“He does? But we work together. He can ask me those questions any time.”
“He does. And before you ask, yes, Lior said you ask about Pierce just as much.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. “I don’t ask that much.”
“You asked if Pierce was eating properly. Three times in one conversation.”
“He forgets to eat when he’s stressed.”
“See?” Lex gestures with his chopsticks. “You’re both idiots who are perfect for each other.”
“It doesn’t matter. The workplace thing is still a problem.”
“So we fix the workplace thing,” Noah says simply. “Pierce has enough money to buy his own small country. He doesn’t need to work at VSE.”
“You want him to quit his job for me? That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” Adam asks.
“Pierce’s job isn’t just about money,” I say, frustration creeping into my voice. “It’s about who he is, what he’s meant to be. He belongs in the business world. He’s brilliant at what he does, and Lior needs him at VSE.”
“So what’s the solution?” Lex asks.
“There isn’t one. That’s why we ended things.” I pick at my rice, appetite gone. “We’re stuck.”
But even as I say it, something occurs to me. Something I’ve been trying not to think about for weeks because, at the time, I didn’t need it.
“Actually,” I say slowly, “there might be…another option.”
Three sets of eyes focus on me with laser intensity.
“My father mentioned that Tobias’s company has a position available. Junior analyst or something.” The words feel strange in my mouth. “It’s not at VSE, obviously. Different company entirely.”
“Working with Tobi?” Lex makes a face. “That sounds like torture.”
“It would be,” I admit. “Listening to Tobias be smug about everything, dealing with my father’s constant ‘I told you so’ comments about finally choosing a sensible career path…”
“But?” Noah prompts, sensing there’s more.
“But I never considered it before because I was so focused on proving myself at VSE. On showing my dad I could succeed on my own terms.” I look up at them, the realization hitting me fully. “But if I weren’t working at VSE anymore, there wouldn’t be any workplace conflict. Pierce and I could…”
“You could be together,” Adam finishes softly.
“Maybe. If he still wants me after everything.” I set downmy chopsticks, my hands trembling slightly. “I never thought about it as an option because I was so determined not to need my family’s help. But knowing I could see him anytime I want, kiss him, be with him openly…? It would be worth putting up with Tobias. Worth listening to my father gloat. Worth anything.”
“Meatball,” Noah says gently, “are you going to talk to Pierce about this?”
“No?”
Adam and Lex look at each other and then back at me before saying “Why?” in synchrony.
“Because if anyone knows what it’s like having a difficult brother, that’s Pierce. He’ll never let me do it.”
“We could ask him,” Lex suggests. “Hypothetically.”
“You’re not asking Pierce anything,” I say quickly. “Promise me. No cousin interference.”
“But—”
