“Hey. What’s the topic today?” I ask, feigning interest as I cross the room to see what he wants.
“Just a little update on California’s new employment laws. You sure you don’t want to join me for this?” It’s the last thing on earth I want to do, especially with him.
“Can’t today. Meeting Soph for lunch,” I say. “Did you need something else?”
“Send her my love.” He seems relieved at my rejection as he settles back into his hosting pose. “We have a new client coming in on Thursday, and I’ll need you there. I’ll send the details over.” With a wave, I’m dismissed. He doesn’t wait for questions because he doesn’t allow them. Jackson Bradford has spoken, and now the conversation is over.
My grandfather started Bradford and Associates, but my father has turned it into one of the most elite law firms in the U.S. We employ over three hundred lawyers and have offices in six locations. We support a variety of sectors, but we primarily focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and shareholder activism.
Even though it’s clear my future is to continue the success he’s created and eventually lead the company, my father still expects me to earn partner. Too bad it’s the last thing I want.
I make it down the stairs and out the door with no other interruptions and jump in the Town Car waiting for me. I haven’t seen Sophia in a few weeks. She’s been busy enjoying the perks of being an Oscar winner while also filming a guest-star spot on a new series for one of the streamers.
I’m so proud of her. She started acting in school plays as soon as she was able and pushed my parents to let her audition for a kids’ network open call. When she landed the lead role for a new series at age twelve, it shocked all of us, but at the same time it didn’t surprise us either. She was born to be in front of a camera.
There’s no traffic as we wind down the side streets to Everest Studios, and I relax, knowing we’ll make it there on time. She wanted to meet today because she’s looking for a new agent and needs my advice. Dad and I work with a lot of the talent agencies in town, and I have some insight into the pros and cons of each one. I don’t know many talent agents directly, though.
Except one.
Blair Barton. Actually, it’s Bennett now. I can’t believe she married someone. I used to believe that we would get married. Funny how things change. And how incredibly wrong I was.
The phone vibrates in my hand, bringing me back to the present.
Sophia
Almost here?
Me
Yep. What’s craft services serving today?
Sophia
Something delicious I’m sure.
Sophia may be tiny, but she eats like a man trying to put on game-day weight. I have no idea where she puts it all.
Me
Everest catering never disappoints.
Me
Be there in 20. Love you.
Sophia
My phone buzzes again, and I’m expecting to see Sophia’s name, but it’s an email from my best friend, Jake. It’s the itinerary for our annual Manmorial Weekend in San Diego—a weekend with a shit-ton of golf, whiskey, and debauchery. I look forward to it every year, but it looks like this year, Jake will be a little tame because he’s engaged. He’s been planning his wedding since we were in college, way before he ever had a hint of a fiancé. Jake just loves love. I shoot off a text to fuck with him a little.
Me
Is your mom joining us in La Jolla?
Jake
What? Why would my mom be going?
Me
