Page 116 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“Ah.” Devin nods. “So Daddy’s money.”
Yup, I’m going to kill him. I’m about to tell him off when Sloane turns toward him.
“Actually, he doesn’t work with his father anymore. He is in a co-op with the Cane brothers. They focus on admirable investment projects that are not only great for the cities they work in, bringing life back to old buildings and neighborhoods, but that assist those who have less with affordable apartments that are often partially self-sustainable. They make smart business choices, which is why they’re working on a merger with Archie.” I can sense the tension as Sheridan and Archie look between us.
“Thank you, baby,” I say and then press a kiss to the side of her head, keeping it very innocent but also showing affection. “You don’t need to prove anything to him, though.”
“He is quite the astute businessman,” Archie says.
“Is that right? Well, good for you,” Devin says, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Thank you, and what exactly do you do?” I ask.
“I’m in medical school, studying to be a cardiac surgeon. Lost my dad at a young age to heart failure, so this is my way of honoring him.”
Well, fuck, can’t make fun of that, so looks like I’m going to have to take the high road on this one.
“That’s very commendable. What year are you in?”
“I’m in my fourth year of medical school.”
I nod. “I’m sure you have a long road ahead of you. I wish you the best of luck.” It pains me to be this nice.
“Thanks,” Devin says awkwardly, which is fun, because without the snark, he’s forced to play nice in front of everyone.
“Devin is really smart,” Archie says. “Top of his class.”
“Which will make him top in his field,” I say, the compliment splitting me in half.
Sloane leans into me and her hand slides along my thigh, I think a reward for playing nicely. Not that she needs to reward me; this is technically my business meeting. But a reward nonetheless.
“Thank you again for dinner,” I say. “We’ll see you tomorrow.” We say our goodbyes to Archie and Sheridan, who found a friend at the bar on our way out.
Devin took off for the bathroom, and I secretly hope it’s food poisoning.
Hand in hand, Sloane and I make our way out to the front of the restaurant, where I text our driver that we are ready.
I would say, despite Devin getting on my nerves, tonight was a success. Sloane was remarkable, even with the rocky start. She was charming,graceful, and poised. It was as if she transformed right in front of my eyes, and I feel a little ashamed for doubting her in the slightest.
“Can I ask you a question?” Sloane says, breaking the silence between us.
“Yes.”
She turns toward me, those beautiful eyes of hers connecting with mine. “When you and Archie were talking about business, you touched on the project housing for a little bit. Would that be the same thing that you’re doing with the Cane brothers in San Francisco? I mean, I know it is, but we haven’t talked about it much nor have I been involved with the project, so I guess I just find it fascinating.”
“It is,” I say, wondering where this is coming from. “It’s part of the philanthropic side of Cane Enterprises that Hardy and I really liked, one of the things we wanted to jump on board with when we formed the co-op. They purchased a few buildings in the city that were not at full capacity of use, or abandoned, and they turned it into low-income housing for those who may struggle more living in the city. It’s a great way to give back to the community, especially when housing can be so expensive.”
“It can be,” she says, looking off to the side.
“Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know, it just had me thinking.”
I lift my hand to her chin and bring her focus back on me. “Thinking about what?”
“About my situation. The house Jude found for us, that Stacey and I are buying. We were lucky in a way that the landlord didn’t keep raising our rent every year. I think he saw that we were a struggling, low-income family and gave us a break. It makes sense why he went to sell it if I think about it. He probably saw it as a loss and didn’t have the heart to increase the cost of living.”
“From a business perspective, yes, to shed the weight of a house likethat when you’re not increasing the cost or receiving tax benefits from the government, that’s something you don’t want to hang on to.”
