Page 42 of Love to Hate You

“Why do you sound so surprised?” I frown and finish signing the rest of the documents.

“I guess because I always thought of you as a know-it-all who has never stooped to ask anyone, especially me, for advice.”

“I’ve asked you for advice before,” I say.

“No, you haven’t,” Tanner insists. “Never.”

Huh, really?“Well, I do normally go with my gut instinct.”

“And what’s your gut telling you about your current problem?”

“That I need advice.”

Tanner laughs. “Okay. Are you at the office?”

“Yeah.”

“Want to stop by my new place? I’m like five minutes away.”

“Sure. I’ve been meaning to check it out.”

“Great. Bring some food, too, will ‘ya? I’m still getting settled and just had a new bed delivered today.”

“Sure thing,” I say, and we disconnect a moment later.

On my way out, I drop the documents on Ivy’s desk and I’m glad she’s not there. I should probably let Charlie know I’m taking off early so I send her a quick text:Gotta run over to my brother’s so leaving early today. If you need anything just call.

And I mean anything. I want to add that but there’s no way it would go over well.

After taking the elevator down to the garage, I slip into my Tesla and head over to grab a couple of large pizzas and a six-pack of Heineken. I haven’t been to Tanner’s new apartment yet, but knowing my brother, he probably chose a practical place to live after endless research. So, I’m really surprised to find myself standing in a kickass, modern-looking loft a half an hour later.

“This place is fucking amazing,” I say as I walk over to the staircase that leads up to his bedroom.

“Thanks,” Tanner says, following me up the steps. “Figured I may as well splurge a bit since I’m part owner of a billion-dollar company.”

I chuckle. “Why not, right?”

“I always wanted a loft apartment, anyway.”

The upstairs area is spacious, airy and dominated by his new bed which consists of a mattress on a raised platform. I arch a brow. “Nice bed. Expecting a lot of female companionship?”

“Not really. I got it for myself since, you know, I’m going to be the one sleeping in it every night.”

“So, you're not seeing anyone?” I ask.

A shadow crosses his face. “No.”

It’s clear I hit a sensitive nerve. As I’m about to turn, my gaze drops to the nightstand where I see Dad’s letter. “Have you read it yet?” I ask in a low voice.

Tanner’s gaze drops to the envelope with his name written across the front. “No. Have you read yours yet?”

I shake my head. “Not sure if I ever will.”

“Yeah, same.”

We head back downstairs, and I get to the point of my visit. “Look, I said I need your advice because you’re the only one I know who's been in love. I don’t want to stir any negative emotions or memories, but I’m really hoping you can help me. The Charlie situation is killing me.”

As if on cue, my phone beeps with a text from her. I open it up:Sure. See you tomorrow.

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