Ruthless Rival

I wanted her.

I hated that someone else had her.

Opal watches as I take my place at the railing.

She sets her backpack by her feet. Pulls out her sketchpad, a collection of pencils, a rubber eraser.

She looks behind her, notes Vanessa and Lee, both pretending not to notice us, and turns to me. "You ready?"

I turn my gaze away from my sister and the women behind her. Look out at the river.

I don't linger in the beauty of the natural world. That was Bash's domain. He saw wonder in everything. The deep azure water, the warm the sun, the bright blue sky.

The tall buildings, steel and glass, pockets of light and life, thousands of people in one structure, with their unique goals and desires.

I can repeat him. When I remember his voice, his expression, the way he talked with his entire body—

I almost understand what he meant.

But I don't.

Fuck, how is a dead man influencing me?

I'm lost in thought when Opal tells me I can move.

She puts her sketchpad away and announces herself to Vanessa and Lee as if she can't believe they all happen to be here.

Lee is already chatting with Liam.

Strange. Liam hates her. She's always putting his girlfriend down in not all that subtle ways.

Liam is good at pretending, but he's not usually this good.

"Simon Pierce, in the flesh." Lee waves me over. "It's been a minute."

Since her wedding, but I'm not untangling that mess. "How's Harrison?"

"Good." She smiles and glances at her watch. "I have to head back soon."

"To ride him bareback," Liam says.

"Oh my god, Liam! Why are you such a frat boy? They're trying to have a baby," Opal says.

"Yes. I'm surprised I'm the first." She places her hand on her flat stomach. "I thought you'd be married with kids by now, Simon."

Vanessa shoots her a what the fuck look.

She shrugs the truth hurts. "I promised Vanessa I'd take her to dinner, but Harrison's work ran late."

"We're going to get Thai food," Opal says. "You should join us."

"It was supposed to be a quick dinner. I have an early meeting," Vanessa says.

"Simon lives around the corner," Lee says.

"Four blocks," Vanessa says. "And an avenue."

"But you are heading home, yeah? You can ride together," Lee says.

"You and Vanessa," Opal says. "I'll crash with Liam and Briar tonight."

They might as well sing we want the two of you to fuck in unison.

I almost admire the effort.

And the sheer transparency. They're not hiding their intentions. Or their meddling.

They push because they care, yes.

And I can't object when I do the same—

But it's none of their damn business.

Vanessa shoots me a do you believe this look.

Unfortunately, I do. "You want to stay at Liam's tonight?"

Opal nods enthusiastically. "Briar agreed to watch Gossip Girl with me."

"Is Liam watching too?" Lee laughs.

"Hell yeah," Liam says. "Have to figure out who the most annoying character is. Learn from their wisdom."

Lee whispers something in Vanessa's ear.

Vanessa shakes her head fine and turns to me. "Shall we?"

Reward them for their meddling? No.

She shoots her sister a we'll talk about this later look and turns to me. "It will go faster this way."

True. Pragmatic.

I don't want to give them what they want.

But I can't admit I'm letting pride trump practicality.

"Text me before you go to bed," I say to Opal. "No sneaking out. Briar will tell me."

Liam nods. "She's a terrible liar."

"Why would I sneak away from my favorite future sister-in-law?" She looks at Vanessa, considering her position on the list.

I almost see her checking boxes.

Gorgeous.

Successful.

Passionate.

Caring—Vanessa runs a charity for domestic violence survivors.

Well-dressed—most days, Vanessa wears a tailored sheath. Most nights, she wears a gown fit for a goddess. Even now, in her snug running shorts, she looks put together and sexy.

Opal cares about style. She admires stylish people, especially women who could serve as role models.

I wonder sometimes if she's going to keep pursuing art or learn business or run a charity.

She's young. Her entire life ahead of her. She can become anything she wants.

Even a fucking matchmaker.

Opal smiles with victory. And pure excitement. "Good night. Have fun!" She waves goodbye.

Vanessa takes my hand. "The subway is around the corner."

"I can call a car," I say.

"The train stops three blocks from your apartment." She leads me away from the park. Keeps her eyes in front of her. Not giving her sister, or my siblings, the satisfaction of attention.

"The train is crowded."

She shakes her head of course. "You have a driver?"

"I go to meetings all over the city."

"A personal driver?"

"The family does."

She chuckles of course.

"He stays with Adam now." My brother Adam, the second oldest after me, was in the car accident that killed Bash. He barely survived. After months in critical condition, he recovered, regained full use of his body. As good as new, except for the scars, both physical and emotional. He rarely leaves the house, though he tries more now that he's seeing someone.