Page 40 of Rise of the King

“Sebastian,” my father orders Bash’s attention back to him with that one word. “Your brother had his orders. You chose not to be a part of the business. These are the consequences of your actions as much as the consequences of ours. If you’re angry, be angry with me. Sam didn’t know at first and fought me every step of the way until I told him what my plan was and what part he needed to play in it.”

“Bash—” I’ve never seen him this angry before.

My father cuts me off, “Sebastian, this is over as far as the three of us are concerned. I’ll deal with the Sabatinis tonight. That is as much as you need to know. Now, sit back down and enjoy the food. I want to hear about med school and the draft. Sam tells me that you’re considering playing professional football.”

Pop changes the subject, letting us know that the business part of today’s conversation is over. Pop begins talking about Sebastian’s future. He’s always planned on going to medical school. But that was before he knew he had options that didn’t include Emma.

That could include Lenny.

Now he’s free to do what he wants.

My phone vibrates in my pocket with an incoming text.

Snow:Just got done at the shop. What time are you thinking tonight?

Sam:I’ve got a meeting to go to after this. How does 8pm sound for dinner?

Snow:That works for me. Gives me time for a nap.

Once the meal is over and Saporito readies to open its doors, my father’s driver approaches and whispers something in his ear. Pop nods his head. “Go. Be with your wife. Let me know if she has a boy or a girl. Sam can drive me home.”

I glance up from my phone. “Yeah. I got ya, Pops.”

The three of us stand from the table and grab our coats.

Ready to move on to the next steps of the day.

One more meeting to get through, then dinner.

I turn to Bash. “Guess that’s my cue to drive him home. I thought I’d get promoted after pulling this off. Not demoted to driver.”

Pop pulls his coat on, and pops his collar. “Shut up and turn the damn car on. It’s fucking freezing out. Did you see they’re calling for snow this week? In fucking November? Goddamn weather is crazier than it’s ever been.” He pushes through the door, coughing as the cold air hits his lungs and reminding me of what we didn’t discuss today.

Bash and I follow him through the door before I turn to my little brother, knowing he gets today to be happy but soon I’ll have to burst his bubble and tell him what’s going on with Pop’s health. “We’ll talk this week, Bash. Go home and celebrate because it’s over. Try not to be too pissed that it happened. You got what you wanted. You got your freedom. You got your girl. And you get to choose what you want to do now. I’d say I’ve secured the title of brother of the fucking year.”

The look he gives me tells me I may have pushed it too far. Conceding I add, “You may have helped... a little.”

Bash’s phone rings, and a picture of his roommate Murphy flashes across the screen. “Tell the dumbass to buy his own orange juice,” I chide. Murph’s a good kid. He’s been Bash’s friend for a good decade now, but I stand by the fact that their codependence isn’t normal.

I laugh to myself. Then I turn around in time to hear Pop groan again about the cold weather. “I’m turning it on, Pop.”

I hit the remote starter on my key fob to get the car and the heater started.

The world explodes around me.

---