“We need to stress Dad has no connection to the company.”
“He may think it’s charity.”
“He might, but we want him to work with us, to help us build a future. For us, and someday, for our children.” God, he wanted that. A home with a wife and a crowd of kids. He’d yet to find a woman who wanted the same things, but he kept looking.
“I know. I think we should broach that topic when we are all together and there aren’t any witnesses,” Xander mused and then chuckled. “We can’t go empty-handed.”
“I’ll leave that to you, you’re better at picking out the good stuff. He’d end up with a twelve-pack of the local microbrew if you leave me in charge.”
Xander groaned, “Lord, don’t I know it.”
“Hey, Dad was speechless.”
“For once, but it wasn’t a good speechless. I thought he might explode—an aneurism.”
Killian chuckled as he remembered the vein bulging on his dad’s forehead. That was the day his father learned to excuse him from social affairs. He’d had a hell of a day, stank from swinging a hammer in the sun all day, and wanted nothing more than to have a shower, beer, and dinner in that order, but his dad demanded he make an appearance. Well, he showed. He left the work site, picked up a present for the host, and drove out to the house. Killian dropped a case of beer on top of his father’s foyer table and popped one as the upper crust of Hope City watched. His appearance hadn’t been required since. “I’ll be there at six-thirty and I’ll pay half for the gift.”
Killian watched another semi pulling along the service road. God, he loved this part of the build. The potential of what this land could provide and sustain for the people of Hope City was literally in his hands.
Xander sighed. “I’ll never see a dime.”
Killian chuckled, “Well, I’d rather owe it to you than cheat you out of it.”
“Whatever. I’m calling Elias, would you call Dimitri and let him know about the party?”
“I thought he was out of town.”
“I think he’s in New York. He could make it if his schedule allows.”
“Sure. I can do that. See you tomorrow. Take care of yourself and stay away from women named Shannon.”
His brother’s quick snort was followed with a very dry, “I can promise you I’ll never date a Shannon again.”
“Dude, you’d think with the damage the first version did you’d shy away from Shannon 2.0.”
“I’m hanging up now.” Xander ended the call and Killian laughed as he punched Dimitri’s contact on his phone.
“Shithead!” Dimitri’s happiness lit up the call.
“Asshole! What’s up?” Killian laughed, but Dimitri could make a Buckingham Palace guard smile.
“I don’t know, you called me.” The duh was implied.
“Check it. The Kings are throwing Ryker a birthday party tomorrow night. Can you make it?”
“Dude, maybe? I don’t know. I need to clear it with my management peeps. I have a major sponsor meeting tomorrow morning and a photoshoot tomorrow afternoon. What time?”
“We have to be there at six-thirty.” Killian whistled sharply and stopped a truck that was trying to circumvent the check-in. “Get checked in first!”
Dimitri groaned, “That was my ear, dude. Damn good thing I don’t need to hear to ride a motorcycle.”
“Sorry. Anyway, when you figure it out, text me and Xander. He’s checking with Elias to see if he can get off shift.”
“Are you kidding? The hospital owns his ass. I can’t wait for him to actually start making money. I don’t know how he lives on resident’s pay.”
Killian chuffed a laugh. “He eats a lot of macaroni, just like the rest of us did when we started out. Not that you would know about that.”
“Hey, so not my fault I have talent.”
“Fuck you, we all have talent.”
Dimitri laughed like a loon. “True. Let me find out and I’ll text, but don’t count on me. It was good to talk to you.”
“You, too. Stay safe.” He worried about his brother—the man flew through the air on motorcycles and loved it. He always secretly suspected Dimitri had a few wires loose.
He was just about to pocket the phone when it rang again. He dropped his head back when he saw who was calling. Again. Biting the bullet, he answered it.
“Killian Ganas.”
“Hi, Mr. Ganas, this is Katie Farmer in Councilman Davis’ office. Would it be possible to set up a meeting with you and the Councilman for tomorrow?”
“No, I’m sorry. I don’t have time for a meeting unless you can