“Because I am.” Parker smirks and then reaches for my suitcase, taking it from me. “Now come on, let’s go. You have the best room in the penthouse—well, second to mine, of course.”
I laugh a little, but it still feels painful as I follow behind my brother, letting him lead the way. Honestly, I’m glad he’s being so nice to me about all of this, but also…
I feel like such a loser.
I’m twenty-seven years old, barely starting my law career, and now I’mhomeless,moving in with my brother to float the gap. I had a nice chic apartment before Cal talked me into moving in with him.
And Ipaidto break the lease.
My millionaire fiancé wouldn’t even cover the cost.
The realization of just how low that is feels like a well-needed slap in the face. Clearly, I was blinded by my love for him. I thought the guy hung the moon…
What a joke.
I look up at my brother as we enter his building. “So, how have you been, Parker?”
“Busy. Between working and spending time with Weston…”
Weston.
I think of his best friend—the one who’s an evennerdierversion of my brother. Last time I saw him, I had to be no older than nineteen or twenty. I roll my lips together, trying to remember what he even looked like back then…
But I draw a blank.
I’m three years younger than my brother and his best friend, and back when I was around them more often, that three years felt monumental. “How is he?” I ask, following my brother to the elevator.
Parker glances back at me, shaking his head. “A mess, as usual. I don’t think much has changed.”
“Does he live with you?”
Parker bursts into dry laughter, tipping his head back as he smashes the button. “Heck no. I pay himwaytoo well to let the guy live with me. That would just be an embarrassment.”
“For you or him?”
“Definitely me,” Parker retorts, shooting me a teasing look as I climb into the elevator beside him. “I love the guy, but we see each other enough as it is.”
“Ha, right.” I laugh, but it feels hollow in my chest. Then again, I guess it’s a good sign that I’m even able to laugh at all after the mess that just happened. “Thank you for letting me stay with you.” I give Parker a smile. “I know it’s been a while since we’ve hung out.”
Parker shrugs. “I don’t think Cal was a fan of me.” He reaches past me and taps the button for the top floor. “Never understood that guy. You’d think someone who makes his living off charming hedge fund owners would be able to at least fake decent social skills. Or even basic warmth.”
I snort, the sound tearing out of me before I can stop it. “Cal wasn’t much of a fan of anyone, except maybe his own reflection.” I lean against the wall and wrap my arms around myself, not sure if I’m cold or just hollow. “Which is probably why, when he told me to get out, I realized there was literally no one else for me to call.”
Parker gives me a quick once-over, his gaze flicking from my smeared makeup to the way my hands grip my elbows. I glance away, embarrassed.
When the elevator doors open, he leads the way to the only door on the floor—his penthouse. I have no idea exactly how much money my brother makes, but I do know that it’s alotmore than what we were raised on. Growing up in the rougher parts of the city, with divorced parents, and a dad who barely got by, pushed us to both better ourselves.
And I’m proud of us for that.
“Welcome to your new,temporary,home.” Parker pushes the door open, and I step inside, seeing his place with fresh eyes. I scan the immaculate penthouse apartment, which I’m sure hepays someone to keep this spotless, and I pause as we step into the kitchen.
There, on the island, is a pizza box and a cookie cake. I smile as I read the words on the cake.
Cal Sucks
“I figured you could use a little something to make you feel better.” Parker’s hand lands on my shoulder. “And I must admit, it was pretty satisfying telling the baker to write that on the cake.”
I burst into a giggle and then turn to my brother, wrapping my arms around him. “You are seriously the best. I’m so sorry that we lost touch.”
