Page 32 of One Billion Reasons

I grimace as I wind through the garden to the edge of the scrub, where the property becomes wilder.

“Nah. I’m pretty sure she does. It’s fine. You know how it’s been between us.”

A heavy pause. “Is that for real, though? I always thought the sniping was a prelude to something more.” My heart starts the thud. What is Liam saying?

“I don’t think so.” Would you give me your blessing? Or does my vow to protect Lane mean I have to protect her even from myself?

“Alright. I’m not going to interfere. She did agree to come to Thanksgiving though. I let your mom know already. Sorry.”

“You’re not sorry. You’re just glad this means Grace will make extra of those dinner rolls you like.”

“Guilty as charged.” I can hear the smile in his voice. Liam loves the holidays. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you guys are mending things. Last year was depressing. And I can’t cook for shit. Lane made the turkey, but the brussels sprouts were practically raw.”

I laugh. “I know. I remember how much ramen you ate in college.” I pause, recalling the days of Lane and Liam as roommates. Lane, constantly trying to make our house into more of a home, and Liam avoiding her efforts but still eating double what anyone else did. “I’m glad we’ll be back together too.” My voice is rough when I respond.

“Me too, man. But Miles? Be easy on Lane, okay? She’s been through a lot the past few years.”

“You have nothing to worry about. Lane and I aren’t going to be involved. We’re just friends.”

The girl who believes in fairytale endings is not going to end up with the man who doesn’t believe in love.

“That’s not what I’m worried about at all.” With that cryptic statement, he hangs up the phone.

I shake my head. I have no idea what Liam is talking about. I near the group of other hikers and nearly groan. There are at least twenty of us going on this hike. I inhale deeply of the fresh air. Focus. Schmooze. Show people you’ve changed. That’s the whole point of this wedding. Otherwise I’d be locked in my room, working.

I recognize a few faces as I near. Friends of Amanda’s from college or business school. I don’t recall their names, just that they look like cutouts of rich men with idle hands. Paunchy, soft, in new exercise clothes and golf shirts. A few dads, based on their age. One man I recognize as an investor. Jonah will be thrilled. I make a mental note to speak to him once we get to the top.

Amanda’s fiancé, Richard, steps to the front. He’s actually in good shape and wearing cargo shorts and hiking sandals. If their genders were reversed, he’d be Richard Richardson after the wedding, which is ridiculous. As it stands, I have no idea what his last name is, just that he looks like the type of guy his father-in-law will hate. I like him already.

“Alright, gentlemen. The goal today is to beat the women to the top. The hike should take about an hour. We’ve got wine and beer and some surprises for everyone when you get there. Let’s go.”

With a few grumbles and groans, we set off up the gentle hill, which quickly turns steep and rocky. I’m breathing evenly, but a lot of the men are huffing and puffing and falling back. I won’t deny feeling a little triumphant at the fact that I’m in better shape than most of these idiots. Well, except for Richard, who seems to be half-goat and perfectly content scrambling over rocks on his own, and the guy coming up on my right who is leaping over rocks with ease. He looks like a tech bro, with his Apple watch and his trendy running sneakers. All technical gear and gadgets. I roll my eyes.

“Great day for a hike,” he says. My first instinct is to ignore him and keep hiking in silence, but I’m supposed to be a nice guy. Might as well start now, even if he doesn’t look like someone who will ever invest with us.

“Yep. Though I think most of the group behind us would disagree.”

He laughs and sticks out a hand. “Harold Landon.” We shake, and his grip is firm and confident.

“So, Harold, how do you know Amanda and Richard?”

“I’m a friend of Richard’s from back home. Amanda’s friends aren’t exactly my crowd.” He smiles as we scramble over some rocks.

“And where’s back home?”

“California.”

I nearly sigh. A confirmed techie. Definitely not someone we do business with. So, a waste of my time.

We make small talk and start to breathe harder on the steepest part of the ascent. Richard has already disappeared up the hill, and I shake my head.

“That man is part mountain goat or something.”

Harold laughs. “Yeah, he was in the mountain club in college. He loves the outdoors. And I think he picked something he would excel at, especially since you’re here.”

“Me?” This is the first I’m hearing of any competitiveness on Richard’s part.

“You’re kidding, right?” Harold slides me a look. “It’s tough to compete with Merciless Miles, billionaire businessman and breaker of hearts.”

---