The Better Brother

“Oh!” I said, suddenly understanding the implications of my words. “The limo is paid for through the morning, so you’re free to leave whenever you want to. You don’t have to stay. I mean, you can… I mean, I would love it if you stayed, but…”

I realized I was rambling and quickly trailed off, letting the end of my sentence disappear. Julie just laughed and took a step toward me. She drank the rest of her martini in one gulp and then turned to order another.

When she turned back to face me, she was grinning devilishly. My stomach flipped as she moved closer. Her hand was on my chest before I could blink. Then, her lips were on mine, and the entire world disappeared.

“Having a room upstairs sounds perfect,” she whispered as she pulled away.

I grinned and wrapped my arm around her waist. The party would be starting soon, and I needed to get back to the entrance.

“There you are!” Marcy called out as Julie and I came into view. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

“We were at the bar,” I said simply. “Marcy, this is Julie. Julie, this is Marcy.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Marcy said with a smile.

“You too,” Julie said.

“Mr. Smart.” Marcy turned her attention back to me. “The guests are beginning to arrive. The valet is directing them this way now. Are you ready to open the doors?”

“Of course,” I said. “Whenever you are.”

Marcy nodded and hurried forward. She threw open the doors to the ballroom and then stood back. I could already hear footsteps approaching.

“Marcy?” I said.

“Yes?” She turned to face me.

“Remember to have fun tonight, okay? You’ve earned it.”

Marcy smiled. Her entire body seemed to relax. Julie squeezed my arm, and when I looked at her, she was smiling appreciatively.

“What’s that smile for?” I asked quietly.

“You’re a good boss.” She shrugged. “It’s just surprising, is all.”

“You thought I’d be a tyrant?” I asked.

“Something like that,” she teased me with a wink.

In seconds, the entrance was crowded with people. I greeted everyone personally, keeping the line moving as quickly as possible. I tried to introduce everyone to Julie, but people were arriving so fast that I didn’t have the chance.

Soon, everyone was inside the ballroom, and the party could really begin. I led Julie around the room, stopping to show her off to my clients whenever possible. I loved having her on my arm. I brought a date every year, but none were as beautiful or charming as Julie. I wanted everyone to meet her, to see just how amazing she was.

Julie and I drank and laughed all night. We danced, spinning each other around the dancefloor. I’d never had so much fun at a company party in my life.

As the night began to wind down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out with a frown. Who would be texting me now?

“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party this year,” Josh wrote. “How’s it going?”

“Great!” I typed back. “I brought a better date than you.”

Josh replied seconds later. “That same girl?”

“Yup.” I pressed send and went to tuck my phone back in my pocket. Before I could, it vibrated again.

“When can I meet her?” Josh asked.

“I’ll set it up,” I typed, just to get him off my back. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but I’d deal with it later.