Page 115 of Dangerous Rhythm

His phone vibrated in his pocket. His face lit up when he saw who was calling. He moved away for some privacy.

“What’s up, bro?” Curtis greeted Brandon.

The sound of Brandon’s laughter filled the earpiece as he spoke off the phone to Callie. “You owe me ten euros. He’s up.”

“Tell Callie that hurts. My own sister betting against me. Tell her I’m already up on Madison and 72ndStreet waiting for my coffee—”

“What are you doing all the way up there at eight on a Sunday morning?” Brandon interrupted.

“I’m a morning person, Brandon.”

“Since when?” his friend retorted. “Since Lina kicks you awake every morning for a workout?”

“Sometimes it’s for a workout.” Curtis chuckled. “Anyway, when are you guys coming back here? James is almost two months old and looking cuter by the day.”

James, named after Uncle Brandon’s middle name, was Rae and Dean’s second child, who was born late and robust in February. The proud parents and big sister were over the moon with the arrival.

“I know! We’ve been video-calling,” Brandon said. “We’re coming at the end of May. In time for Maya’s birthday and Chris’ wedding.”

“It’ll be a great summer,” Curtis stated. “Can’t wait to see you guys.”

“Same. We need to set an entire week just you, Justin, Ram, and I jamming.”

“I’ll start the conversation on that,” Curtis took on the task.

“We also need to discuss this Grow With Rhythm Foundation idea further, man,” Brandon said. “I dug the proposal you put together. I didn’t know you could do that.”

“Dude, I have a business degree.”

Brandon laughed. “I forget about that sometimes. But you can’t really blame me.”

Curtis rolled his eyes as if Brandon could see him.

“I really think we can make a difference even if we start on a small scale,” Curtis said in full seriousness.

“I agree. I’m glad you came up with it. You seem really passionate about it.”

“I am. I was drifting a while when things were changing with you moving to Paris, and Justin and Ram were having fun with their podcast. But these past few months have really helped me figure out the next phase of my life.”

“Sounds like it.” Brandon smiled—well, Curtis couldn’t see him, but he could almost feel his best friend smiling through his voice. “It just took a mad woman wanting you dead to get that brilliant brain going.”

“Haha,” mocked Curtis. “However crazy that episode was, it led me to this moment and I can’t be more grateful. I think it was meant to be. We got an invitation to Connor Murphy and Sofia Stiletto’s wedding.”

“Really? The audacity. After putting you through that shit, they invited you to a wedding?” Brandon laughed.

“I’m glad they’re happy. And it looks like the rest of the Stiletto family changed their last name. And Mamma Serafina is in exile on some island somewhere.”

“That’s cushy. She doesn’t deserve that.”

“Well, that’s what Marcus told me,” Curtis said. “But I got a feeling there was more to it, and he was protecting me from some fucked-up stuff. As long as she stays the fuck away from me, I’m good not thinking about her ever again.”

“You’re a better man than me, brother,” Brandon commended. “How about the other thing? Did you do it yet?”

“No, but today is the day.” Curtis smiled at the woman coming to him. She handed him his cup of coffee. “It’s Brandon.”

“Hi, Brandon,” Lina said to the phone briefly, and gestured to the door. “I’ll wait outside.”

Curtis watched her slip out with an unconscious smile on his face. “Gotta go. Wish me luck?”

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