5. Carter

Chapter 5

Carter

“ W ell, good morning, sir.”

“Dex, you bastard, cut your shit.”

It’s been two months since I took over as CEO of J. L. most women would kill for the thick lashes that line them. Having grown his beard out to a style reminiscent of Captain America in Avengers: Infinity War—and given that he shares the same hair colour as Chris Evans—my best mate looks every bit the heartbreaker. He’s 6ft 2 inches of muscle, so he practically takes up the entire doorframe.

“You’re very good-looking Dex, but you’re simply not my type,” I say calmly as he moves to enter my office. I close the diary I’d been meticulously filling out with the day’s meetings and to-do list.

“Yeah right arsehole, I’m everyone’s type,” Dex responds with a smirk, strolling in. He takes the seat across from my desk, propping his foot up on the corner like he owns the place.

What I wouldn’t give to wipe that smug expression off his face.

“You are one cocky son of a bitch,” I say with a grin, throwing his foot off my desk.

“Alright boss, what’s new?” Dex supports himself on his elbows, chin resting on his fists like an enthralled child.

Since my first day in charge, Dex has come to my office every morning to check in on me. Our meetings—using the term loosely—typically feature some shit-talking, followed by a review of the previous day’s work. We finish off with a rundown of what’s happening in the firm at present and then grab a coffee from the Pret down the street.

Dexter ‘Dex’ Ford, also known as major pain in the arse , and I met during our first year at Cambridge. We spent many nights studying and drinking, one more so than the other during the early years.

He’s now one of the best lawyers on our staff, which is one of the many reasons I plan to promote him. He’s worked his arse off to be the best lawyer he can be, and it’s pretty fucking cool that my new position gives me a chance to reward that.

We go through the cases each of our staff is currently working on, checking progress and updates from each associate. Once Dex has finished going over his current client cases, I decide there’s no time like the present to bring up the promotion.

“I know you’ve had a massive caseload these past couple of months since I stepped away from cases, but you’ve also had an excellent track record. How are you finding it all?” I watch the ghost of a smile pass over his face at his acknowledgement of my complimentary words.

Dex straightens up, removing his elbows from the desk and placing his folded hands in his lap. He’s sensed a shift in the conversation, and I appreciate how he’s slid right into business mode.?

“Honestly man, I’ve loved every second.”

I don’t doubt he means every word as he replies.

“I’ve been busier than ever, and some days are tougher than others, but I love this shit. I love my job,” Dex adds. The way his face lights up as he speaks about his job cements that what I’m about to propose is the right decision for both Dex and our firm.

“Your passion for your career doesn’t go unnoticed.” I offer my friend a gentle smile, which he returns.

“Thanks Carter, that means a lot. I’m always grateful for your father taking a chance on a law grad, and I’ll always bust my arse to prove he made the right decision.”

“I know you will, Dex. That’s why I’d like to offer you the position of Senior Associate, as well as being the Manager for Junior Associates. I know it’s a lot of responsibility and an even bigger commitment, so please take your time to think it over.” From the corner of my desk, I locate a manilla folder and remove the contract I had Anna from HR make up in my second week as CEO. I’ve never doubted Dex.

Handing Dex the contract, our eyes lock briefly. Admiration and gratitude shine in his gaze. I don’t say anything, afraid of ruining the moment. Dex’s smile widens as I grin at him.

“You’re serious?” he asks, his mouth slightly agape as he tries to determine the level of sincerity.

“Dead serious, brother. You’re one of our biggest assets, and it’s time you stepped up. I need a faithful lackey by my side.” My grin morphs into more of a smirk, and Dex lets out a chuckle as he swipes at my still outstretched hand before he grabs it and shakes.

“As long as I can still call you Sir, I’m in.”

“I never told you to call me that, you dick. You made that decision all on your own.”

“In that case, the decision stands. Pleasure doing business.”

And with that, Dex rises, flashes me a devilish smile, and leaves my office. The door closes with a soft click, and I smile to myself.

