Page 2 of Love so Cold

Make it a collector’s item when you’re famous—or infamous.

Victor

Stick to flipping burgers, Roman.

Roman bought Giovanni out of his restaurant franchise business, as each of us did for our respective industries.

When Giovanni decided to leave Boston and the legitimate business world, each of us was well-positionedto take over. I’d been overseeing all of Giovanni’s real estate portfolios for the past five years. At 35, I’m what some consider to be a young CEO, but the press never bothered me.

I’d picked the last name "Stone" when I became of age. I’d never known who my parents were, so the last name they’d given me in the system was made up anyway. "Stone" was my reminder to never let anything penetrate my defenses. I’d made that mistake in life once. I’d never do it again.

Sebastian’s text is a gray bubble of reason in the colorful exchange.

Sebastian

Remember, perception is reality in our world. Handle with care.

Victor

Since when did you become Confucius?

I raise an eyebrow even though he can’t see it. Sebastian had recently become the majority shareholder of a major software company, having bought Giovanni out of his majority position now that the company had gone public. Since we were kids, he’s always been the most measured among the four of us.

Sebastian

Since you started needing a PR crisis intervention every other month.

Victor

Ha. Ha.

You guys done? Or should I schedule an interview on your behalf?

Lawrence

Aw, Victor’s going to cry

Don’t worry, I’ll send you a teddy bear.

Victor

Make it a hockey stick.

I’ll need something to beat all these reporters off with.

Roman

That sounds unintentionally dirty

Sebastian

Careful, Vic. You might actually start having fun again.

Victor

Fun’s overrated.

Although, a part of me knows he’s not entirely wrong. It’s been ages since I hit the ice, felt the chill in my lungs, the freedom in the glide. But that was another life, and a dream that was stolen from me.

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