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“I know,” I state, shooting him a wink.
I’m pretty sure hell would freeze over before Katerina Mincetti did something as domesticated as cooking. Her talents are suited to more exciting prospects, like murder, probably.
“By the way, did you watch the Australian Grand Prix last weekend?” I question.
He shakes his head. “Dad wouldn’t wake me up early to watch because he said it wasn’t important,” he grumbles.
“Your father has notoriously bad taste,” I tell him. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a video of the highlights on my phone. You can watch it while I talk to your dad.”
I hand him the phone and he immediately settles down on the couch to watch it. While he does so, I walk over to my brother, who is still studying the files on my desk. I place a hand on the piece of paper he’s reading, flicking an eyebrow up.
“You do realize you’re practically competition, bro. Quit looking through our shit.”
Xander scoffs. “Like a startup could compete with Steele Industries.”
My brother recently launched his own tech company, which is still a little bizarre to me. A part of me understands that he did it because he wanted to create something of his own, which is great and all. But a greater part of me believes he did all that to stick it to Dad and to show him he has no control over him.
Which is annoying because I know I’ll never be able to successfully cut our father out like that.
“You never know. How’s business these days?” I ask, taking in his appearance.
He looks a little tired, which is to be expected considering starting a company from scratch is nothing easy. But he also has a certain glow. One that I’ve seen since he met Nate, and one that’s only grown in the time since he and Katerina reunited. My brother’s in love and happy. And I’m glad about it.
“Pretty good, actually. We’re in the early stages of production for a few gadgets. It’s been nice getting to design and program again instead of being stuck behind a desk all day signing paperwork, attending meetings, and kissing up to egotistical billionaires.”
“That was a swipe at me, wasn’t it?” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Obviously.” He chuckles, leaning against my desk. “How’s it going? And don’t say busy; I’m very aware that you’re busy. But it’s been good, right? No problems?”
I smile. “You worried about me, big bro?”
“As if,” he scoffs. “I’m just checking in. Making sure you’re doing your job right.”
“Don’t worry. I haven’t fucked things up,” I assure him. “There’s still time to do so, however.”
“I doubt it. You’re in your element right now, Gray. You were meant for this,” he says warmly.
My lips turn up in a smile. “Marriage has really made you soft, Xander.”
He shakes his head at that. My eyes meet his clear green ones and I feel a sudden sense of camaraderie and gratitude. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. I owe him so much. Not the least of which is an apology, but apologizing isn’t one of my strengths. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. So I’m going to make it up to him by working hard to be the man he believes me to be.
After my brother and his son leave, Taylor walks into my office to inform me about what’s left on my schedule for the day.
“You have the conference call with heads of departments at five. And I pushed back your three o’clock meeting with the product manager because of your brother’s visit. I wanted her to come in before your conference call, but she already had prior engagements.”
“Pushed it back till when?” I question.
“Four o’clock tomorrow.”
I arch an eyebrow. “I specifically told you I wouldn’t be available after three tomorrow. I’ll be working from home the rest of the day.”
“Yes, but that was the only?—”
“No excuses, Ms. Evans. If the product manager can’t get here within the hour before the conference call, then there won’t be a meeting. She can pass along whatever she has to say to you in that case. Make sure she understands that, alright?” I ask.
“Yes, sir,” Taylor replies.
I don’t miss her clenched jaw or the questions in her brown eyes. I’m sure she’s wondering who I cleared my schedule for tomorrow, but honestly, it’s none of her business. She walks out of the office, leaving me to work.
