Page 22 of American Beauty

A knock sounds at the door, and before I can tell Leilani to behave, it opens.

Courtney steps inside, a folder tucked under one arm, her expression as composed as ever. She’s been with Sebring Hotels longer than I have—first working for my father and now for me as I step into his role. If anyone knows the ins and outs of this business, it’s her.

“Good morning, Mr. Sebring.” She nods toward Leilani. “I see you’re introducing your sister to the business.”

Leilani spins in her chair, flashing a grin. “My brother needs someone he can trust. So here I am.”

Courtney smirks, seeming unimpressed. “Lucky him.”

“Right?” Leilani leans back, propping her feet up on the desk again. “We’re already making substantial progress on these emails… and I’m expanding his knowledge of prescription enhancement options.”

Courtney blinks at her and turns to me. “Prescription enhancement?”

I sigh, rubbing my temples. “Regret is a slow burn.”

Courtney hands me the folder. “Quarterly reports. Your father wants a review before the next board meeting. Also, you have a call with the Brisbane architect at three.”

I nod, flipping through the pages, not reading one damn word. “Thanks for this.”

She lingers for half a second, her gaze flicking to Leilani. “Let’s do our best to keep things running smoothly for Alex.”

Leilani smiles, but it drips sarcasm. “I am the picture of efficiency.”

“Mm-hmm,” she says beneath her breath and exits the office, leaving me with the menace my mother calls her surprise blessing from God.

Leilani cuts her eyes my way as soon as the door shuts behind Courtney. “Dad has always bragged about how fantastic she is, but to be frank, I don’t like her.”

I shoot her a look. “Dad isn’t wrong. She is fantastic. She’s been running this office longer than you’ve been alive.”

Leilani smirks. “Plenty of time to perfect the art of villainy. I’m telling you, bro—she sets off my Spidey senses.”

“Please behave, Lei.”

She doesn’t smirk this time. Doesn’t joke. Simply holds my gaze. “Fine. Ignore a Malietoa woman’s gut feeling at your own risk. But be ready. Because I’m gonna back my car into the garage at your house and unload a whole bunch ofI told you sowhen you figure out that I’m right.”

My phone buzzes on my desk, Magnolia’s name flashing across the screen. Before I can grab it, Leilani snatches it up, grinning like someone gave her a winning lottery ticket.

“Leilani, don’t?—”

Too late. She answers, dropping her voice into something low and sultry.

“Sebring Hotels. CEO unavailable. This is his incredibly beautiful, highly competent, underpaid personal assistant speaking.”

There’s a pause as Leilani listens to whatever Magnolia is saying.

Leilani cackles. “Kidding. This is Leilani, Alex’s favorite sibling––obviously.”

I glare at her. “Give me the damn phone, pest.”

She twists away, keeping it out of reach. “Hey Alex, it’s Magnolia––the woman you’re obsessed with, the woman who has turned you into a lovesick puppy.”

I lunge for the phone, but she dodges me again. “He’s very busy at the moment. Brooding. Missing you. Staring at your photograph. Writing lousy poetry about you.”

“Haha. You’re hilarious. Now give me my damn phone.”

I manage to snatch it from Leilani’s grasp and press it to my ear. “Please ignore her.”

Magnolia laughs. “I don’t think Leilani is one to be ignored.”

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