Page 21 of Don't Fall For Your Best Friend

She takes a deep breath and then says, “That’s why I’m talking to you first. You’re the most level-headed. I need you to talk to him and convince him to see things from my point of view.”

“I thought you were going to college to pursue a career in interior design.”

“And I switched my major to business. It makes me happy you take an interest in my life.”

I tighten my hands on the steering wheel. She’s good at making me feel guilty. That’s what happens when you’re the only girl with five brothers. “I forgot, Anya. I knew you switched majors. And you know I will walk through the flames of hell to protect you or make sure you’re happy. But I’m not getting in the middle of you and Callum.”

“You don’t need to get in the middle. Let me stop by and show you my ideas. Show you I’ve got this all figured out down to the very last detail. Please let me show you. If you look at it and think it sucks, then I’ll stop being a pain in the ass. But you won’t, Pax. You’re going to realize your sister is a genius.”

I can hear the pouting and I shake my head. “I have plans tonight and tomorrow, but how about Sunday at family dinner?”

“Yes, thank you, Pax. I love you.”

“Love you too, Anya.”

“What are your plans?” she asks.

“Goodbye, Anya,” I say with a small laugh, ending the call.

I love my sister, and I’ll look over what she has and if I think it’s worth the fight, I’ll do it, because I wasn’t lying when I said I’d walk through the flames of hell for her happiness. But Atta Boy Brewery is our livelihood, so if this idea is horrible, I’ll tell her. Because our reputation is everything.

I sigh when I see the sign that says I’m twenty miles from Magnolia Ridge.

I just can’t get home fast enough.

My phone dings as I’m buttoning the dark gray dress shirt I’m wearing tonight. We’re going to Moore’s Restaurant for dinner. I sure as hell couldn’t do this experiment at Atta Boy with my nosey brothers around. That’s the last thing Hartford needs. It’s the last thing I need.

I pick up my phone and speak of the relentless assholes.

Tripp: Question for you guys.

Brock: What’s up?

Callum: What?

Shepherd: It’s called an erection.

You need a picture book or something?

Tripp: Jealous my dick sees more action than all of yours combined?

In your dreams.

Brock: Your hand doesn’t count.

Shepherd: Neither does paying for a hand job at a strip club.

Callum: What’s the question?

Tripp: Ever heard of Cooter ball?

Callum: What the fuck, Tripp?

Brock: Haha, where’d you hear that?

You’re not fucking playing that.

Shepherd: I’m lost. I hate not being there.

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