"Speaking of people who are related, we need to come to a consensus about the food situation," Mace announced.
"There are an awful lot of adults sucking up food and oxygen here," Hunter added.
Garrett mumbled something about Hunter, and our older brother stood up. Garrett stared him down from his chair. I seriously needed a break from my family.
"If you're going to be here full-time, Archer," Mace continued, "I think we should take some of the load off Josie. Maybe we could come up with a schedule—"
I groaned dramatically.
"Why don't you go back to Manhattan if you don't like it here?" Hunter asked tersely.
The reality was, I was sort of tired of the shallow Manhattan life. McKenna also had a hand in souring the city for me. I was not going to admit it, but I was also a little jealous of what my twin had with Josie.
"You never do anything," Hunter continued. "You refuse to take interns. You don't cook. After all I have done, after everything I have sacrificed, I consider it a slap in the face."
Garrett snorted. "Give it a rest, Hunter."
"Is Archer part of this family or not?"
"I am, but I'm going to need a break," I said, standing up.
* * *
"Freedom!"I sang as my sports car roared down the road. But it didn't feel as great as it usually did. I had sent a few feelers out to people I used to party with. They sent me offerings of new clubs, gallery openings, and exclusive parties. I scrolled through them on my way to the elevator after I parked the car in the parking deck below my condo building.
None of the events seemed all that interesting. I half wondered what the kids were doing. Did they have anything to eat? Did Mace make them his signature dry, flavorless chicken and vegetable pan dinner?
"Nice to see you again, Mr. Svensson," the doorman greeted me when I walked into the expansive lobby.
It was the first project Greg's investment company had funded. As such, the lobby style was a little dated; it was very 2009. A handful of my brothers had their Manhattan base in this tower. The biggest selling point, though, was that Greg didn't live here. He could be overbearing and controlling at the best of times. The man had no sense of humor and tended to take things literally.
"I'm going to enjoy my peace and quiet," I told myself when I punched the key code to unlock my condo. The large metal door slid open. It was one of my favorite features of my condo. I settled on the couch. Though my condo was posh and high-end, it felt cold and empty. The only sound was the AC unit kicking in.
I checked the fridge. No food. I wanted some of the popcorn Hazel had made, or one of those sandwiches. My mouth watered. What had she put on that sandwich? I had saved the little card. I took it out of my pocket and stared at the illustration. Hazel really did have a good eye for color and composition. Maybe I could have her design the menus or signage for my hotels. People went crazy for Instagram-worthy touches like that.
That still didn't solve my food problem. But I had an ace up my sleeve.
Archer:Will look attractive for food.
Chloe:You can come if I can take a nice photo of you to put on Instagram.
Archer:Done.
* * *
"These pigeons are conspiring against us,"a homeless man told me very seriously as I walked down the wide busy New York City street on my way to Frost Tower.
"It's good to be back in Manhattan!" I yelled. The passersby ignored me, and I laughed.
Chloe's restaurant was hopping. She gave me a warm hug when she saw me then shoved a box in my hands.
"Sample cookies for your new hotel," she said. I took out one of the cookies.
"They're almost too pretty to eat." They were decorated like my newest hotel that had opened a few blocks away.
"How's the new franchise in Harrogate coming?" I asked Chloe as I took a bite of the cookie.
"Slow. I have too much on my plate. I want to open up a bar next door, then I have two other franchises opening in New York City."
