Ethan: Would you ever work with my father? Allow him to manage your portfolio?
I squint at my phone screen, rereading the words. That’s an odd question. I’ve never said exactly how I feel about Edward to Ethan out of respect. But I think he knows how much I don’t like him just by my natural response to him.
If I like someone, I’m all in. Things click into place and a friendship blooms easily and that’s how I’ve met most of my friends who I consider family. None of that happened when I met Edward Russo and the most entertaining thing about that dinner we had with him, was how Ethan fell apart for me, coming in a napkin under the table while his father was none the wiser.
A favorite memory of mine, but not because of his dad.
In fact, I have nothing good to say about that man.
I glance over at Hannah and she’s appraising me, worry laced behind those gorgeous blue eyes of hers.
“He’s asking if I’d ever let his father manage my money.”
“That’s weird.”
“Yeah….” Very weird.
This is so unlike Ethan. He doesn’t care about accounts or portfolios. Money isn’t a driving factor. It never has been.
A wave of nausea hits me. Why didn’t I see it before? I’ve been taken advantage of in the past, used for my money and connections. I never thought someone I cared about would be tempted into betrayal for the same reason.
I hate the idea of someone I love being put in a situation like that and my hatred for Edward Russo instantly skyrockets.
Then it hits me.
The man at Afterburn that ran off the moment I looked in his direction.
It was his father.
Shit.
I hate myself for not recognizing him sooner. I know to be more mindful of that kind of shit and I hate that I’ve brought them into this. I shouldn’t have gotten involved with them again. My lack of willpower is putting him in this situation with his father and Hannah is risking everything she’s been working so hard for.
So, I reply back with the only truth I have.
Me: If you needed me to, I would.
Dots pop up as he types a reply, then they disappear. This repeats for a solid minute.
Fuck, this is excruciating.
Bubbles come up, then fade off.
I type out,you good?Then erase it.What’s up?Delete.Talk to me.Delete.
“Ah, fuck it,” I spit out, then lean down giving Hannah a kiss. “I’ll be back.”
58
ETHAN
Iknew that would be his answer. I knew that if I just asked Dane he would bring his accounts to my father without any questions asked.
But I’m still speechless.
Not that I’m asking him. I would never allow him to give my father access to his money, but the confirmation that he would do it for me is all the assurance I need that I’m making the right decision.
I’ve worked endless hours every day since the meeting with my father. I’ve been waiting until I know they’re sleeping before finally returning home. Then setting my alarm early, leaving for the office before they wake up. I told them I’m taking advantage of the time since we don’t have classes until next week.
