I huffed and raked a hand through my hair. “Maybe because I’ve never had a good experience with them. I told you I didn’t have the best childhood.”
Bailey’s face softened. “I know it was rough. But not everyone here comes from wealth and privilege.” He slipped his arm through mine. “Come on and say hi. You’ve met Weston andBrenner at least once or twice. And there’re some other folks too.”
I could hardly pull away from him without drawing attention to myself, so I allowed him to lead me to the small group. Weston Lively, the son of a senator-slash-failed-presidential-candidate, and Brenner Fleming, both partners at the same law firm as Grady. Definitely not people I had anything in common with, so I had no clue what the hell Bailey was talking about. Also in this group were two other men, wearing matching wedding bands.
Bailey’s hold on my arm tightened. “Hey, guys, this is Keston, Grady’s brother. West and Bren, you know, but you haven’t met Manny and his husband, John. Manny’s a partner at the firm, and John is a doctor.”
“Finally. Someone who’s not a lawyer,” I muttered—quietly, I’d thought, but everyone heard me and laughed.
“Yeah, we’re a pretty sickening bunch, aren’t we?” Bailey snickered. “For those who don’t know, Keston owns a thriving tattoo shop that’s pretty awesome.”
“Oh, yeah? Where’s it located?” John asked. “I was thinking of getting some ink.”
“East Village,” I answered, and Bailey gave him the address before I could.
“You didn’t give me a chance to say it,” I grumbled, but Bailey ignored me.
“He’s also got a great new-client special. You should check it out.”
“Bailey’s always a step ahead,” Weston remarked. “Get used to it.”
I caught Bailey’s eye, and he winked at me. “What can I say? I’m a lot to handle.”
I knew that from personal experience and was hoping to get a chance to handle him again later.
More people entered the apartment, and I took the time while everyone else was talking to scope it out. The building was a sleek high-rise with windows that gave a view of the harbor and a slice of the Brooklyn Bridge. A far cry from where Grady had grown up, in the projects of Fort Greene, not far from here.
Grady had done damn well for himself. A nice apartment, a great high-paying job, and at his side, a beautiful, sexy lady casting adoring looks up at him.
Surprising me, Bailey took my hand. “Keston’s had a long workday, so we’re gonna say good night.”
“See you soon, guys. Maybe we’ll all do dinner,” Weston called after us.
I muttered, “Not likely.”
Bailey tugged on my hand. “Don’t be a dick. Weston’s a nice guy, even if he’s worth a hundred million, give or take. You can find plenty to talk to him about.”
“Oh, sure, he and I can sit and compare bank statements.” Weston Lively and I had zero in common aside from both of us having XY chromosomes. “Every time we’ve met, he’s tried to make me feel like we’re friends.”
“Oh, my God.” Bailey put a hand to his chest. “What a horrible, terrible person.” He poked me. “How do you walk with that huge chip on your shoulder?”
Why couldn’t anyone understand what I meant?
We made our way toward Grady and Lauren.
“Dude, you’re leaving already?” Hazy-eyed, he waved his glass at me, and despite my annoyance, I couldn’t help grinning. I’d never seen Grady this buzzed and not being his serious psychologist and lawyer self. “Did you meet Lauren yet?”
“Dude.” I cackled. “I’ve met her a bunch of times. How trashed are you?”
He continued babbling as if he didn’t hear me. “She’s an ADA in Manhattan. Gonna make Bureau Chief one day. Lauren, this is my brother, Keston. He’s a tattoo artist and does the best work.”
Lauren was sweet-faced with big brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a banging body that promised passionate nights for my brother. With a roll of her eyes, she got up on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek.
“Hi, honey. Yes, baby, I know Keston and his work. I’ve seen it up close.” She winked at us with a saucy smile. “I may have to visit your place and get one myself.”
Grady’s eyes brightened, and he traced her collarbone with his fingertip.
“Yeah. Right here.” He bent to kiss her, but she held him off.
