“Thanks,” I say. “It was past due. I’m sorry, Addy.”
“Don’t be. That wasall-time.”
I move to hug her, but before we can, Tristan materialises out of nowhere, somehow managing to look condescending even with a black eye. He glances at Ada and Jake bristles like a Rottweiler. “The fuck do you want?”
“To talk to my sister,” Tristan says apologetically. “Cee, can I have a word?”
Oh my God, it’s all happening now…
“I’m busy with my friends,” I say.
And I don’t want to talk to you.
One of his eyes twitches like he’s trying not to roll it. “Please?”
“Jesus, fine. What do you want?”
“I’ve been thinking about your lease,” he says.
I don’t say anything, just blink at him.
“For the building? That your bar is in?”
“I know what lease you’re talking about, Tristan. What do you want to tell me?”
“I have been thinking,” Tristan repeats, “I should turn everything Mitch left over to you. You’re already running the pub, and Mitch and I weren’t that close. So… Is that all good with you?”
I stare at him, stunned. “Um, sure? What does that mean?”
“We’ll put everything in your name. You won’t have to pay rent to me anymore.”
His gaze slides sidewaystoward Ada. “I called my mate who specialises in commercial property, and he’s already put together the paperwork. All you’ll have to do is sign.”
I feel like the ground is shifting beneath me. “Why are you doing this? You’ve never once done something to make my life easier. Why now?”
“I know I haven’t always been the best brother, but I’m trying to do better. You run the business, you live there, you should be the one controlling everything. Besides, I have a couple of other property interests in Auckland. I can stand to lose this one.”
So close. He almost got through the conversation without saying something twattish.
“Okay. Well, thanks, I guess.”
“You’re welcome.” My brother gives me a tight smile. “Will I see you again before I go?”
“No, probably not.”
He looks startled. Probably because every time he’s come home, I’ve tied myself into knots to see him, because that’s what good sisters do. But Tristan was right, he hasn’t been the best brother to me. If he wants a chance at a real relationship with me, he can make the effort.
“Maybe Christmas then?”
“Maybe.” I turn away from him and look directly at Davis, raising my eyebrows. He holds his bouncer poker face, but opens his arms, letting me settle into his safe embrace.
Holy shit.
It’s all going to be mine. The building, my apartment, my business. No more lease, no more landlords, no more living hand-to-financial-mouth to make sure I can afford the space to run Afterglow without going under.
My legs go unsteady at the enormity of what’s just happened. Davis holds me close, keeping me upright.
“You okay?”
