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“Skeptical of me?”
“Yes. Did you notice how tight she grew when you walked in? She doesn't like you, Daniel Reed, and I'm not surprised.” He smirked.
The waiter returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. I waited as he filled them and walked away before taking out my phone and showing Evan the photo.
“Look at those fools,” I said simply. It wasn't malice. Although terribly competent at being biochemists, my brothers could be just as daft in other aspects.
“Your brothers are approaching stakeholders?”
“Looks like it.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
I shrugged. “Nothing, as long as they don't interfere with my plans. They could meet with all of San Francisco for all I care. Besides,” I smiled, “it will be interesting to see what they do this time.”
Evan shook his head. “Sometimes, I think you're too easygoing.”
“That, from you?”
“Well, I don't have half-brothers. And a stepbrother,” he added as an afterthought.
“Well, I don't see them as competition.”
"That's exactly your problem." He sighed. "It's not about how you see them, it's how they see you. You're too good, too competent, for your own good."
Chapter 14
Amy
“That’swonderful!”Jenniferexclaimed.She enfolded me in a hug, jumping all over the place like a little girl. I understood the excitement. I shared it with her.
“It's a miracle, that's what it is,” I responded, her excitement reviving my energy.
She grinned again before settling down beside me and looking at me seriously. We were in her family room, which was one of the most warm and comfortable places in the world. The deep sectional sofa was incredibly inviting and pictures filled the bookshelves. A large sliding glass door led out to the patio.
Since Jordan's sickness, Jennifer spent half of her time at the hospital and didn't really live here, but as always, her house was home to many strays just like me, that found a home with her.
The video games on the shelves belonged to a boy who lived down the street. The color coded charts belonged to a neighbor's daughter. People unable to fix or understand their problems automatically brought their kids to her or the children themselves found her. She was literally a capeless hero.
The summer I left home, she had given me a room in her house and let me stay for weeks until I found my feet and even longer after that.
When I first met her, she had been young but had a stability to her that belied the gentle kindness of her heart. She was still just as beautiful, but as I watched her, I wondered how so many years had passed by already.
“But you have reservations,” she pointed out. “I can read it in your eyes.”
“I don't know, Jennifer. There's just something about this deal…” I sighed.
She continued to look at me, seemingly urging me to continue.
“I mean, aside from it feeling too good to be true, there just seems to be a shady element to it. I mean, why must I become an employee and the whole thing about losing all my progress if I leave? Something just feels off and I can't put my finger on it.”
“And Daniel…” I frowned. “He just gives me weird vibes.” I shivered for emphasis and Jennifer’s eyes twinkled at that. “I just don't want to do anything that will put us at a loss in the end.”
Jennifer took my hands in hers and squeezed gently.
“Have I ever told you how grateful I am for you, Amy?”
“Yes, many times over.” I said, and we both laughed. “I'm the one grateful for you, Jennifer.” I said seriously, “You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.”
