Relief crossed Jared’s features.“Good.We all missed you.Another question.Would your decision have anything to do with Brooke?”
That was something Aiden had been wanting to discuss with his sibling.He didn’t want Jared finding out he and Brooke were trying to make a go of things by accident.His brother already sensed the deep history he and Brooke shared.The news shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“It’s as much for me as it is because of Brooke.We’ve been rehashing our past and trying to make things work.I have a lot to make up to her.A lot of trust to regain.”And he intended to do so.
Jared grinned.“I’m happy for you both.I’ve always hated seeing you two so miserable around each other.You might think you’ve hidden things from the family, but, as I’ve said, we all sensed there had been something serious between you and then a big fallout.I’m just glad it’s over.”
“Same, big brother.Same.”
Aiden left the office, meeting up with Brooke in the lobby.They took his car to the bank in Great Neck.Today was an initial meeting, a chance to introduce themselves and go over details of the bank’s financial records and day-to-day operations.
Brooke was more experienced in this sort of thing, having worked closely with Jared for years, so he let her take the lead as they met with the executives.Watching her in action was illuminating.She was brilliant.She spoke with confidence and asked all the right questions.Aiden chimed in where he could, but his talents were more useful in evaluating the financial records for the bank and he had no problem acting as her second.
The meeting lasted about an hour, and when they left, they had a better insight into the bank’s business.
“I think we need to go further back than two years when checking their financials,” Aiden said as they walked to the car.“Just to get a better idea of how they got to this point.There’s areasonthis place is for sale, and the clearer the picture is, the better off we’ll be.I’d rather cover our asses now than play catch-up later.”
“I agree,” Brooke said.
He glanced at his watch, noting it was almost noon.“Do you want to grab lunch before we head back to work?”
“Sure.On our drive here, I saw a diner about a mile away,” Brooke said.
Aiden nodded.“Sounds good.”
The diner was easy to spot, and he pulled into the lot and parked.Once inside, the restaurant was just like any other roadside diner, from the black-and-white checkered tiles to the red vinyl booths and chrome-lined counter.
The lunchtime rush was in full force, but they managed to snag a table not far from the entrance.Brooke took the wall seat and they each placed their briefcases on the extra chairs.They’d decided to bring their work into the restaurant should they needed to refer to a document when discussing today’s meeting.
A waitress arrived immediately.“Can I get you two something to drink?”she asked.
“I think we’re ready to order.Aiden?”Brooke asked.
He nodded but waited for her to go first.
Brooke grinned as she ordered.“I’ll have the burger deluxe and a chocolate milkshake.”
He laughed because she did love her chocolate.“I’ll take the same burger deluxe and a Coke.”
“Got it,” the middle-aged woman said.“I’ll be back with your drinks first.”She strode away, leaving them alone.
Brooke leaned back in her seat.“Between the fair and today’s meal, I’m going to have to go to hot yoga to work off these calories.”
“I guess I’m a bad influence but from where I’m sitting, you’re perfect.”
Heat flared in her eyes.“Thank you, you charmer, you.”
He was grateful for her new, easy demeanor and how well things seemed to be going between them.They talked about the meeting and their next steps until the waitress returned with their drinks.
Brooke placed a straw in her tall glass and began to suck down her shake.
Their meals came next, and they finished their burgers quickly.Brooke patted her mouth with her napkin.“Excuse me.I’ll be right back.”She slid from the booth and walked to the back of the diner where the restrooms were located.
Aiden paid the bill at the table, then glanced at his phone, checking his mail while waiting for Brooke to return.A man approached, catching Aiden’s attention, but he ignored him, focusing instead on returning an important email from one of the bank execs he’d just met.
A hand reached out and grabbed his briefcase.Aiden glanced up as the man ran for the nearby front door.
“Hey!”he shouted, drawing attention from everyone seated nearby, as he jumped up from his seat and followed the man.
