“As a matter of fact,” I said, piecing together a plan on the spot. “There is something I want to discuss with you…”
Two hours and several drinks later, Kai left for another meeting while I headed upstairs to the library.
It was the heart of the club, and it buzzed with activity as people forged deals, cemented alliances, and shared intel. However, no one paid me any mind as I took a seat at the grand center table, directly beneath the founding families’ panels, where my mother’s bear family crest was carved in between the Russos’ dragon and the Youngs’ lion.
I retrieved the watch from my pocket and rubbed a thumb over the smooth gold case, my mind churning from my conversation with Kai and the events of the past week.
Fact #1: There was no way my father could’ve overlooked something as basic as naming the company in his will. Granted, he’d been deathly ill when he changed it, which wasn’t an inconsiderable factor, but if he had been aware of the omission, what was his endgame? To make me do something even if it wasn’t what he wanted?
No. My father would never be that compromising. Last option dismissed.
Fact #2: On paper, I had six months to figure my shit out. In reality, I should’ve figured it out yesterday. Starting a solid business in New York, in that short amount of time, was near impossible.
Fact #3: If I didn’t at least try, I would regret it forever. Out of all life’s questions, what if was one of the worst.
There’s potential in each and every one of us, and I hope you fulfill yours to the point of happiness.
My chest clenched. Would my mother think I’d fulfilled my potential? Probably not, but fuck, I missed her. I always did, but it used to be a dull, steady ache that hummed in the background. Ever since I read her letter, it’d been a knife that lanced through me, frequently and often.
I’d never stopped blaming myself for what happened to her. It didn’t matter what my childhood therapists or grief counselors said; guilt wasn’t bound by reason or technicalities.
That being said, I couldn’t change the past. I could, however, dictate my future.
Be proud of the person you’ve become and the person you’ll grow into.
I pulled out the sheet of paper Kai had handed me before he left. Like me, he’d been born into wealth, but his position hadn’t been handed to him. He’d worked his way up from the mailroom to the head position at the Young Corporation, and his circle was a who’s who of the corporate world.
My contacts could get anyone an invite to any party and access to any club, but his contacts could help build an empire.
I stared at the list of names he’d scribbled down.
In order to be a CEO, I needed a team. To hire a team, I needed a plan. To execute that plan, I required funding and legitimacy.
My reputation as a partier worked against me, which meant I needed a partner people respected. Someone reliable, established, trustworthy, and relevant to the business I had in mind.
There was only one man in Manhattan who fit that description.
I dialed the first number on the list. It was his private line, and he picked up on the first ring.
“This is Xavier Castillo,” I said, hoping to God I wouldn’t regret this down the road. “Are you free next week? I’d like to talk.”
CHAPTER 18
Sloane
“I’m sorry. Back the fuck up.” Isabella held up one hand. “You can’t not elaborate on Spain. What happened with Xavier after he carried you out like an extremely hot caveman?”
I sighed, regretting my decision to fill my friends in on the past two weeks. I’d flown to Spain at the beginning of the month, but it felt like a lifetime ago. “That’s your takeaway? Did you miss the part about Alberto Castillo’s death?”
“Yes, it’s very sad,” Isabella said. “Now, about the beach.
What did he say?”
“Was he jealous?” Vivian added.
“Did you two kiss?” Alessandra asked.
I glared at them, wishing past me had had the foresight to befriend less nosy people.
“I’m not telling you what he said, he has no reason to be jealous, and absolutely not,” I said, appalled. “He’s a client.”
The four of us were enjoying “happy hour” with homemade cocktails, takeout, and a new rom-com at my apartment. Normally, we’d go out, but I was too tired after work and my recent travels.
Looking back, I would’ve canceled our plans had I known I would be subjected to an interrogation.
“Technically, his family is your client. It’s not the same thing, and you should totally kiss him. He’s so cute.” Isabella stretched her arms over her head and glanced fondly at my goldfish, whom she’d taken care of during my time abroad.
He was a temporary pet I’d adopted after the previous tenant left him behind five years ago, hence why I’d simply named him The Fish. There was no use attaching sentimentality to something that wouldn’t last.
“Regardless, I wouldn’t kiss Xavier Castillo if he were the last man on earth,” I said coolly. “He is not my type.”
He’s also gorgeous, and kind, and smarter than people give him credit for, a voice sang in my head.
I pressed the tip of my pen against my notepad with more force than necessary. Shut up.
