Page 82 of Mine to Love

The Cantons are a summer family who have a place in the Bahamas, San Diego, and Acadia Falls. They aren’t as pretentious as others in our socioeconomic class, which makes them good friends with my parents.

“Thanks for the invite. You know me.” I lift my briefcase. “Always have work to do.”

“Make sure you’re taking time to rest not only your brain but your body as well. Too much work isn’t good for you. You’re working yourself to death like—”

He doesn’t have to say it. My grandfather had done the same. Put work and making millions ahead of family. It’s what caused the rift that never healed, and something my father vowed to never do. He made his millions and kept his family values. Family first.

“I know, Dad. Right now, it’s just me, myself, and I.”

“And your parents, sister, and brothers, as well as their families.”

“Logan knows what he’s doing.” My father pats me on the shoulder. His confidence in me is nice. Comforting. Something I’ve always strived to have. To keep.

“Will you be around for breakfast tomorrow?” My mother kisses me on the cheek.

“Blueberry pancakes?”

“Of course.”

I let myself in the empty house and set my duffle bag in the entryway. The kitchen is well-stocked, but I don’t feel like eating alone. Since Reese is out with Emerson, that means Holden is free.

I head back out and drive across town to my brother’s house. Emerson greets me at the door. “Hey, Logan. We didn’t expect to see you tonight. Come on in.”

I take in her casual shorts and shirt, her freshly washed face and hair piled high up on her head. It doesn’t look like she’s going out with Reese any time soon.

“Logan?” Holden calls from the kitchen. “What’s up?”

What can I say? I got stood up by Reese who said she was hanging out with Emerson, which obviously isn’t the case?

I follow Emerson down the short hall to the kitchen. “I was in town and didn’t know if you wanted to go out and grab a bite to eat.”

Holden is just as comfortable in basketball shorts and a faded Celtics shirt. Granted, my brother is perfectly fine going out in public dressed like that.

“Must be slow in the finance world for you to stop by unexpectedly.”

“Taking a much-needed night off is all.”

“I’m glad.” Emerson squeezes my arm and opens the fridge. “Would you like a beer?”

“Sure.” I take the bottle she offers and pop the top.

“Reese says she loves having Autumn in the office. Is that why you’re able to take a night off?”

I hired Autumn to help Reese, which would mentally help me. I still have a shit ton of work to take care of in Austin, so in a way, she’s a help to me too.

“Something like that.” I pick at the label on my beer. “Am I, uh, interrupting your evening or are you, uh, heading out?” I can’t very well tell Emerson that Reese used her as an excuse to not see me.

“Do we look like we’re heading out?” Emerson laughs.

“You look great.”

“Find your own woman.” Holden snakes his arm around Emerson’s waist and hugs her close to him. She giggles when he whispers something in her ear.

I thought I had one.

“Be nice,” Emerson chides. “You’re more than welcome to join us for dinner. We’re ordering Chinese and watching a movie.”

“He doesn’t want to be a third wheel,” Holden growls.

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