The rest of the day flies by in a blur of financial reports, meetings, and catching up with each of our associates. Before I know it, it’s 5:15pm and Teddy’s calling to see where I am. We made plans to grab a drink after work and I was supposed to meet him down the road fifteen minutes ago.

“Teddy, sorry, lost track of time,” I say while placing my brother on speaker so I can pack up for the night.

“You sure you’re not trying to stand me up?” Teddy asks, and I hear the smile he’s wearing through his voice.

“Positive. Besides, you have too many friends in high places. I’d be a fool to piss you off.”

Teddy’s deep rumble of a laugh makes me smile.

“Correct. So, are you on your way?”

I gather up the last of my files and paperwork as I respond. “About to be. I’ll see you in five.”

Teddy says a quick goodbye before hanging up.

Five minutes later, I’m walking through the pub door. I spot my brother ahead on a table with high bar stools talking to a tall, pretty blonde who I don’t recognise. Teddy is mid-conversation when he spots me near the door.

Leaning in, he places his hand on the small of her back. He whispers something in her ear before placing a light kiss on her cheek. Smiling at him, she gives him a small nod and walks away. Teddy ushers me over with a wave of his hand.?

I walk over to my brother, clapping him on the back and pulling him in for a quick embrace. “Who’s the lucky lady?” I ask, a smirk on my lips.

Teddy gives me a sly grin, turning towards the bar. He raises two fingers in the direction of Olly, the bar owner, who nods before grabbing our usual beer pick and wandering over.

“Here you go, lads.” Olly’s northern accent thickens on the last word. We thank him, receiving a salute in response as he makes his way over to the next customer.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Teddy finally replies in a sing-song voice.

I stare daggers at my brother, which only causes him to chuckle. Knowing I won’t stop until I get an answer, Teddy lets out a sign before he continues. “An old friend I haven't seen since high school. Her name is Margot, if you must know.”

“Interesting.” I take a sip of my beer.

“Interesting?” he questions, another laugh on the tip of his tongue. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, brother. You looked quite cosy, considering you haven’t seen each other for about 13 years.”

“You want to play that game, little brother?” Teddy takes a swig of his beer. “How’s Molly?”

I’ve been waiting for this question. My first date with Molly was awkward at best, at least for me. The conversation felt stilted, and I had no idea what to talk to her about.

Molly, apparently, felt differently. A few days later, she’d asked me if I wanted to grab a drink, and I almost felt obligated, given how shit our first meeting was. It had been a little while since I’d been on a real date, and it showed. We caught up, I apologised for the terrible date, and we laughed it off.

“I wish I knew how to answer that question,” I respond honestly, rubbing my thumb along the neck of my beer bottle. Teddy narrows his eyes on the action.

“You’re doing the thing, Cart. What’s up?”?

I exhale a small breath before looking at my brother. “Molly is great Teddy, she is, but something is off. We’ve been on numerous dates these past few months, but it’s nothing more than friendship on my side.” It feels good to give a voice to my thoughts. “She’s nice enough, and obviously beautiful, but there’s no spark .” I continue.

“Hmm,” Teddy hums, his eyes boring into me like he can see through my skin and directly into my thoughts. A man of few words at the most inconvenient of times. Feeling a little vulnerable, I break eye contact and instead take in my surroundings.

The pub’s stone wall interior reminds me of a cottage; the fireplace below the mantle really sells the vibe. The heavy wooden door is adorned with wrought iron features, looking like it came straight from a Scottish castle. The bar runs the length of the left-hand side, and bottles of every spirit under the sun line the wall behind it. Provincial-style wall sconces provide a majority of the light, giving it the sort of ambience you’d expect in the Cotswolds. There’s just something about the cosy pub that brings me comfort.

My eyes return to Teddy. With his arms crossed on top of the table and brows dipped in thought, he looks every bit the wise older brother in this moment.

“Any words of wisdom, or just hums?”

Teddy straightens before leaning into the low back of his stool. With his arms now crossed against his chest, he gives me a small smile.

“She could be the most wonderful person you’ve met, but it means nothing if you don’t feel a connection on a deeper level, Cart.”

Damn him and his fucking wisdom.

