Page 6 of Enemies with My Brother's Billionaire Bestie

Elliot

Ican’t do this. There’s no way I can spend the next three weeks with Olivia without one of us killing the other, especially now that she’s gotten this bold. I’m used to having the last laugh, but not anymore. This isn’t exactly a competition, but I refuse to lose to her.

What she said about me getting cold feet with love isn’t entirely accurate. It’s not that I’m afraid of hearing people talk about love—though I no longer believe in it—but I’m hesitant to watch her rub it in my face or see others act like they’ve cracked some code about it.

I don’t care what they have to say about love. Honestly, I’d love to drive back to my restaurant, but I owe it to my best friend to bring his sister home safely. So, I guess I’ll sit here, waiting, while she finishes her meeting with the event planner.

As I wait, I mentally plan tonight’s menu for my restaurant. I’ve been experimenting with grilled zucchini burgers for my vegetarian crowd, but I’m still unsure if the recipe is perfect. “You need to stop second-guessing everything you do, El, and just trust yourself,” my mother’s voice echoes in my head. “Lookat how much you’ve already accomplished with your talent and your big heart.”

My mother is my biggest inspiration and support. She’s one of the reasons I returned to this town and opened one of my restaurants, even though I can hardly recall many happy memories here. Sure, I had fun with Daniel, but beyond that, there isn’t much for me here. Only my mother, besides Daniel, really knew the real me—the part of me that, though hidden, still craved happiness and something else I can’t quite place yet.

Lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice Olivia strolling toward the car until she slams the door shut. She’s avoiding my gaze, and as much as I want her to, I can’t help but wonder if she still finds my presence intimidating.

“Can we go now?” I ask, trying to sound casual as she fastens her seatbelt.

Just when I think we’re in for another silent ride home, she finally speaks.

“We’re supposed to have meetings like this twice a week, so can we try to avoid seeing each other outside of those days?” she asks, though with Olivia, it feels more like a command than a question.

“We live in a small town, Ollie. I don’t want to see you either, but it’s impossible—especially with your brother’s wedding coming up.”

She lets out a mocking laugh, as if she can’t believe I’m using her brother as an excuse. By now, I’ve parked in front of her house, and she gets out without another word.

Leaning in through the window, she says, “You know, you could just say no. I understand you want to make a good impression, but I don’t think anyone will be too hurt if you turn down the invitation to be best man, especially since love isn’t something you understand.”

“Goodbye, Olivia. I hope we don’t run into each other soon,” I mutter, pulling the car into reverse and speeding away with a screech of tires. My frustration boils over as I head toward my restaurant. This is the second time she’s said this, and I’m fed up with everyone assuming they know more about love than I do.

I slam the car door, storm into the building, toss my jacket aside in irritation, and march straight to the kitchen. It’s a relief that we don’t open for another three hours. I dive into my usual stress-busting routine—chopping vegetables.

My solitude is interrupted when Aaron arrives. If there’s anyone besides Olivia who knows how to get under my skin, it’s him.

“Don’t you dare!” I warn before he even speaks.

“I was only going to say that if you’re going to take out your frustration in the kitchen, you might as well help us take out the trash too,” he teases with a smirk.

Aaron used to be my colleague when we were trying to make a living behind food trucks on beaches. When I needed a partner for this restaurant, he was the only person I trusted enough to help manage it. If I’d known he’d be this annoying, maybe I would’ve left him to supervise one of my city locations.

“Let’s just say being the best man isn’t as easy as I thought,” I sigh, dropping the knife onto the kitchen island.

“I thought it’d be easier with his beautiful blonde sister around,” Aaron quips, popping a carrot into his mouth. I’m tempted to ask how he heard about Ollie, but in this town, news travels fast.

Dragging my hand through my hair, I rip off the apron and storm toward my office, Aaron following closely behind.

“Let’s just say that Blondie is the biggest problem I’m dealing with over the next few weeks.”

“Wow, a woman who finally makes Elliot Sharp nervous? I always knew she’d be a feisty one,” he teases, and I don’t disagree.

“Can you help me put together a menu for Daniel’s wedding?” I ask. “It’ll be our gift to him.” He nods and leaves my office, humming a love tune, as if he’s about to compose a symphony rather than just a menu.

Finally alone, I try to focus on the financial records, but I can’t. Olivia is wrong about me. I do know what it’s like to love, and it started with her.

Although it was a long time ago, I still remember the first time I visited Daniel after school and spotted her reading in the corner. She didn’t notice me, and to this day, I’m not sure what she was reading. But watching her smile did something to my sixteen-year-old heart. I spent the next few months wrestling with whether I should tell Daniel that I had a crush on his fourteen-year-old sister.

But all of that was before I learned that love can leave you broken in ways words can’t express. Even after that, I foolishly fell in love again, and just when I thought I might finally find happiness, she disappeared too. So yes, I do know what love feels like, but I’m not willing to risk it again.

My phone blares loudly, jolting me out of my thoughts.

“Geez, Mother,” I groan into the receiver.

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