Page 12 of Cause and Effect

As soon as Trey walked out, Roman walked in.

“Did he take the deal?”

“He has to think about it.” I rolled my eyes.

“Stupid man.” Roman shook his head. “How are things going with Laurel?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Just wondering.” He shrugged. “So, you told her you didn’t want to sleep with her anymore because she has kids?”

“Yeah. And?”

“Why do you have to be such a douchebag?” my brother asked.

“I wanted to let her know because I hate the tension. As long as she thinks I want to sleep with her, there will always be tension. Now, there is no more tension.” I smiled.

“I love you, brother, but sometimes—” He shook his head.

“Yeah. Yeah. I know.”

“I’m headingto Harrison’s. Are you coming?” I asked Melinda on my way out of the office.

“Yes. I have a quick errand to run, and then I’ll see you there.” She smiled.

“Okay.” I headed toward the elevator.

I stepped into Harrison’s and smiled. Balloons filled the space, and a large banner read: Happy Birthday Calista.

“Happy birthday, Mom.” I hugged her.

“Thank you, Julian.” She smiled, placing her hands on each side of my face.

“Hello there. You must be Julian.” A strange man walked up and touched my mother’s lower back.

“I am. And you are?” I narrowed my left eye.

“Julian, this is Declan Ross. He’s—” She glanced at him with a smile. “A friend.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Declan extended his hand.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you, too.” I placed my hand in his.

“Courtney just walked in,” my mother said. “We’ll chat later, darling.” She kissed my cheek before walking away.

“I see you met Declan.” Roman walked over and hooked his arm around me.

“Who the hell is that guy?”

“We’ll find out soon enough. I already have Morgan working on it.” He smirked.

“God, I need a drink.” I sighed, walking over to the bar.

“Evening, Julian. Scotch?” Bart asked.

“Make it a double, Bart.”

“Hey, is your father coming tonight?” he asked.

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