Page 45 of The Wrong Promise

He nods. “How is the takeover development?”

“It’s progressing well. Sir James is starting to believe in our vision.” Though juggling two London business dealings at the same time is not ideal.

Franklin hands me a whiskey on ice, and I slip out of my suit jacket, laying it across the leather chair. “Penny will be excited. She has researched London’s innovative green building practices and will have a plan for us by the end of the month.”

“Sir James’ interest piqued when I spoke of Hendricks Real Estate being a visionary leader with focus on sustainability,” I say, and Franklin raises his glass toward me. “I’m excited about our vision, and I’ve already taken the next step in securing property in Dubai.”

“Mom was right. You don’t have time to sleep.”

“Jobe.” Penny bounces into the room with Summer on her hip. She already has the dark hair of her parents. “I spoke to Zara.” Suddenly, I’m no longer thinking about their baby. “She sent me a photo of the view where she is staying. It looks fabulous.”

She hands Franklin her cell to pass to me, and he glances at the image, his eyebrows lowering before he handsit to me. I stiffen seeing the image from the terrace overlooking the Thames because Franklin has stayed at my penthouse. “What’s this?” he asks.

“Zara’s view, by account.” I hold his gaze and give a subtle shake of my head.

The fuck? he mouths.

“Lola is waiting for us,” Mom says, directing us into the dining room. “Thank you, Lola. We’re ready for our starters,” she says to our server.

Lola has worked for us for twenty years, and Mom hates keeping her waiting. She reminds us she has her own family to go home to.

We take our seats just as Charlotte and Byron arrive together. My younger siblings have been bickering of late, and I’m not in the mood for it tonight. Mom stands and hugs them both, as she does to all of us, even if it’s mere days since she saw us last. “You’re training too hard,” she tells Byron.

“It’s his profession, Mom.” I pipe up in defense of Byron’s elite basketball career. “No gain without pain.”

“You know that’s not true, Jobe. It can become a chronic injury.” She places a hand on his shoulder. “You need to eat, darling.”

“What Jobe means is the pain he feels today is the strength he’ll feel tomorrow,” Charlotte quips. Mom hugs my sister, who is equally dedicated as Byron to the LA Sharks basketball club my family owns, working in the business side of the team.

“And you’re working far too hard. Have you hired an extra assistant yet?”

“Nope, most are there for the glory and for a chance to meet the guys. We’re interviewing all week.”

“No Aussie today?” I ask. Byron’s teammate and bestfriend is from Down Under, and he’s usually here once a week for the family dinner.

“No, he’s FaceTiming his parents tonight,” Byron says.

“How is Giana?” Penny asks Byron about his new love interest.

“Good. Her art is flourishing.”

“It’s not the only thingflourishing,” I say.

Byron glares at me. My brother is smitten, and this conversation wouldn’t happen if my father were here.

“When is Dad expected home?” I ask Mom.

“On Friday. Hopefully, it’s the last time he travels for the year.”

I glance at Franklin, expecting a raised eyebrow as we know my father hasn’t fully retired, even though Mom wants to hand it all over to Franklin. With the way he’s glancing down, I know he’s breaking the no-cells-at-the-table rule.

My cell buzzes in my pocket, and I discreetly retrieve it, keeping the cell on my legs to read the screen.

What the fuck is going on between you and Zara?

I glance up at my brother and mouth,later.

“Can we meet tomorrow to discuss the takeover?” Franklin asks in a business-like tone. His serious gaze sends a clear message not to decline him.

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