“Bridger, I’ve got a raging headache, my hand is throbbing, and I’m not in the mood to try to read between the lines,” I hissed.
“It’s time, brother. Time to jump fucking ship. You’ve been ready for a while. He needs you. You don’t need him.”
“It’s a big move.”
“One you’ve been talking about and planning for the last eighteen months. You’ve saved a ton of money. Come on, brother. I’ve known you my whole life; this isn’t you.”
“This isn’t me? What the hell does that mean?”
“You’re the guy who doesn’t overthink things. You’re the guy who trusts his gut. You are not the dude who lets fear rule you.” His gaze was hard, and I wanted to be offended, but I knew he was coming from a good place.
“Fuck you,” I growled and reached for the door handle. “This is not fear. This is me trying to be smart. Making sure I have a plan.”
“Rafe,” he hissed. “Sit the fuck down and listen to me.”
I shook my head, irritation coursing through my veins. I turned to look at him, arching a brow. “You wanted the floor. Go ahead and kick me when I’m down.”
“I’m not kicking you when you’re down, brother. I hate this shit. But I see what you’re doing—hell, everyone sees it, and no one wants to say it. The whole family is worried about you. So I’m here trying to get you to pull your head out of your ass.” He glanced out the front windshield and then back at me. “You were living with Lulu, and I’ve never seen you happier. But you let her pack her shit and move to Paris without so much as a fight. And now you’re pissed off about your pussy-ass boss trying to steal your accounts from you, and you’re doing nothing about it. You’re afraid. For whatever fucking reason, you’re fucking afraid.”
I blew out a breath and ran a hand down my face. “What was I going to do with Lulu, huh? Ask her not to go? No one has supported her dreams before now, and I won’t be that guy. This opportunity meant everything to her. I was trying to be a good guy.”
“I’m not suggesting you ask her to stay. I’m suggesting you figure out another way to make it work. I think you’re afraid she won’t take you up on it, so you aren’t even going to try. Instead, you’re going to be a miserable fuck because you know you should have fought for her.”
His words stung, and I glared at him before I let his theory sink in.
“I don’t know if she feels the same way I do,” I finally said.
“I’m not big on feelings, but even I couldn’t ignore what was going on. She feels the same way, dipshit. So stop sitting on your ass and just fucking ask her because when it’s too late, you’re going to regret it.”
“Thank you for the advice, Dr. Phil. I’ll think it over,” I smirked. “And as far as work goes, I just need to get my ducks in a row. Make sure the timing is right.”
“The timing will never be right, Rafe. Let me ask you something.” He reached for his bottle of water and took a sip before continuing. “Do you think I’m a smart businessman?”
“You started a tech company out of your garage, and you cleared a billion dollars last year. Yeah, I think you’re a smart businessman.” I chuckled because the question was ridiculous.
“I would not hand over my books and bank accounts to anyone I didn’t think was brilliant. I don’t give a shit if you’re my brother or not. If you weren’t really fucking good at what you do, I would not let you manage my finances,” he said. “You are cheating yourself by working for someone else at this point. So make the move. He’s shown you his hand. He has nothing left to offer you. Stop being fucking afraid, or I’ll break your other wrist.”
“At least you own that you broke the first one.” I barked out a laugh. “Listen, I appreciate everything you said. And as much as I hate to admit it, I think you’re right.”
“Can I get that in writing, asshole?”
“Give me this weekend to work this shit out and get my head on straight. Thanks for talking this through.”
He shocked the shit out of me when he grabbed my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. My older brother had never been an emotional guy, so I hugged him back, holding it a little too long because I knew it would freak him out.
He shoved me back with a laugh. “All right. Stop being a pussy and figure out your shit.”
“Ah… ever the philosopher.” I reached for the door handle and grabbed my duffle bag. “See you in two days.”
I climbed onto the helicopter and thought about his words all the way to Magnolia Falls. I didn’t doubt that he was right; I just wasn’t sure how I’d handle it.
Once the helicopter was on the ground, I thanked Lars, the pilot.
Emerson was standing against the hood of her car as Cutler ran toward me.
“Uncle Rafe, I knew you’d come!” he shouted, as he launched himself into my arms. I tried to keep my wounded hand out of the way and held him with my good hand.
“Of course, I came, buddy. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
