“Issues are opportunities,” Courtney said, still staring into Bax’s eyes as she spoke.
“I’m the asshole,” Knox announced.
Okay, wha?
Courtney turned toward him, and he was not happy.
“We all already agreed on that,” Bax said.
“No, the media says I’m the asshole because you two yahoos decided to fall in love and start making plans for families and shit. Tanner and Mach are the new generation—congrats, boys—and I’m the asshole who doesn’t have a cat or a kid or a serious relationship. How are we going to fix this?”
Courtney glanced from Bax to Harley and then settled her gaze on Irina.
What if…
No, that was a ridiculous idea. But it could work…
“Irina, you’re still searching for that big break?” she confirmed.
Irina had been flying to Denver between auditions to spend time with Courtney and Harley, but she also spent a good deal of time with Knox and Mach and Tanner.
“Always in search of that elusive break.” Irina nodded.
“And in this industry, connections matter,” Courtney continued, musing on her own thoughts.
Irina nodded again. “Bax posting photos of me on Instagram has been huge for my audition numbers,andI got the cat food commercial because of Linx.”
“Hold up.” Bax held up his hand. “I’m posting photos of you on social media?”
“I am.” Courtney brushed off his question because none of the boys ran their own social media accounts—she did. “It’s okay. All appropriate.”
“What brand of cat food?” Linx asked. “Is it better than what I’m feeding Gibson now?”
Courtney shook her head and pursed her lips. “Everybody focus. I’m trying to craft a plan here.”
“I just want the best for Gibson, you know?” Linx continued, like Courtney hadn’t spoken. “If this food is better, I wanna know.”
Courtney totally ignored her brother. “Irina, you don’t hate Knox.”
They actually got along pretty well, since they’d bonded over labor and delivery.
“No, but I do not like your tone right now.” Irina squinted at Courtney. “You’re cooking up an idea I’m not entirely sure will end with a cat food commercial.”
“I am.” Courtney nibbled on her bottom lip. “And it won’t be a commercial—it’ll end with a blockbuster.”
“Oh.” Irina’s eyes got huge, and she clapped her hands softy in front of her face. “I like this idea already.”
Probably because she hadn’t heard it yet.
“I thought we were figuring out how to make menotthe tabloid asshole?” Knox asked, elbowing his way into the semicircle. “Because it’s seriously stupid and untrue. I mean, I am an asshole, but not like that.” Knox nearly stomped his foot. “Linx had perma-groupies in every city, and now he’s great because he found Becca. Bax gave out bracelets to half the country, and he’s fabulous because he’s got you and a kid. Me? I’m a good boy with no worldwide groupie attachments, and I’ve never had to mark women with jewelry. Yet here I am… the asshole.”
“How bad does this asshole thing bug you?” Courtney asked.
“What’s your angle?” Knox asked carefully.
“You two get married.” Courtney glanced between them. “Preempt all of us and our good publicity. Boom. Make Mach the new asshole.” She gestured to Mach.
“I’m down with that.” Mach nodded. “Can I get bracelets?”
