Not even close.
“Hey there.” I smiled. “Ready to finally take the snorkeling tour?”
“No.”
“What about parasailing? I think that would be fun.”
“I’m not interested in having any more fun,” he said. “I need to focus.”
I arched a brow, waiting for him to laugh and say this sudden coldness was some type of game or a joke, but he picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder.
“Let me know when you’re ready to discuss business again.”
“Asher, what the hell is going on?”
“We need to finish our job.” His voice was cold. “I’ve lost sight of that, and it won’t happen again.”
“Huh?” I sat up. “What job?”
“Making sure Michelle and Chris don’t make it to the altar this weekend.”
“I thought we were just going to let it play out…”
“You thought wrong,” he said, his voice flat. “I don’t want my brother to be in any more pain than necessary, and sooner is better than later for these situations, so…”
“So, what?”
“Tonight, I need you to order room service for her for a delivery at exactly seven o’clock. I’ll handle the rest from there.”
“What exactly is ‘the rest’?”
“The part I’m handling.”
“You can’t possibly be serious.” I crossed my arms. “We just agreed that there’s something off about this whole thing, and that I would convince her to talk to Chris on her own.”
“Then I changed my mind,” he said. “It’s time to focus on getting this done.”
“And if I don’t want to help anymore?”
“It wouldn’t shock me at all,” he said. “For all your talk of my commitment, you’re the one who can’t seem to commit to anything.”
“Forgive me for having the stance I’ve always had for years, and not taking glee in ruining the biggest day of someone’s life.”
“You’re forgiven,” he said. “You’re also forgiven for missing the entire point time and time again. I’m only doing what someone asked or paid me to fucking do.”
“So there’s no line for you, then?” I asked. “Nothing you wouldn’t do if the price was right?”
“Depends on how much they’re offering.”
“Okay.” I stood up. “You know what, Asher?”
“No, but I’m sure you’re about to tell me…”
“I regret ever meeting you or thinking that you’re capable of being anything other than an asshole,” I said. “But I’ll never make that mistake again. I’m done with this.”
“We never started, Katie.” He narrowed his eyes. “That’s you romanticizing shit that doesn’t exist. Again.”
I didn’t bother fighting him for the last word. I grabbed my things and stepped onto the dock.
