TJ:
Shut up. You know what I mean. How did you even stay composed? I would’ve passed out.
That’s what I’m trying to tell you. It was a MESS.
TJ:
I’m sure you’re overreacting. Have you seen yourself? You’re young, hot, and brilliant. Who wouldn’t want you?
Worth Miller. That’s who.
5
WORTH
Standing in the kitchen, I scroll through my inbox with one hand, mug in the other. Henson has already sent over the agenda for this morning’s meeting.
As I’m going over the information, a text comes in from my brother in the group chat I share with him and my best friend, Griffin, the company’s chief of operations and lead architect.
Henson:
Big day, boys. Meeting at 9. Bring your game faces.
Griffin:
I always bring my game face.
Henson:
Your “game face” looks like you’re at a funeral.
Griff grew up with me and Henson in Mid-Island Nantucket. We built forts out of two-by-fours and shared every stupid childhood dream. We even worked the same crews after high school, doing grunt work and learning the trade with our hands in the dirt. When Henson and I decided to start W.H.M.Construction, Griffin was the first call we made. We didn’t just want him on board—we needed him.
It’s too early for this shit.
Henson:
Awww, morning Sunshine. Did you sleep okay or did your pillow not fluff to your liking?
Griffin:
Don’t poke the bear, Hen.
You’re both idiots.
Henson:
Love you too, big bro.
I scoff, toss the phone onto the counter and glance at the clock. Bri is usually halfway down the stairs by now, hair still wet from her shower, and muttering something about how I “micromanage breakfast.”
Her sneakers are by the door, laces half-untied the way she always leaves them. Her backpack is missing from the hook. Normally, I’d hear the faint thud of music leaking through her earbuds, or the bathroom door slamming shut as she rushes to grab her things.
But the house is quiet.
“Brianna! Let’s go, kiddo, we’re gonna be late!”
I stand at the bottom of the stairs, phone in one hand, car keys in the other, waiting for the familiar thump of her footsteps coming down or for her to yell and complain about the little time I’ve given her. But not today.