“Sure I am.” Jerome stuck out his jaw. “I love the Moonlight Sonata.”
“That’s Beethoven,” Laurie said, with a chuckle, as if the mistake wasn’t a travesty. “I helped you learn this for Music Appreciation class at State. Remember? Moonlight has nine letters and so does Beethoven.”
“Bach. Beethoven. Same difference. Both start with a B.”
Laurie seemed to think Jerome was hilarious.
Finn disagreed.
When new arrivals forced Finn to resume his duties at the banquet room door, Laurie’s wound-up muscles finally relaxed. He’d been a lot more antagonistic than Laurie expected. Especially since Jerome hadn’t said or done anything remotely romantic.
“I guess this job pays pretty well,” said Jerome. “That ice around your neck must be worth fifty grand.”
“Four times that,” Laurie corrected, holding up a trembling hand. “And these earrings are a hundred grand and this ring is about a quarter of a million.
“Is that an engagement ring?”
“No, it’s an auction item, and I have to model it. That’s why I’m wearing it on my right hand.” She checked the necklace clasp, yet again, to be sure it was secure. “I have to wear this set all night. Any other woman would probably love it, but I’m scared to death. I’m supposed to be walking around showing it to all the women, but I’m thinking I should stay here and let them come to me.”
“We can’t stay.” He glanced over his shoulder toward Finn, who appeared to have one eye glued to Laurie while he welcomed another donor to the event. “We need to hide from that boss of yours. I get the distinct feeling he doesn’t like me. Does he have something against blacks?”
“Maybe he hates football players,” she teased.
“That’s worse.” He winked and gave her an affectionate squeeze.
“It’s not because you’re black. He likes me, just fine.”
“Yeah, but you look more Hispanic. You’ve always taken after your mom.”
“Whatever. He’s not prejudiced. He’s just…” She hesitated to reveal their almost-relationship. “He tends to be a bit overprotective, and he doesn’t know you’re my brother.”
“We probably shouldn’t make it public, yet.” Jerome frowned, rubbing the neatly trimmed beard that contrasted with his shaved head. “You don’t need to work for a jerk like that. You can be my personal assistant. I’ll double your salary.”
“Wow. What would my job be? Trimming your fingernails?” She rolled her eyes. “No offense, but I didn’t get my MBA to be your personal assistant.”
“You have your MBA, now? I’m so proud of you. I’m not really surprised, though. You were always the smart one.”
Laurie let his comment slide. They both knew Jerome had graduated magna cum laude with a political science degree and had a guaranteed acceptance in law school when he was ready to retire from football.
“I like my job, actually.”
“If you say so. I wouldn’t want to work for him.”
“Be nice, brother. He’s a good guy. Phantom Enterprises pumps a lot of money into Limitless, and they help a lot of kids with disabilities.”
“Phantom Enterprises is behind this? I thought you said it was called Limited.”
“No, I said, Limit-less. That’s the non-profit arm of Phantom Enterprises. Finn is one of the four guys who started the company.”
“I know Phantom Enterprises. I just got a PE control system for the house.” He frowned, tapping a finger on his chin. “I guess I’ve probably heard Finn’s name before, then.”
“You probably have, unless you have your head in the sand. He’s been on a few magazine covers.” She gave him a playful poke in the side. “Not as many as you, of course.”
“About that…” Jerome’s face went serious. “I’ve dealt with reporters all my life. The media attention is nothing new for me.” He reached out to squeeze her hand. “But I’m worried you’re going to hate it.”
Something hurt inside her chest. “Me, too,” she whispered.
He glanced around and lowered his voice. “I’m just glad you invited me to come tonight. It’s been way too long. I’ve been thinking about calling you ever since Dad made his announcement, but I wasn’t sure how you felt about the marriage.”
“I don’t know how I feel, either.” She swallowed a hard lump.
“Speaking of marriage, I’ve been meaning to tell you… I’m getting engaged.”
“To that girl you mentioned a couple of months ago?”
“Six months ago,” he corrected, beaming from ear to ear. “We don’t want to waste any time. Of course, we haven’t made it public yet. I want to surprise her with the ring, and all. Her name’s Charisse,” he said, with reverence.
“Congratulations!” She hugged his neck. “Will I be invited to the wedding?”
“Of course. Especially since the whole world is going to know we’re related, now.”
“That’s one way to put a positive spin on it.” She sighed, closing her eyes, and wishing she could escape from reality. “I’ve got a lot to tell you.”
“Well, I’m all ears. But I don’t think Finn likes me talking to you. Don’t look now, but he’s on his way back. And his face is all pinched, like he swallowed something rotten.”
A gentle hand touched her back, and she turned to Finn, who wore a concerned expression. “I arranged a place for Jerome at our table.”
