Page 13 of Who We Were

Christ, we'd been friends since elementary school. Sam and Oli's dads tried to help her mom find a house when she thought she could afford it. Being a drunk who never shows up to work didn’t leave Amaya’s mom many options.

They never did move out of Amaya's grandma's house, but at least Amaya made a friend in Oliver before the start of fourthgrade. The brothers met the girl who would soon become our mate before I did, but I was her neighbor.

God, we were closer than shit.

I miss her.

Just before I really devolve into thinking about the girl who tore my soul to shreds, my cell rings. I don't know the number on the caller ID, but I use it for work too, so without further thought, I answer.

"Jenkins Realty, this is Emmett Raven. How can I help you?"

After we graduated from the designation academy, the three of us started working for Oli and Sam's dads. As the years have gone by, we've taken more and more responsibility for the company.

"Hello, my name is Paul Arison. I'm hoping to find a house for my daughter and am told you're the best near Baltimore."

Arison. That name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it.

Pride fills me when I catch onto his compliment. Not only has the Jenkins family built an incredible business, but we have expanded it using our knowledge and reach for a younger demographic.

"Of course," I respond, excited to be adding another client to our books. "I'll start by gathering some information and learn about what your daughter is looking for. Then we'll set up a meeting. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good, thank you." He's curt, but I don't mind the briskness in his tone. I deal with Samuel every damn day.

"Is your daughter with you to provide an idea of what she's looking for?" I ask, knowing she will probably have a bigger say than her dad.

The line is silent for a moment before Paul clears his throat. "Uh, no. This is... a gift. A surprise, so she won't be really involved until we sign."

A gift? Who gifts a fucking house?

Without missing a beat, I reply, "Alright, what's your email?"

Hopefully whoever wouldgifttheir kid a house has enough money to make this month a really good one.

10

OLIVER

Coffee gives me life. Well, so do blowjobs. And I'm spoiled enough to have been given both this morning.

Like most days, the three of us are off to our separate tasks. Emmett has a few meetings and Samuel will do anything to keep himself busy.

With a peck on my lips, Emmett struts his sexy ass out the door. I will my cock to calm itself with a reminder that we already got attention this morning. Thinking about my alpha's hot mouth and tight throat wrapped around my throbbing dick doesn't help.

A second slam of the front door closing snaps me out of the sexy memory from this morning. In its place is disappointment and a little anger at Samuel. I'm in a good enough mood that Samuel's silent, broody departure doesn't bother me too much. Not that he would notice if it bugged me. His head is too far up his ass, and I'm a pro at hiding my feelings.

All my big brother will ever get from me is a wide smile because he doesn't deserve to know how I really feel. Sam doesn't need to know how much power he has.

Not only was I abandoned by my best friend, my fuckingscent match, but Amaya took my older brother from me that day too. With her went Samuel. He dove head fucking first into his anger issues and shitty outlook on life in her wake.

Gone was the brother I had looked up to all my life. Even at just a year older, I thought he ruled the world. Well, he proved me wrong. Sam squashed the pedestal I put him on when he refused to look beyond his fucked up emotions.

We were all hurt by Amaya leaving, but Samuel abandoned me too. He chose his anger toward her over me. Five goddamn years later and he's still fucked up over her.

I mean, I get it, but the bridges he's burning in his family is ridiculous. All because he can't acknowledge his issues.

He's not the only one struggling.

My eyes catch the red glow of the time on the microwave, effectively shutting down that depressing train of thought. I have a showing in ten minutes.

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