Page 78 of Convenient Rivals

“Ugh. I preferred when you were all logical and emotionless.”

“He wasn’t emotionless,” said Paolo in his defence.

“Oh, I was,” said Gregory, causing them all to laugh.

“Don’t think we didn’t notice the change of clothes,” said Langdon. “Do we need to fumigate the office before the cleaners come tomorrow?”

His face flamed. Langdon and Paolo laughed.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” said Langdon, his tone shifting.

Gregory looked over and saw Grant Kincaid looking mighty fine in a suit and on a mission. He headed straight over to a two-person table where Jason and Patrick were sitting. This couldn’t be good. They all followed in unison, with Charlie joining them. They had a sixth sense for knowing when one of their brothers needed help.

“What the fuck is this, Jason?” snapped Grant, slamming an envelope onto the table.

This got the attention of the surrounding people, but the last thing Gregory needed was a scene at his wedding. He glanced over at Oscar, who caught his eye, realised something was going on, and headed over.

Jason looked scared, but then he’d always had that reaction to Grant. Gregory knew why now, as Jason had shared everything with them last week. He’d been shocked, but understood. All it did was make him love his baby brother even more.

“You think you can just ignore me and issue me with divorce papers?” said Grant.

Thankfully, he said it quietly enough that nobody picked up on it. Patrick looked unperturbed by Grant’s behaviour, but Jason was struggling to speak so he took the lead.

“It’s in your best interest to sign the papers, Grant.”

“Fuck off, old man. This has nothing to do with you.”

“It has everything to do with me. Jason’s with me now. You had your chance, and you blew it. You haven’t been together for three years, so just sign the papers and make it easier for all sides.”

“Are you threatening me? Do you know who I am?”

“I’m well aware of who you are. I’ve also got lots of juicy stories ready to go to print, unless you sign the papers.”

Gregory wasn’t sure what Patrick had on Grant. If the police weren’t able to get anything on him, could Patrick really go to print with something that could be potentially libelous?

“Jason,” said Grant, turning away from Patrick. “You’re my husband. You need to come home with me.”

“He might be your husband, legally,” said Patrick. “But you lost all rights to that title the moment you laid your hands on him.”

“Oh, is that what he’s told you? Is that what you’ve told them, Jason?”

Jason didn’t say a word. If Gregory wasn’t mistaken, Grant looked hurt.

“I’m giving you one last chance, Jason. Are you going to come back to me?”

Jason shook his head.

“Fine, then Patrick needs to know what he’s letting himself in for.”

He pulled out another envelope and dropped it on the table in front of Patrick before he walked out. Langdon went after him.

Patrick looked down at the envelope, and over at Jason who was crying. Patrick pushed the envelope away.

“I won’t look if you don’t want me to, Jason.”

Jason pushed himself up and ran out before anyone could stop him. Patrick looked embarrassed. Sebastian, who had appeared, took the seat Jason had been occupying and glared at everyone. It would be amusing if the situation weren’t so tense. They all dispersed.

“Go after him,” said Gregory to Charlie and Paolo. “He needs you.”

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