Page 2 of Taming the Boss

I’d found myself looking at the brochure daily since the party. I’d even looked up a few private investigators to dig deeper into the family tree of Hamiltons.

Being two hours from the small town had been far too much of a lure.

Even if it looked like Christmas had thrown up on every single building. And the heavy clouds over the massive Crescent Lake were ominous with potential snow.

I was used to the gray skies. Seattle wasn’t quite as overcast on the daily as the lore purported, but we were one of the rainiest cities in the United States. New York had a different kind of cold. Seattle certainly saw snow, but not like this little town did.

There were snowbanks neatly piled along the sidewalks from a snowstorm the day before. And if that lake effect had any say, there might be another one tonight.

My car’s dash screen kicked over from music to an incoming call. Surprised, I accepted the call.

“Max? Not like you to use an actual phone for its intended purpose.”

“Because you were supposed to be at my party tonight, and your lovely sister told me you’re still in New York.”

“Hell, I’m sorry. I forgot all about it.”

“I see how you are.” Max’s voice was crisp, but lacked offense.

Not like I could explain to one of my oldest friends that I was sneaking around Crescent Cove, hoping to get a taste of what ifs. I didn’t even really know what I was doing here.

As if I was going to go up to my half-brothers and announce myself after no actual contact for nearly thirty years. I was being absolutely ridiculous.

Then I noticed a sign for a real estate auction. “I couldn’t resist an auction for some waterfront property.”

It was impulsive, but maybe I could make this ridiculous trip have a little meaning. Instantly, I felt better about it and eased into a parking spot on the street to plug the address into my maps app.

“Always business with you, Jude.”

“As if you can talk.” The screen showed the bulk of the lake with a small area right off the water. Maybe I’d actually backed into something interesting, after all.

Max laughed. “Yes, but I know how to insert some fun in my life, unlike you.”

“Your office building full of tech toys doesn’t count.”

“Toys sometimes count.”

I snorted. “Depends on the kind of toys.”

Max laughed again. “You’re in a mood today.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Not so stiff and miserable. I like it.”

“Must be the lake air and the 27º.”

“Well, if it’s interesting, keep me in mind. We’ve talked about working together. New York is a nice, neutral space.”

I didn’t even know if the auction would actually be anything. “I’ll remember that. Sorry I’m missing your party tonight.”

“It’s fine. It’s just performative, anyway. I’ll probably escape to my office as soon as possible.”

“Work/life balance is impossible when you live in the same building, Max.”

“Okay, what is in that rarified air in…where are you again?”

“Crescent Cove.”

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