Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
I smirk. “Good, because you’re a shit fighter.”
“Oh, okay. You spent some time at a gym in Vegas, and now you think you’re a fighting expert?”
“I’m just saying, the president of the world's biggest mixed martial arts studio asked me to help get his fighters in shape.”
“Emphasis on getting his fighters in shape and not teaching them to fight.”
“I sparred a little with some of the guys.” I take a drink, remembering how fun the experience was in Vegas. “It made me wish Dad would’ve let me take boxing when I was younger instead of forcing soccer on me.”
Tate’s features sober. “In retrospect, it was probably a choice out of self-preservation.”
“No shit.”
My insides tighten as my mind wanders to our father.
“Speaking of Dad,” Tate says, “that’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you tonight.”
“What about him?”
“Well, it’s not about him, per se. I got a call from Jonah Spaulding yesterday.”
I settle back in my chair and prepare myself for the number of ways this conversation could veer off the rails because Jonah Spaulding rarely calls to chat. Sure, there’s the occasional golf tournament or charity event invitation. But as the son of one of our mother’s attorneys—the badass woman who brought Dad’s counsel to his knees—Jonah was brought up writing contracts and negotiating settlements. When he calls, it’s usually to do business.
“And?” I ask.
“He needs a favor.”
Interesting. “We owe him.”
“I know. And I offered you as tribute.”
I chuckle, ignoring the attempts of my fan club, as Georgia called them, to get my attention as they leave. “Oh, you did, did you?”
“Trust me. This is one role you can conquer better than any of us. I have complete faith in you.”
“That definitely eases all of my concerns.”
Tate laughs. “I’ll forward you his email with the details. You’ll love it.”
“Doubtful.”
“So how was Vegas, anyway?” he asks before taking a long pull of his beer. “Did you have a good time?”
“Yeah, it was good. There is a lot of talent to work with, but these new guys don’t know a thing about taking care of themselves. Their idea of balanced nutrition is massive doses of protein and a citrus-flavored energy drink.”
“Did you get them on the right track?”
“I tried.” I pause to nod to Bobby that we need another round of beers. “The management team asked me to stay a few more weeks because the guys seemed to respond well to me, but I told him I had to get back.”
“I’m assuming you have a full schedule around here.”
I nod. “Yeah, the Arrows are keeping me busy. I’m meeting with some of the players for individual assessments tomorrow. The head of baseball operations has some questions about team nutrition, too.”
“Great. Renn should control the Royals by the start of next month. Be prepared for that.”
We exchange a glance before chuckling.
None of us know what to think about Renn managing the Royals. It might be the best thing ever—the man does understand the ins and outs of rugby. It might also be the worst since he’s never managed a lemonade stand. Either way, we’ll back Renn because that’s what we do … even Jason, although he thinks Renn is getting in way over his head.
I shift in my seat. At least he’s contributing to the family …
Although it was unintended, Tate’s mention of Renn and the Royals gnaws at something deep inside me.
Tate picks up his phone and types away furiously, so I lean back and take a long, deep breath.
My siblings are all beasts. Bianca is a genius who, instead of doing what was expected of her and taking over Brewer Group, chose to do what was best for her and walked away. Such a little badass. Gannon took over Brewer Group and is successfully leading it out of the mess Dad made. Jason is the CEO of his own airline. Renn is expanding our holdings with the Royals. Tate has been instrumental in helping to restore our family’s reputation.
And then there’s me.
Bobby hands us fresh beers and carries our empty bottles away.
I love what I do each day. Working with people and helping them become healthier and happier is exactly what I chose to do with my life, and it was the right choice. But sometimes, it’s apparent that I’m not as valuable to the family business as everyone else. If you remove any of the others, there’s a glaring hole. If you take me out of the equation, life goes on.
The only person to ever mention this fact was Dad, and a part of me understands he was spouting off at the mouth because he was pissed. I did have my arm pressed on his throat while pinning him to the wall and threatening to kill him for assaulting Renn’s wife. Still, he said it, and I can’t quite forget it.