“Ian, the door.” He unlocked and opened the car door for me, and I set the custom tailored clothing on the backseat. I was careful since I knew it was probably worth more than my entire wardrobe. I spun back around to see Michael still standing there in his properly buttoned and crisp white shirt. “Michael, unbutton the top two at least. You look all starchy.”
“And is there something wrong with that, pray tell?” He asked haughtily. I widened my arms in an attempt to encompass the entire city.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just not necessary.” I told him. “Look around, no one else is wearing an expensive suit. Blend in and stay cool. Roll up your sleeves.” He took in my exasperated arm motions with an arched eyebrow, but went ahead and unbuttoned his collar. I knew that would be the best I was going to get so I looped my arm back through Ian’s and let myself be escorted down the street.
He’d apparently been reading up on the area and gave us an amusing tour. One I was certain had to be partially made up because some of it didn’t seem possible. When I called him on it, he protested my accusation vehemently.
“I assure you, I have not made up a single thing. Everything I’ve said came directly from the guidebook.”
“Really.” Michael’s deadpan tone had me giggling and Ian shot me a betrayed glare.
“See? This is what I get for attempting to regal you with this city’s illustrious history. Disbelief and accusations of lying.” He shook his head in disappointment and I bumped against him.
“It was a wonderful tour. And I can only hope you made some of that up. Otherwise it’s incredibly creepy.”
“Agreed. That one house had skulls on the fence.” Michael commented, opening the door to a small grocery store. “Ian, did you wish to stop for lunch? Or is your stomach still sensitive from last night’s revelry?”
“I’m starving!” He exclaimed, clapping Michael on the back. “Thanks for asking, old chap.”
“This place is supposed to have the best po’boys in the area. It’s a must eat.” I told them, pointing to the sign in the window.
“Can’t go wrong then, love.”
We ordered and wandered through the small grocery exploring as we waited for our order. I poked at the small alligator skull on the counter and avoided the small voodoo dolls displayed everywhere. Once they called our order we sat in the corner and I watched Michael study the messy debris po’boy in front of him. With a sigh, he unbuttoned his shirtsleeves and rolled them up to reveal impressively muscled forearms.
“You should do that more often, Michael.” He gave me a questioning look and I pointed to his forearms. “Show off your muscles.” I gave him an impish grin as Ian choked next to me. Michael gave me a faintly irritated glance as he scooped up the messy sandwich and took a bite. The gravy oozed out of the po’boy and trickled down his hand, but from his satisfied moan Michael didn’t mind.
“Delicious.” He managed to mutter between bites causing Ian and I to share a smile as we dove into our own lunches. It didn’t take us long to finish off our meals and Michael began to methodically wipe the remnants of his lunch from his hands.
“So would you bring last night’s dinner date here, Michael?” I teased, watching him.
“For the love of God….” He said, glancing up in exasperation. He paused though when he caught sight of Ian’s face. I glanced over curiously and saw a frozen expression plastered on his face. I frowned at the sight and switched my gaze back to Michael. He forced his expression to change but not before I caught a glimmer of concern. “It was not a date. It was a business dinner with an associate. One I don’t happen to like.” His eyes flickered to Ian periodically as he spoke and eventually I felt the tension emanating from Ian lessen.
“What do you mean?” I asked curiously. Michael rarely spoke of his business dealings, and it was unusual to see him express displeasure over an associate. In fact I’d never heard him speak of any before yesterday.
“I question the intentions behind the acquisition of this latest company. It’s a solid business that has been mismanaged. Our father wishes to acquire and dismantle it.” I must have looked confused because he clarified. “He wants to sell its parts for a profit. I’ve made my opinion of this decision known and he responded by sending a watchdog. Or more accurately a spy.” His disgust was apparent as he tossed the dirty napkins onto the plate.
“So it’s not necessary to break the company up?”
“No, not at all. In fact with the right guidance the company could easily show a considerable profit again within the next five years.” I nodded, a little out of my depth, but trying to understand what he did.
“But your dad doesn’t want to do that?”
“No, he would rather buy it and destroy it, laying off people in the process, and take whatever instant profit he can.” Michael shook his head and sighed. “It’s what he does even when there are better options.”
Ian spoke then, startling me after his long silence.
“Why don’t we buy it then?” I gazed at him in surprise and Michael said, “Are you serious? You’ve never once expressed an interest in business dealings.”
“And I don’t now, but you’re obviously unhappy about the buyout’s outcome. We can purchase it and you can turn it around. Problem solved.”
“But our parents….”
“Deserve it.” Ian bit out before sighing. “Your loyalty has always been admirable, brother, but trust me when I say they deserve to lose out. What’s one business deal gone awry? Hmmm? Haven’t you made them a ridiculous sum of money already with your innate talent for finding the failing gems?”
“Yes, but….”
“But what? Together we have more than enough and I have faith in you, big brother.”
“It would tie up a great deal of our funds.” Michael said distracted, his mind obviously working out the logistics of what Ian mentioned. “There’s no guarantee.”
“We still wouldn’t be paupers. I have no doubt in your ability. If I’m willing to take the chance, why not do it?”
