my mind to be blown tonight.”

“I promise I’ll up my game. I love exceeding your expectations.”