“Curt, with all due respect, let’s cut the shit.” I pause, letting my words sink in. “We both know that you didn’t call to tell me what a genius I am. So let’s save us both the time and get to the point.”
He chuckles. “I knew I liked you.”
“You’d be the first.”
He sucks in a long breath. “To be blunt, and I hope this stays between the two of us …”
“Of course.”
“I’m looking to part ways with Oak and Moss. There have been a variety of circumstances that have transpired to get to this point, but it goes without saying that I’m uncomfortable with them working closely with Dara.”
Take that, Johan.
“You come highly recommended, and that’s not me talking out of my ass,” Curt says. “I’ve known your family for years. You are good people. Family men. I respect that.”
I pace Shaye’s office.
We are family men. The Masons have always put family above everything. But something about the way Curt is speaking—I’m not sure if it’s his tone or the words he’s choosing—but something doesn’t quite sit well with me.
I brush a streak of dirt off my shirt. “That’s good to hear.”
“Of course, the budget is whatever Dara needs,” he says. “I trust that you wouldn’t run up the bill just to run it up.” He laughs ruefully. “There’s more on the line here than just this project. I’m sure you realize that.”
“Someone said something about a project in Atlanta.”
“Well, yes. And I haven’t mentioned this to Oliver,” he says, “but I’m working with a few investors on a resort in Mexico. It’s going to be state-of-the-art. A one-of-a-kind. I was thinking, if things go well, that it might be an opportunity for Mason Limited.”
Ah, hell.
A part of me wishes that this situation never unfolded because something is amiss here. I can feel it. But another, bigger part of me is emboldened that I’ve already said yes. If I’m involved at the start, I can do two things.
First, I can make sure that some fool like Johan doesn’t fuck Dara over. Second, I can feel Bowery Enterprises out before Oliver gets his panties in a twist and jumps all over the Mexico proposition—if it’s real. Because my reservations run deep in my bones.
“Well, Curt, you’ll be pleased to hear Dara and I decided to work together today,” I say, withholding a sigh. “We have a meeting on Monday.”
“That delights me. How wonderful.”
I can hear him smile. It takes everything I have not to roll my eyes.
“Please, take care of her, Wade. And whatever you need, let me know.”
“That’s the plan.”
I spot the file I came to the office for and tuck it under my arm.
“I’m glad to hear it. Call me if you have any issues and please don’t mention anything about Mexico to your brothers. Nothing is set in stone yet. You know how it goes.”
Unfortunately for you, I do. “Understood.”
“Talk soon.”
And just like that, Curt ends the call.
Fuck.
Somehow, this whole thing seems even more complicated, and I was sure that was impossible.
I wrap a hand over the back of my neck and storm through the foyer. Rosie looks up at me and smiles.
“I’m making you pictures,” she says, her grin stretching from ear to ear. “See? That’s your heart. It’s black.”
“Fitting.”
“Do you love it?”
“I think you’re a very perceptive little girl.”
She seems satisfied with this and goes back to her scribbling. I, on the other hand, march into her dad’s office.
“I have to go,” I say, gripping the back of the chair I sat in before. “I have work to do.”
Boone grins. “Have you told Ollie that you’re doing Bowery?”
“I’m not doing Bowery. I’m working on the Bowery project,” I correct him.
“Ah, she’s hot,” Boone says. “I knew it! You lucky fuck.”
I glare at him.
“Ignore him. I’ll let Oliver know,” Holt says.
“You do that,” I reply.
Before anyone can say anything else, all of our phones go off at the same time. We exchange a look before pulling them out.
Coy: I’m having a baby!
Bellamy: Excuse me?
Coy: WE ARE HAVING A BABY!
Bellamy: The light is green. GO or you’ll have this baby in your car.
Coy: Sorry.
Mom: I’m on my way!
“I better be the godfather,” Boone says, tossing his cell on the desk. “I mean, I don’t know who else he’d pick, but it better be me.”
“Of note, we aren’t Catholic,” I point out.
Boone shrugs. “So?”
“So, godparents are traditionally a Catholic thing,” Holt points out. “But I think he is choosing godparents for the baby, and I think they are Hollis and Larissa.”
Boone gasps. “Why? Coy has four brothers, and he’s picking Hollis? I call bullshit.”
“It’s probably not a bad idea. Larissa is Bellamy’s best friend,” I point out. “And Hollis …” I release a hefty breath. “Give him a break. The guy just found out that his sister died ten years ago. Let him have this.”