He turns slightly and gestures to the man beside him.
“This is my lawyer, Marcus Johaneson. After our last meeting, I decided I needed new representation. I don’t work with people who are entitled or who lack respect for others.”
I reach out to shake his hand, feeling the tension slip a notch in my chest.
Thank God. It’s not Brandon.
Marcus gives a firm nod, his handshake strong and practiced. Definitely lawyer vibes, the kind who reads contracts like bedtime stories and probably has no idea how to smile.
I glance at Noah and Austin. Both of them look like they’re trying to do the math in their heads, lawyer plus dinner equals… deal?
I hope so.
Because if McNeal brought legal backup, that means this is serious. And maybe we’re about to get the answer we’ve been working our asses off for.
We all sit again, and I do my best to relax my shoulders.
McNeal rests his hands on the table and looks at each of us in turn. His expression is unreadable, but not cold. Just thoughtful, like he’s still weighing every word before saying it.
“Gentlemen,” he starts, “I’ve had a few days to think thisthrough. To consider everything that happened. And I’ve come to a decision.”
The air around us thickens. I hear Austin’s breath catch beside me.
McNeal continues. “I’m going to move forward with this deal, with the two of you.”
The relief that crashes over me is almost overwhelming. I don’t show it, but inside I’m celebrating like we just won the Super Bowl.
“I’ll be honest,” he says, turning his gaze toward me. “Esteban, I understand why you did what you did. I know how I can come off family man, old-fashioned values. I don’t hide it. Iamthat guy. But I also recognize how that might’ve made you feel like it was all or nothing during our first meeting. I appreciate you coming clean.”
I nod. “Thank you, sir.”
“I thought long and hard about what you told me. And while I don’t condone lying, I can’t deny the truth that came out of it. You found love. That’s not something I take lightly.”
Beside him, his lawyer pulls out a leather folder and lays it on the table.
“So,” McNeal says with a half-smile, “I figured we might as well get this show on the road.”
We all exchange stunned glances before diving into the paperwork like kids on Christmas morning. Contracts are signed, hands are shaken, and when it’s done, I feel lighter than I have in the weeks since all this deal started.
We made it.
Once the ink is dry, dinner finally comes, and the conversation loosens up. We talk details, design phases, timeline, the kind of legacy McNeal wants to leave with this project.
Somewhere between appetizers and steaks, Austin clears his throat. “Mr. McNeal, if I may…”
McNeal raises an eyebrow. “Go ahead.”
“I just want to say I’m sorry,” Austin says. “For going along with the story. I should’ve said something, and I didn’t. That’s on me.”
Noah nods. “Same here. I gave Esteban shit, but I still kept the secret. We all did. We weren’t trying to be shady. We just didn’t want to mess up this opportunity.”
McNeal looks at both of them and gives a small nod. “Apology accepted. You’re young men building something for yourselves. I get it. Just make sure next time you lead with honesty. It goes a long way.”
“Yes, sir,” Noah and Austin say almost in unison.
By the time dessert comes around, we’re all laughing about the stress, the mistakes, the whole ridiculous fake-fiancé setup. Even Marcus cracks a smile, barely.
Eventually, we say our goodbyes outside the restaurant. McNeal and Marcus head to their car, and the three of us are left standing on the sidewalk under the warm glow of the streetlights.
