Page 41 of Until

Each of the men is dressed similarly in grey suits that match their hair. I don’t know much about them individually, and I don’t care to find out. I think of them as interchangeable, even though Harold is my contact when it comes to holding my inheritance in trust.

Harold is a good guy, and he definitely means well, but he’s also still one of them and the executor of my father’s will.

"We would like to start this meeting by reminding you that your fortieth birthday is now in six months. You do understand that time is not on your side?” Harold says.

"Yes, I am well aware of when my birthday is,” I say.

"Well, then you are also aware that you lose your inheritance if you're not married before your 40th birthday. Every month for the last five years, we've been asking you for an update, and you haven’t even found anyone suitable to start dating, let alone marry,” Levi Patterson says.

"All because of his standards,” Abe Silverstone scoffs.

"Is that what you're calling it?" I ask, annoyed. "Last I checked, it is up to me to decide who I will be marrying and not any of you."

“Well, as we’ve told you plenty of times before, if you need assistance, we can arrange something for you,” Abe says. “You can ask anyone; we’ve been quite successful with our matchups.”

I sigh. ”Not this again. I'm not having an arranged marriage. If I ever get married, it's going to be for love. I won’t marry just to keep my inheritance."

“Oh, to be young and naive,” Levi says. “Let me tell you, there is nothing quite as lasting as money. Women will come and go, but as long as you take care of it, money will last forever.”

I sit back, looking at each of them with disgust, annoyed to have to go through this meeting yet again. Every month, it’s the same. They are some of the wealthiest men in the world, and that makes me one as well. But that was never my ambition.

"Well, let's get this meeting moving forward then. What's your update, Ryan?” Harold asks. “I know you held another of your balls last week.”

Abe snickers. “Only one ball? I usually like holding them both at once.”

Levi throws a wadded-up piece of paper at him.

“Such a perv, Abe,” Levi says. “Why can’t you act your age?”

I clear my throat in an effort to get all of their attention.

"As you know, I have the monthly Carnival Masquerade Ball. So far there's been a few women I was initially interested in, but I never progressed those relationships."

"I still don't understand the purpose of your masquerade,” Abe says. “You are a handsome man, Ryan. As a matter of fact, you look a lot like your father. You’re almost the spitting image of him with your athletic build and light brown hair. Oh, the stories Harold and I could tell of your father’s adventures. He had his choice of women.”

“They were practically throwing themselves at him,” Harold chimes in. “Remember that one, the gymnast? She definitely threw herself at him. I suggest you get the word out that you’re looking for a bride, and you'll find someone in no time."

"And how will I know that she loves me for me? That's the whole point of the masquerade. People won’t know who I am."

"Yes, but you won’t know who they are either,” Levi says.

"Then I'll get to know them, and they’ll get to know me. That’s part of the fun.”

"That's so tiring,” Abe says. “I appreciate your blind optimism when it comes to love, but you're running out of time.”

“No, I’m not. I met her, my spark. My soulmate.”

“You did?” Abe says. “Then why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

I shrug. “I guess I caught up in the time loop.”

“So, have you proposed yet?” Harold asks. “We’ll need to run a background check on her, draw up a prenup, and schedule a time for the final reading of your father’s will.”

“There’s no proposal yet. We just met. We’re just getting to know each other.”

“Then how do you know she’s not just a grifter out for your money?” Abe asks.

“Well, she doesn’t even know who I am. She didn’t recognize me or my name. She thinks I’m a plumber.”

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