Benjamin chuckles. “She may be infuriating, but she does have your best interests at heart, sis.”
“I’ve never heard her speak that way to Amara.”
“That’s different. Amara’s only job is looking pretty, acting classy, and cooking my babies in her oven. There’s much more expected of your husband than there ever will be of my wife.”
I scrunch up my nose. “Age of equality my ass.”
“Equality? Not in our section of society. Like I said, just ignore Mom’s digs. Colt seems immune. Where did you even find him? Last time I heard, you were single.”
“Couldn’t resist my charm,” Colt says, appearing beside us, with a fresh cup of coffee for me. He’s so... attentive. So perceptive. I could get used to being treated like a princess. “Will you be okay here for twenty minutes? Your dad wants me to put him in touch with Nico.”
“I’ll be fine, just make sure you’re back before ten. Amara won’t be happy if you’re late for the game.”
“It won’t take long.” He drops a kiss on my head, nods at my brother, then marches away, meeting my father at the elevator. They’re probably heading to the conference room on the lower level. There’s also a movie theater, casino, and nightclub equipped with three poles down there.
My brother’s engagement celebration—for lack of a better word—will not take place down there, so it’s all closed for the week, but the bachelor party is bound to get out of control. Benjamin’s already announced he wants to sail to Cuba for a wild night.
“I like him,” he says watching my father and Colt step into the all-glass elevator. “He’s smart.”
“He is. Not that you spent any time with him to notice.”
“Yeah, but Dad’s keeping him close. That’s enough of a hint.”
True. My dad has a knack for reading people. He doesn’t surround himself with those who don’t represent something he values, and he values intelligence above all. Might be the reason he’s never been keen on Grant.
You’d think making the kind of money Grant makes requires intelligence, but the truth is, Grant is simply a great piggyback rider. He climbs the ladder on the coattails of others, mimicking their strategic decisions.
“Come on, sis,” Ben pleads, nodding at Amara like he’s inviting me to spend time with her. “I know she’s not your favorite person, but... make an effort, okay? For me. Get to know her. She’ll be part of this family soon enough. It’d be nice if you got along.”
“It’s not that I don’t like her, Ben. I just think you’re rushing into this marriage to please Mom. I worry that you’ll meet the right girl one day and regret this.”
He shrugs, dismissing my words with a wave. He’s heard it all multiple times before, sat through countless similar conversations, and never once complained about my older-sister routine so I guess I should shut up and go with the flow.
FOURTEEN
Colt
AT TEN O’CLOCK, the waitstaff clears the table while Amara takes five minutes to thank everyone for coming before getting to the point. With a stack of black envelopes in hand, she tells everyone to divide themselves into pairs.
“Each pair will receive an envelope with the first riddle. I’ve designed the treasure hunt differently for each pair to avoid everyone chasing the same clues. There are four riddles with two tasks along the way. The last riddle leads to the prize.”
There are eight pairs in total. Ben and Amara aren’t participating, neither are the single father and his three kids. Benjamin grabs the envelopes, offering his parents first choice.
By the time it’s Addie’s turn, there are only two envelopes left. She grabs one, ready to tear it open when Amara gives everyone the go-ahead.
“Relax,” I whisper in her ear. “You know this boat inside out; that gives us an edge.”
She nods, dropping down on her ass to quickly lose her cute platform sandals.
“Okay, let the fun begin!” Amara yells into the microphone.
Addie, quick as the lightning that must have struck her hair during the night, tears the envelope open, presenting me a card with the first riddle:
At first, I’m a treat in the sun.
Then, I bring joy and fun.
As the years pass, my worth ascends,