I suppress a laugh. Not because what my brother said is funny, but because he’s unnervingly spot on.

Trying to lighten the mood, as usual, I respond, “Shit, Theodore, no need to go all therapist on me.”

My words have the desired effect: Teddy’s facial expression warps into a harsh scowl. It’s not that he doesn’t like his full name; he just prefers Teddy when it comes to the people he holds close. Theodore makes him feel like he’s in trouble.

The scowl pointed in my direction only deepens when I let out a chuckle.?

“Way to deflect, you shit.”

My chuckle turns into a deep belly laugh at this, and it only takes a few passing seconds before Teddy joins in.

Sitting at my very empty dining table the following morning, I rest my head in my palms, running my hands over my face once, twice, before clasping them together and resting my chin on them. An internal deliberation begins to take place between my head and my heart.

The last thing I want to do is lead Molly on, but I fear that’s exactly what I’ll be doing if we continue to see each other.

But on the same token, the old saying goes, ‘good things take time’, right?

What if Molly and I could have something special, and I’m about to fuck it up because I didn’t let it play out long enough?

Five minutes later, I come to a decision. There’s a 50:50 chance I’ve made the wrong one, but at least I’ve chosen.

She answers within three rings.

“Hey Carter, how are you?” Her tone is light, the smile evident through her voice, and I’m hit with a pang of guilt over the impending conversation.

“Good thanks Molly, yourself?”

This conversation already feels uncomfortably stiff.

“Excellent to hear. What can I do for you?” Molly asks. I’m thankful she’s managed to be direct when all I’m currently capable of is small talk. I rub my hand over my jaw, contemplating how to proceed. Fuck, I should’ve thought about this before I hit call.

“Would you perhaps like to grab a coffee on Monday morning?” Restless with anxiety, my knee bounces up and down of its own accord. “My first meeting isn’t until ten, so we’d be able to sit and have a chat.”

“As lovely as that sounds, unfortunately I’m not able to on Monday,” Molly responds. Before I can reply, she continues. “If by a chat, you happen to mean the chat, I think we’re on the same page.”

I’m taken by surprise at Molly’s admission. We chat for the next few minutes, and by the time I’m hanging up the call, a weight has lifted off my shoulders.

It turns out Molly had been feeling the exact same way but didn’t know how to call it quits when it was her who’d instigated this in the first place. We laughed at how silly we both sounded, too scared to communicate with each other. Let this be a lesson on the importance of communication.

We wish each other the best, but neither of us utters the classic “let’s stay friends” phrase. Frankly, it’s unnecessary. There’s little chance we’ll see each other again. We don’t see one another organically out and about.?

Feeling lighter than I have in weeks, I bring up the text thread with my siblings. The current conversation between Emmy and Teddy brings a smile to my face.

Big Ted

Em, are you trying to kill me?

Emmy

What’s troubling you biggest brother?

Big Ted

You know very well “what’s troubling me”, you heathen. You sent my daughter home with the highest of sugar highs!

Emmy

In my defence, she’s quite hard to say no to.

Big Ted

Me

I hate to break up this sibling bonding, but I’ve got news

The speech bubbles pop up a second after I hit send. Two replies come through at the same time.

Big Ted

What did you do?

Emmy

Lord have mercy. What have you done?

My eyes threaten to roll back into my brain. They always assume the worst. Arseholes . I lean my elbows on the table and type out a response.

Me

Why do you both assume I’ve done something?

Don’t answer that.

Big Ted

Did you do something?

Me

Well yes, but not the point

I ended things with Molly

Emmy

I’m proud of you Cart. If it wasn’t working, it wasn’t working. We just want you to be happy, right Teddy?

Big Ted

I wouldn’t mind marrying him off fairly quickly, so perhaps he’ll annoy someone other than me. But yes, I suppose we do want you to be happy too, little brother.

I let out a groan, but my lips pull into a smile. Siblings really are simultaneously the best and worst things in existence.

Me

Emmy, I love you.

Teddy, you’re a wanker.

Big Ted

Emmy

Aren’t you a little old for emojis?

Big Ted

I laugh as I lock my phone and place it on the table.