Page 66 of Bonus Daddy
“Because I wasn’t with you. Air traffic control never gives me shit.”
“I can’t,” I hedged, interrupting their banter. “It’s too much.” In the span of five minutes, my plan had evolved from acquiring hard-to-get concert tickets to an over-the-top circus.
“It worked for Cal.” Okay, he did have a point there. “You think your first love just walks through your office door every day?” Beckett grunted. “Get it together.”
“Lay off him.” Cortney interrupted. “He’s got a plan. Don’t bulldoze him.”
Beckett threw his hands up. “I’m not bulldozing. He just doesn’t know what he needs.”
Cortney groaned. “And you do?”
A slow smile spread across Beckett’s face as he turned to Dylan. “I got you your wife, didn’t I?”
Dylan giggled as Cortney let out a sigh.
“She’s still my client.” I scratched at my beard. “Nothing can happen.”
“Gotta play the long game,” Beckett said. “You can’t leave anything to chance. Make a plan and execute.”
“Easy for you to say.” I huffed. “You forced your crush to marry you.”
Smiling, he held his mug up in a toast-like gesture. “Yes. Best decision I ever made. You wanna win big, you gotta swing big.”
“I’m with Becks,” Dylan said. “Fate has intervened, and you cannot ignore the will of the universe. I suggest you sage the apartment and light some jasmine candles immediately.”
“Don’t duck it up,” Beckett warned.
I let out a sardonic laugh. “I guess I’ll see you all next weekend.”
Chapter 23
Jess
When I was sure Brian wasn’t looking, I pinched myself.
This could not be happening. The girls had been screaming and crying nonstop since he’d delivered the news.
He’d scored us tickets to see Lake Paige in concert.
When he’d casually mentioned that we’d get to meet her? Kit had burst into tears, and Greta had run laps around the apartment, yelling at the top of her lungs.
“Is this a dream?” Kit asked, looking out at the helicopter that was waiting for us.
“I’m not sure,” I replied honestly.
Greta hadn’t let go of my hand since we’d arrived, holding it so tight she was cutting off blood flow. Brian was across the room, ensuring all our bags were accounted for. He’d insisted on carrying them all himself, but he probably regretted the offer once the driver had pulled them all from the car. Greta had been beside herself when she realized she didn’t have months to recreate one of Lake’s iconic music video looks, so we may have overpacked a bit. But hopefully we’d have enough glitter, pink, and fringe to have a good time.
The girls let out a fresh round of happy squeals and twirls. “LakePaige,” Kit trilled. “Her new album is everything. It’s like she’s more musically complex after she took time off to have a baby.”
Greta peered back at Brian. “You have a helicopter?”
He shook his head, looking slightly uncomfortable. “No. A friend lent it to me.”
She released me and darted across the room. Arms flung out, she launched herself at him and hugged him tight. “You’re the best.”
Kit joined in, though she was a little more successful at playing it cool.
Brian, who still had a bag slung over each shoulder, wobbled a little on his feet.
