The corner of my mouth lifted, bringing me back to simpler times when we’d spend lazy Sundays eating breakfast in bed and filling out the daily puzzle.
“Jesus Christ!” I shouted, fumbling with my phone.
“What are you doing, Big Bro?” I controlled my breathing as the youngest pain in my ass giggled his butt off after beating on my window and scaring the shit out of me. “Are you texting that Corgi chick?”
“Fuck it. I’m kicking his ass,” I mumbled, loosening my tie. We were grappling in the parking lot a few seconds later, and I had him in a side-standing headlock.
“Kier, don’t let him go for the takedown!” Casey shouted, exiting his flashy Corvette.
“B-big Bro… is this necessary?” Kieran grunted as he attempted to swipe one of my feet from under me.
“Tap out,” I panted, trying to maintain my hold on him. Kieran was leaner than me, but he had a solid core, and it was hell trying to get him to break his stance. All the Baker children were black belts in karate and jujitsu, and Kieran was the only one of us who still regularly practiced.
“It sounds like you’re getting tired, Big Bro. I can do this all day,” he teased. He grabbed my wrist, and I could anticipate his next move. Unfortunately for me, he was lighter and faster. He stepped between my legs, postured up, and broke my hold. Fast as lightning, he grabbed my arm that was around his neck and wrenched it behind my back before driving me into the driver’s side mirror.
“Oh, shit!” Casey exclaimed when my head cracked against the side mirror.
“You guys are officially uninvited from my wedding,” Daisy drawled. I was too busy getting my ass kicked to notice her arrival.
“My bad, Big Bro. I didn’t mean to do it!” Kieran apologized frantically.
“It’s those steroids he does with Ronan,” Daisy claimed.
“I don’t do steroids!” Kieran protested.
Casey blew a raspberry. “Yeah, I’m not buying it.”
“No wonder you don’t get bitches. You should be embarrassed that you let that bean pole manhandle you like that,” Daisy huffed, handing me a handkerchief.
“What’s that for?” I asked, chuckling.
“You’re bleeding, dingbat.”
I dabbed at my forehead. Sure enough, I was bleeding.
“I’m sorry, Grant,” Kieran apologized again. I chuckled at the absurdity of the situation and thanked my lucky stars that Dad hadn’t decided to make an impromptu visit.
He’d probably come out of retirement and force me to step down.
“Stop apologizing. You won fair and square, but I want a rematch,” I said, bowing slightly.
Kieran grinned impishly. “Any time, any place, Big Bro.”
* * *
“Mhm… mhm… mhm,” I acknowledged as my fingers flew over the keyboard. “Oh… I’m truly sorry for your loss. I’m not a parent myself, but I can’t imagine how devastating this is for you and your family.”
My brows creased when my mother sauntered into my office. From the look on her face, I could tell she was judging me harshly.
For what? I don’t have a clue.
As I finished my call, I watched her raid the wicker snack basket on the bar.
“Thank you, Mrs. Jimenez, for thinking of Baker Personal Injury & Law to represent you and the other families during this time of tragedy. I’d be happy to meet you and the other parents for an official consultation.” I paused to check my watch. “How about we shoot for 3:00 PM, give or take, depending on the traffic? Wonderful,” I said, standing to my feet. “I’ll see you soon,” I said, hanging up the phone.
“Tough case?” Mom asked as I shoved the essentials into my satchel.
I sighed. “Honestly, it’s a fucking landslide, but—”