Michael averted his gaze and I suspected he knew something he wasn’t saying, and a quick glance at Ian revealed he thought the same. I raised my eyebrow but Ian shook his head warning me to stay silent. He cleared his throat and said, “Something to think on then. I do believe we still have the cemetery to tour and beignets to devour?”
“Yes,” I replied, sliding from the booth so Ian could clamber out.
“Was it not enough that I ate the po’boy?”
“Nope.” I replied with a grin. “Plus you haven’t tried a beignet. You thought the po’boy was good. Wait till you try fried dough covered in powdered sugar.”
“Sounds like a surefire way to clogged arteries.” He answered sardonically, walking next to us as we left the restaurant.
Three hours later we left Café du Monde and Ian held my hand up as he twirled me under his arm. I laughed as I danced between the two of them and Michael joined in, spinning me out and back in a smooth motion. We stopped to watch various street performers and one of the brothers always tipped them generously before we moved on. I spotted a caricature artist and after some persuading got both of them to join me.
I laughed when I saw the finished result. She had managed to capture their personalities perfectly. Michael was straight laced and proper but she’d caught the loyalty and brotherly love I admired so much in him. Ian’s showed the devilish glint that was perpetually apparent in his eyes, as well as the deep affection and admiration he held for the ones he loved. She’d centered me between them, each of them standing protectively along side of me, but it was the utter happiness she’d caught on my face that surprised me. I don’t remember ever looking as happy as I did in the portrait, but she’d captured how I felt perfectly. I hugged the picture to my chest knowing I’d cherish it forever.
Ian noticed and smiled. “Perhaps we should have it framed, love. It is after all our first family portrait.”
His words struck me, but before
I could comment Michael spoke.
“He’s correct. We should.”
If I’d been surprised before I was in shock now. They both so easily accepted me as family and assumed there would be more pictures in the future. The realization that one chance encounter would have such profound effects on the rest of our lives reverberated through me. Who knew what would have happened if I hadn’t stepped into that restaurant? If Michael hadn’t stopped to smoke? Would we have met one another?
“Yes.” Ian answered as Michael gave me a soft smile, and I realized I’d asked the questions out loud. “I have no doubt we were meant to find one another. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“It isn’t often that I can point to a moment and say with any certainty that Fate played a hand, but in this I wholeheartedly agree. We were meant to be a part of one another’s lives.” Michael replied, and I beamed as I glanced between them, happy to be considered family.
Chapter Eight
The next few weeks passed in an easy rhythm as Ian and I explored the city, and when the heat was too unbearable we watched movies. I was sadly uneducated in movie trivia and Ian was insistent I learn so I could understand his random movie quotes. I tried to tempt him into reading more and we found a happy medium when he discovered I loved to listen to him read aloud. Somehow even the driest text sounded good when read with a British accent.
Buster came by regularly to teach me different defense techniques and spar with me. Ian refused to spar out of concern that he may hurt me and would never forgive himself. He oozed such sincerity I couldn’t argue and after catching him threaten Buster’s life if he hurt me, it became even more believable.
When I expressed concern to Buster about Ian’s threat he laughed saying, “The day that wanker bests me I’m hanging up my hat, lassie.” I didn’t completely understand their dynamic, so I let it go, happy to try and bring Buster down instead.
We’d been sparring for over an hour when Michael and Ian came into the suite. I ignored them, completely certain I had Buster when he stopped to greet them. I groaned in frustration which turned their attention toward me.
“And what’s got your knickers in a twist, love?” Ian inquired politely.
“I almost had him!” I wailed, kicking the edge of the sofa we’d pushed out of the way.
“Did you now?” Michael’s tone indicated disbelief causing my own eyes to narrow.
“YES!” I replied adamantly, knowing it was true. Buster had a tiny tell. One so microscopic it was almost imperceptible, but it existed and I was about to use it against him when they’d interrupted.
“This I have to see.” Ian waved at us to carry on, and my nerves almost got the better of me. Buster gave me a wary smile, and I hoped I hadn’t lost my advantage. It would be bad enough if I failed, but ten times worse if it happened in front of Ian and Michael.
We bowed to one another and began circling. A few grapples and then I saw it. Barely, but I went all in, breaking his hold and slipping behind him. I clearly caught him off guard or I never would have been able to succeed with my next move. I kicked his knee in and snaked my arm around his neck. Shock held him immobile but I wasn’t actually trying to hurt him so I quickly let go. It was enough that I had gotten the better of him. My grin was huge as I danced around elatedly to their utter surprise.
“What the bloody hell?” Ian muttered as Michael held out his hand, lips pursed.
“Buster, did a slip of a girl just overcome you?” He asked, fighting a smirk that would have had Buster challenging them.
“Apparently so.” Buster replied, his shocked confusion quickly turning into a pleased pride. “Now, tell me how you did it!”
“Haha. No.” I responded, fist pumping just like the guy in the movie Ian had shown me the day before. I hummed the tune and Ian started to laugh.
“Our next Rocky Balboa. Nice.” He walked over and bowed in front of me. “Love, you never cease to impress.”
