Page 30 of Marrying His Brother

“The Army Base Riviera is the largest with a capacity of two hundred. I’ll sit down with Emily and decide between that and the Lakeside Riviera. The location is fantastic but it’s outdated and it needs a complete overhaul,” I say.

“We’ll prioritize based on what will give us the best return in the shortest amount of time. The Army Base Riviera has the potential, but the Lakeside could attract a higher-end clientele with the right updates.” I can’t keep my excitement from showing.

This is a chance to prove to my father that my time on tour did not mess up my head.

My father nods, his expression thoughtful as he folds his newspaper, resting it on the side table. “That’s the smart play. The Lakeside location could really draw in the upscale crowd if you modernize it.”

I can tell he’s pleased with my approach, which is something. Dad has always been tough to please.

“Make sure Emily’s onboard with everything. This is a joint venture, after all.”

“I will,” I say. “She’s got a sharp eye for the business. We’re aligned on the main goals, and I know she’s eager to see changes happen as much as I am.”

“Good,” he says, tapping his fingers lightly on the arm of his chair. “But keep the pressure on. We want them to start showing a profit as soon as possible.”

I’m well aware of the stakes and the reminder makes my stomach churn. I glance at my watch.What is taking Emily so long?

Before I can respond, mother let’s out a sigh. “Do we have to talk about business now? It’s Sunday for goodness sake.” She says this every Sunday.

“And where’s Emily,” she continues in an irritated tone. Mother is a stickler for time, just like I am.

“Let me call her and see how far away she is,” I say fishing out my phone. Emily is quickly becoming one of the most frequent people I call.

There’s no answer. “She’s probably driving,” I say, setting my phone on the table. “Have you spoken to Daniel?” I direct the question to my mother, as she’s the one most likely to speak to him.

My father deals with Daniel’s antics by ignoring them, and him. He picks up his newspaper and continues reading.

Her face tightens. “No, and I would prefer it that way. He caused us a lot of embarrassment yesterday. Thank God it was just family. But, let’s not talk about that, it’ll sour my mood, which is the last thing I want for my first lunch date with my new daughter-in-law.”

I hide a smile. I’ve never seen a hint of my mother needing an addition to the family, but, she’s taking to the idea of a daughter-in-law with surprising enthusiasm, even if it is all part of a business arrangement. I can tell she’s excited to play the role of the welcoming, doting mother.

Thirty minutes later, though, Emily still hasn’t shown up, and the tension at the table is starting to rise. My mother, glancing at her watch for the third time, lets out an exasperated sigh.

“I’ll go inside and let the butler know we’re ready for lunch,” she says, standing and smoothing her dress before heading toward the house.

I check my phone again. Nothing. No text, no missed call. I’m trying to stay calm, but my frustration is building. Emily knew this was important. I told her as much this morning.

When my mother returns, lunch is served. Plates are placed in front of us, but all I can think about is Emily and where the hell she is.

“She must be caught up with something,” I say, trying to sound casual, though inside, I’m boiling. “She’ll be here soon.”

My mother raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment. My father simply digs into his food, clearly uninterested in the drama of it all.

We continue eating, but I’m barely tasting the food. Every few minutes, I glance at my phone, hoping for some sort of explanation. Nothing.

By the end of lunch, my frustration has turned into full-blown anger. Sure, things come up—people get held up. But for fuck’s sake, she could’ve called or texted. She knows how important this lunch was, and yet she’s left me to sit here and make excuses on her behalf.

It shows how little respect she has for our arrangement.

After the plates are cleared and coffee is served, my mother gives me a sympathetic smile. “Maybe something came up,” she says. “Emily’s a wonderful girl. I’m sure she has a good reason.”

I nod, but internally, I’m seething. A wonderful girl? What do we know about her, really? Her actions today have shown she’s self-centered, inconsiderate, and clearly has no regard for what we agreed upon.

As I get up to leave, my mother pats my arm, her smile warm but tinged with concern. “Don’t worry too much, Andrew. I’m sure she wanted to be here with us.”

I give her a tight-lipped smile in return. But in my mind, all I can think is, she wanted to be here with us? I doubt it. This is the first real test of our partnership, and she’s failed it miserably.

I had hoped we could at least be cordial—maybe even become friends. But I won’t be foolish enough to entertain that thought again.

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