“I wouldn’t think that. We aren’t kids anymore. I trust you.”
Coming from Doug, those words meant everything to Mason. He looked up to his older brother. The truth was bittersweet, but coming home was an attempt to regain the closeness they’d shared as children, and which Mason had watched slip away once Doug went to college. Four years younger and struggling to find his path, it had been hard for him to see Doug, the golden boy, accomplish everything seemingly so easily: the perfect girlfriend, a successful business, a great circle of friends. His resentment grew until he knew he had to remove himself by going across the world. Now, almost a decade later, older and, he hoped, a bit wiser, Mason wanted his brother back as his best friend.
“I appreciate that. I really am going to try and put the past behind me. Neither you nor Jude will have to worry about me.”
“You won’t even have to see him if you don’t want,” Doug said. “He has his clients and takes care of his business. We’ll find a place for you, don’t worry.”
“So should I come in tomorrow, or wait until you get home from the honeymoon? I’m anxious to start, not gonna lie.”
Before Doug could answer, a clearly agitated Jude, his face full of worry, sat next to Doug, picked up a glass of champagne, and drained it. “Shit.”
Doug nudged him. “Uh, you do realize that was Ilana’s? What’s wrong?”
“Sorry. Just got off the phone with Deirdre.”
Mason idly kept one ear on their conversation while checking out apartment rentals on his phone. The breakfast was winding down, and he figured there might be enough time to see a few places. He zoomed in on a decent one-bedroom in Chelsea and winced. Four grand a month. Damn, that would eat away at his savings. The Company’s office was downtown, and he wanted to live as close as he could, but he might have to rethink his geographically desirable area.
“Leaving? Why is she leaving?”
Mason stopped scrolling and started listening in earnest.
“You know how her husband has been shuttling back and forth between San Francisco and here for his job? Well, on Friday he found out they’re closing the New York office effective immediately, and they want him full-time in California.” Jude grimaced, stress lines appearing across his brow. “She didn’t want to tell me and ruin the wedding weekend, but she’s busy packing.”
“Well, that sucks. I know how much you depended on her. She’s an excellent assistant. Won’t be easy to replace.”
“No, she won’t. Next to impossible, I’m thinking.” Jude propped his chin in his hand.
Mason surreptitiously watched that full mouth droop, and his mind went there, to that moment the night before in the elevator when Jude’s lips covered his, and he almost ceased breathing.
“I can do it,” Mason said.
Doug swiveled in his chair. “Do what?”
“Cover as Jude’s assistant until he can find another one.” He watched his brother’s surprised expression change to a gleam of appreciation.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Jude’s withering glance didn’t bother him. He’d expected no less.
“Why? It would be the perfect way for me to jump in and learn the business.” Mason held his breath.
“Yeah, why not, Jude? Mase just finished telling me he spent time as a personal assistant for a wealthy businessman, so he knows the score. The man wouldn’t have kept him if he didn’t satisfy him.”
He winced at Doug’s innocent words. God, he was so glad he hadn’t told Doug the whole story. But Warren had trained him well, and Mason was ready to make his case.
“It’s true, Jude. And I’m just offering until you can find someone permanent. I’m ready to start tomorrow.” Mason tried not to sound too eager, but the prospect of spending another day with his mother looking over his shoulder, asking about his job search and apartment hunting, made him desperate.
Brown eyes skeptical, Jude drummed his fingers on the table. “It’s ridiculous. He doesn’t know anything about the clients or how I get things done.”
“Then teach me. I’m a fast learner and very eager to please.”
He smiled, and Jude’s expression darkened.
That’s right. You remember.
“I’ll need to speak to your reference. I’m sure your word is good enough for Doug, but I’ll make my own decision. You do have a number for the person you worked for, correct?”
Mason pressed his lips together. He didn’t miss the insinuation. Jude didn’t believe him. “Right here, as a matter of fact. Would you like me to call him for you?”
“No. I will.” Of course Jude wouldn’t trust him and had already pulled out his phone. “Give me the number.”
