Page 11 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

3

Holland

“I’m home!”Morris darts off the couch, rushing down the hall and away from my screech.

Because let’s be honest, I’m totally screeching right now.

But I’m excited. I nailed my interview last week, and I just had the best first day at work ever.

Sure, it’s not the greatest pay and the benefits don’t touch what I had with my father, but it’s better than what I have now, which is diddly squat.

“Good day?” I nod happily, and Dean shoves off of the couch, leaping over the coffee table and wrapping his arms around me. “I knew you’d kick ass!”

He’s as excited as I am, and I squeeze him extra hard, trying to hold in the tears that have sprung up in my eyes. It feels damn good to have someone in my corner cheering me on.

Dean and I have always been close, but after our parents won the lottery and did complete one-eighties in the personality department—because what they say is true: money changes people—our bond grew stronger. We were all each other had, and we refused to let anything come between us. Sure, we have fights like all siblings do, but he’s truly my best friend.

“How were your coworkers? Was the traffic as bad as you were expecting? Do you think it’s something you’re going to love?”

I laugh, pulling away. “One question at a time.”

“Come on. Let’s do a celebration shot, then we’ll go to dinner to commemorate your first day when River gets home.”

“Isn’t it kind of early to be downing shots?”

“Funny coming from you, Ms. Drunk at Brunch.” My cheeks heat with guilt. “Besides, I’m on summer break—the hangover tomorrow won’t bother me.”

I follow him into the kitchen, slipping onto a stool as he reaches up into the cabinet over the fridge. He pulls down a bottle of golden tequila and two shot glasses. He fills them up, then slides one my way.

Dean lifts his glass. “Here’s to finally telling that crusty old man you call a father to fuck off!”

“Dean!” I hiss.

He rolls his eyes. “Fine. How about ‘Congrats on finally telling Dad to kiss your ass and proving him wrong’?”

I smirk. “Kind of a mouthful, don’t ya think?”

We clink glasses anyway, then toss back the shots.

I groan as the booze burns my throat and give my head a shake. “Oh god. I hate that shit so much.”

“It’s disgusting, but it gets the job done.” Dean pours us another shot each, and we toss those back too.

I’m not much of a drinker, so I can already feel the booze hitting my veins.

“Have you talked to him?” he asks, and I know he’s referring to our father.

I shake my head.

I called him the day I got the job. He told me again that I was making a huge mistake and I wouldn’t last thirty days at my new company.

I haven’t tried to contact him since, and he hasn’t reached out either. I have a feeling it’s going to be a while before we’re ready to talk again.

Dean frowns but quickly changes the subject.

“All right. Let’s hear all about your first day.” He leans against the counter, eager to get the rundown.

“Well, the morning started with a mini panic attack in my car.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “But once I finally pulled my shit together and went inside, everyone was really nice. I even kind of made friends with another newer hire, Emma. We’ve been paired up to work on a project together. It looks like the company is still growing and there’s room for advancement.”

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