Buster frowned and I could almost see him replaying the moves to see where he’d messed up. He eyed me suspiciously and said, “Again.” I was shaking my head when Michael interrupted.
“There’s no time. We will be attending a business dinner tonight and Jane will need to shower.” He wrinkled his nose at me and I rolled my eyes. Buster wasn’t happy, but he nodded.
“We will continue this at a later date.” He told me formally before turning back to Michael. “Do you want me to drive this evening?”
“If you wouldn’t mind. Attire is formal.” He mentioned with a glance at the shorts and tank top Buster wore.
“Understood.”
“Wait,” I said frantically thinking about the clothes I had. “Formal? I don’t have anything to wear.” Ian gave me one of his charming grins and pressed a kiss to my temple. “Taken care of, love. Now go do whatever it is you women do to get ready. The dress will be waiting on the bed.”
Buster headed for the door as I went to the bathroom. He stopped me with a hand on my arm and gave me a proud smile. “You did good, kid.” I beamed at him, my insides wiggling with happiness at my accomplishment. I’d done something Ian and Michael hadn’t been able to accomplish in the time they’d known him, and while I knew he’d be twice as tough on me from now on, I also knew I could handle it.
***
“I was surprised to see you weren’t here. I thought you stayed and observed their sparring matches?” Michael didn’t even attempt subtlety, I noted with a smile. He’d loosened his tie in the elevator, adopting a newfound casualness I found refreshing. I thought my brother would live perpetually with a stick up his arse, but it seemed Jane’s presence had wrought changes in him as well myself. It hadn’t altered his damnable curiosity though, I thought.
“I had to run an errand.” I failed to mention it involved uncovering why Audra had shown up here so unexpectedly. There was no doubt in my mind it had something to do with the company Michael was set to acquire. Our parents had obviously hoped to distract us with her presence, and I hated to admit it, but it probably would have worked. My initial reaction to seeing her had proven that. If Jane hadn’t been part of our lives, it was more than probable that I would have went on a bender to end all bender’s forcing Michael to deal with my antics and distracting him from his work.
But why now, I wondered. It was the thought that continued to trouble me. Something about this particular company buyout had our parents on edge. Enough to play a card I hadn’t even known they held, but shouldn’t have been surprised by. Our parents had proven themselves cunning the first time they’d tried to destroy me.
“An errand.” He responded carefully. “And this errand wouldn’t have had anything to do with a certain business associate, would it?” He caught me by surprise with his observation, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by him. It shouldn’t have surprised me that she tattled to my brother about our meeting. It was after all her MO. However, Michael would normally not give a damn so what had she implied our meeting was about?
“I was wondering what she was doing here. You seemed disturbed by her presence. I thought I’d find out more information about her and her objectives.” I responded glibly, unboxing the dress I’d picked up for Jane on the way back. “I still believe we should purchase the company jointly. Step out on our own and build something we can be proud of.”
“You mean I can build.” He replied, his tone razor sharp. I studied him more carefully, wondering what lies Audra had fed to him. He normally didn’t react so strongly. “You have yet to even finish university so why would I assume you could be a dependable business partner?”
The words hurt, the transparent lack of faith even more so. His words held a hint of truth, one I couldn’t easily deny, but my loyalty didn’t deserve to be questioned and I told him as much.
“I would never betray you, brother. I may deserve your contempt, but not you questioning my loyalty to you. I will stand with you in any endeavor.”
The strength of my words took him aback, but he firmed his expression as h
e said, “And Jane? Do your words extend to her as well? That you would never betray her?”
“Of course,” I replied fiercely. “She is our family. I could never allow harm to come to her, from anyone, including myself. She is the single most important person in my life other than you.” I’d never admitted the strength of my feelings but when questioned they spilled out. I knew I meant every word of it, and the depth of my feelings must have shined through because Michael nodded, his face relaxing.
“Forgive me. My accusations were baseless.” He offered me an apologetic smile and I accepted it with a small nod.
“Where did they come from then?” I asked, already knowing. This had Audra’s signature all over it. He waved his hand, brushing the question aside.
“It appears there is a snake in our midst.” He answered instead, the words enigmatic to anyone else. Our eyes met as he smiled revealing bared teeth. “You need to give Jane her dress. Wouldn’t want her wandering around in a bathrobe. Don’t forget to wear a tie.” He strolled toward his room, one hand tucked into his pocket, and I knew we’d have to deal with the Audra situation. Part of me debated telling him the whole truth, a truth I’d tried to avoid for so long. It would give him any ammunition he needed against them, but admitting what happened all those years ago and the downward spiral it had sent me on was abhorrent.
I set Jane’s dress on the bed and stepped over to the closet to get my tux. The sight of our mingled clothing gave me pause as I thought of how effortlessly she’d blended in to our lives. My hand brushed against the simple cotton of her favorite skirt. The bold floral print was deemed garish by Michael, but it suited her admirably. It had been my inspiration when I’d picked out her dress for the evening which led me to believe she’d love the dress. I gathered my tux from the back of the closet, and headed to the other bathroom to shave before dressing. Clean shaven was Michael’s rule and tonight I wished to have no arguments as we showed a united front. No one would be allowed to question my loyalty to those I deemed family.
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