I ignored the email from my brother, wrinkling my nose at the [no subject] gracing his entry. I’d long-since turned previewing off so I could scan more emails with ease. He likely wanted to know where I was and why I’d changed my number and otherwise refused to speak to him.
He’d probably figure it out in a week or two with some prompting from our mutual friends. Holding a grudge didn’t make me a good person, but I had lines, and my brother needed a stern reminder he couldn’t walk all over me just because we shared blood. I’d planned his wedding out of my love for him.
That love didn’t mean I needed to tolerate him stepping on me.
The reply from Rick caught my attention, and I clicked it to discover he’d left his phone number and a request to call him.
As I liked Rick a hell of a lot more than I liked my brother at the current moment, I fell for his bait, picked up my new cell phone, and dutifully dialed, already grimacing over my cell bill for calling overseas.
Then again, thanks to a huge raise and chasing an impulse to do what I wanted in my life rather than what my family wanted for me, I could afford it.
“Fredrick speaking,” Rick answered, and I recognized the tone as one a businessman used when he hadn’t bothered to check his Caller ID.
“It’s Hope,” I replied, already worrying I’d made a mistake calling him. The last thing I needed was another reason to like the man who’d made it clear he’d be marrying someone within the next year or two. Being friends with him would hurt, but I’d do my best to make the most of it. I’d even do my best to be friends with the woman who’d won him. She had to be something special to earn the affections of someone like Fredrick. “I got your email. You have successfully corrupted me into reading absurd news articles. I hope you’re happy with yourself.”
He laughed, and I smiled at the sound. “I’m quite pleased with myself, thank you. Your brother is pitching a fit, and judging from what I’ve learned, you’re doing something sneaky, sly, and concerning for all parties excepting yourself. Also, I have received a picture of your new car. It’s spectacular—and I mean that in a good way. I never knew a Mercedes could become something so fun. I’m almost tempted to get a matching one, but I’d go with black and silver glitter.”
Yep, the upcoming months of my life would be bitter and sweet. Maybe he had a single brother who wasn’t in line to marry someone else. His sense of humor and kindness had to be genetic, right? “You should totally do that. But you should get a nicer model and buy yours new. I’m fairly sure you can afford it. Mine’s used, but she runs well, and she likes her new paint job. The interior even has glitter accents. I’d say I’d refer you to the paint shop, but he’s in America and you are not.”
“At least for the moment. It seems work may be moving your way at some point in the near future. Can I ask what’s going on?”
“It’s nothing all that important. Mat said something I’m going to make him regret, and I just secured myself a huge pay raise with overtime on a salary. Actually, I’m doing great. Don’t tell him this, and please don’t tell him you’ve spoken to me, but this has been the best thing I’ve done for myself in forever.” Mat wouldn’t agree with me, but Mat needed to learn my life was my problem rather than his—and that I needed to do things for me.
“As long as you’re happy, I’m all right with this. Your friends are worried, as you wouldn’t tell them where you went.” Rick paused, and then he sighed. “They’re hoping I will talk sense into you, but it seems you’ve already talked sense into yourself. All that said, your friends really are worried about you, and they aren’t sure why you won’t talk to them about this.”
“Well, they’re all blabbermouths and would snitch to my brother at the first sign of pressure.”
Rick chuckled. “I expect you’re right about that, as they did just that with me when I pressed about your situation. Your friends called me.”
“They called you?” They must have talked to Mat, Mat must have decided Rick was the best chance