Page 95 of Ewan

My smile subsides, morphing into a dull, distorted pain.

“It’s not that simple, and you know it.”

His eyes darken.

“This can’t be about Mom. You know what she’d say if she were here.”

“It’s not about what she’d say.”

“Then what is it?”

I take in a deep breath and let out a long exhale.

“These things are more complicated than you think. You’ll see how this works in a little while when you meet a grown-up woman.”

“Have you slept with her?”

My eyebrows go up.

“I just met the woman. No. Of course not.”

“Then you should.”

“Is that your opinion as a serial boyfriend? Or did you read that in a book? Do you think that’s the foundation of a great love story?”

“I think you need to start somewhere. Take her out. Make her feel something for you. And then you think about the rest.”

“I wouldn’t trademark your method of approaching women anytime soon.”

“If she’s as good as Colley says, you might need to keep an eye on her.”

A knowing smile crawls up my lips, making him chuckle.

“Oh, you’re doing that already.”

“I just met the woman,” I still argue.

“You’ve closed bigger deals than this in less time. So don’t play coy with me.”

I gesture in defeat.

“I need to go. I have a meeting downtown.”

“Sure. Think about what I just said. Mom wouldn’t want you to stay single forever.”

“Let her rest in peace,” I say seriously, with a hint of sadness in my voice, as I pat his back and hug him briefly.

“I will. Although, I’m right,” he says stubbornly as we break away from each other.

I smile without him seeing me before the door closes behind me, and I take the stairs down.

Scarlett's text message arrives as I walk to the car waiting for me in the front.

Her schedule has changed.

I give my driver new directions. We’re going to Brooklyn first and then to my tailor.

My entire day looks different now.

---