AllFreeNovel
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“Don’t mind those guys,” Henry says. My brother is shorter than they are, much more out of shape, but he still looks good, healthier than I remembered.
Henry wasn’t always rich. He’s been buying and trading BitCoin and other cryptocurrencies, or whatever they are. He tried to explain it to me over Thanksgiving two years ago, but I wasn’t fully listening. Basically, he got involved in all this from the very start, and now he’s worth millions because of it. He still trades it, buying and selling to make a profit, but I think it’s more for fun these days.
“We’re having something of a guys’ time here,” he says. “I mean, you’re more than welcome to stay. Just explaining why it’s a bunch of dudes sitting around.”
“I get it. Thanks again for inviting me.”
He waves his hand. “No problem. I know we don’t spend a whole lot of time together.” He pauses at the foot of the stairs. “That’s mostly my fault. But maybe we can fix that while you’re here?”
I smile at him. “Yeah, of course. That’d be good.”
“Cool.” He smiles, looking relieved. “Come on, up here.”
I follow him upstairs. The first thing I notice is a huge painting on the first landing of a gorgeous abstract cityscape. I stop and stare at it, totally taken by the colors and the splash of paint.
“James did that,” Henry says. “Amazing, right?”
“Amazing,” I agree.
“Come on.”
I pull myself away from the painting, head spinning. I can’t believe that gorgeous guy down there painted that. He doesn’t look like an artist. To be fair, I imagined all artists are skinny guys in slim jeans with menthol cigarettes, like what I see in the city, but still.
The house is enormous. I get a better sense of that upstairs.
“The guys are staying in these rooms,” he says, motioning at the doors as we pass. “You’re in the other wing, with me.”
I follow him around a bend, down a hall, and around another corner. This hallway is like the first one, but with fewer doors.
“Exercise room, kitchen, sauna, feel free to use whatever,” he says, gesturing at some doors. “And this is you.” We stop in front of a black door with a gold knob.
He pulls it open and we step inside. “Holy crap,” I say.
He laughs. “You like it?”
“It’s bigger than my freaking apartment back in the city.” Which is true, and it’s much, much nicer.
It’s basically a small apartment without a kitchen. The bathroom is beautiful and modern, the bed is huge, and the living room area is plush and comfortable. I don’t think I’d have to leave this room all month.
“Good. Get yourself set up. I’m in the door at the end of the hall if you need me. There are fresh towels and stuff. Leave your laundry outside your door, it’ll get done for you.”
“Done for me?” I stare at him.
He grins. “I have some help out here.”
“Henry. Are you serious?”
He shrugs. “Why be rich if you can’t use it? Plus, I pay well and don’t take advantage.”
I sigh, shaking my head. “This is too much.”
“You’re my guest, enjoy it. The guys definitely are.”
I laugh softly. “Thanks, Henry.”
“Sure. Feel free to use whatever. Explore and stuff. The beach is private and ours between the two white markers, you’ll see them out there. Need anything else?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I think I’m okay.”
