Page 7 of Strictly Business

“She liked ‘em, especially with the new countertops,” Mom says and stirs the contents of the mugs. The fairy-white quartz countertops and white farmhouse sink do brighten up the space, despite the black. I wouldn’t have picked it, but whatever makes them happy. “You’re not upset we asked her, are you?”

“She’s here, it made sense.”

She isn’t really, but I couldn’t tell Mom that. Nina had been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles and West Palm Beach handling the new offices, but she didn’t want my parents to know. She made the time to run home and handle everything with their project herself. She asked me if I wanted to take over, but I assured her I did not want the task of helping my parents remodel my childhood home.

Per usual, Dad went to bed not too long after dinner, he has an early morning on the golf course — retirement looks good on him. So, it’s me and Mom for the rest of the night. Mom pulls the chair out next to me and pushes a warm cup of hot cocoa towards me. My mom’s homemade hot cocoa is one of the things I miss most about not living at home anymore. I’ve tried many times to recreate it, but can never seem to get it right — there is something special about the recipes only your mom can make for you.

“You wanna talk about it?”

Why does everyone keep asking me that? Am I that obvious?

“Oh c’mon, MJ. I know something is bothering you. It’s written all over your face, not to mention I could tell the last few times we’ve talked.”

“Everything is fine, Ma.”

“I believe that like I believe your father eats the lunches I pack for him every morning.” Daddy has never been known to eat his lunch. He usually passes it off to one of the guys opting to go out to lunch with a few friends. “Is it David — are you guys having trouble?”

“No, we’re fine.”

Lie.

“Are you sure? I mean, every time you talk about him, it seems—”

“I said, we’re fine.”

“You know you can talk to me.”

“Everything is fine, there’s just a lot going on for both of us. Barnes keeps him extremely busy.”

My mother’s smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes over her mug, “There always is.”

Chapter Four

MICHAELA

“WHEN ARE YOU GOING to do it?” I stab a piece of chicken and lettuce before meeting Alex’s wide eyes. Alexander Davis — cousin and (hopefully) soon-to-be partner at Abbott/Lowell Law Firm. Somehow, he managed to get the afternoon off, which meant I’d have something to get me out of the house and away from more of my mother’s prying. Besides, it’s been at least six months since I’ve seen him. When Alex told me he was moving to Charlotte not long after graduation from law school, I was shocked. He had two job offers at amazing firms in Boston, but he chose to move back home (almost) and take a job at Abbott/Lowell, instead. He said the opportunity was better, but I think he wanted to be closer to Uncle Jimmy, not to mention he’d get to stay close to his brother. He and Nick have always been close, and the time they had spent together in Boston was good for both of them.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Alex, it’s been what, four years? You worship the ground she walks on.”

He sighs and reaches into his jacket pocket to pull out his phone. A quick search pulls up what he’s looking for before he hands it to me. On the screen, an image of a beautiful ring — a simple silver band with small diamonds and a large princess cut in the center. “I’m gonna ask her on our trip to France next month.”

“This is beautiful! Did you pick this out yourself?”

“Nick helped, I pick it up from the jeweler next week.”

“He was home long enough?”

Alex laughs. “He’s been home a little more recently and trying to travel with Nin; I think he’s worried about her. You know how she gets — works too much, doesn’t give herself a break. Gets a little…testy.” The way he says it, I know what he’s implying. “I hear you guys had a little run-in while she was in New York.”

“Your brother has a big mouth.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.” Alex chuckles and I stick my tongue out at him. “I was hanging out with Nick when she got home and told him about it.”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“No? I didn’t know telling your boss she can’t run an office was the best way to work towards a good Christmas bonus.”

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