My phone rings and I nearly throw it across the room. Fuck, I’m tense. Little Juniper has rattled me, and I don’t know if I like it or not. I’m half expecting it to be her, but instead, my sister’s name flashes across the screen.
Part of me is disappointed, I realize. I wanted to hear Juniper’s sassy voice as she gives me a hard time. But the more rational side is slowly taking over the reins. I don’t have time to get caught up in the spell my new assistant is trying to weave, whether she knows it or not.
So, it’s for the best that I talk to my sister and not respond to Ms. Leigh. I have to get things back on track.
“Locklyn,” I answer, forcing thoughts of Juniper away.
“Always so formal,” my younger sister tuts. I don’t respond, but I don’t need to. “I haven’t heard from you in a few weeks, so I thought I’d check in. Good to know you’re as verbose as ever.”
“Verbose, huh? That’s a five-dollar word right there. I’m glad you’re making use of your college education.”
“Did you just make a joke?!” she asks dramatically. “Why, Vincent, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you found someone to tolerate your dour attitude. That’s another five-dollar word for you. It means stern and irritable.”
“How do you know about Juniper?” The words tumble out before I can stop them. Shit.
“Wait, what? I was talking about you finally finding an assistant. But who is Juniper? A love interest? Oh my god—”
“No,” I say a little too harshly. “She’s my assistant. I just…” I trail off, not sure how to recover. “I didn’t know you knew I needed one,” I finish lamely.
“It’s the only thing you talked about during our last conversation, so yeah, I remembered.”
I grunt, thinking back to the last time she called. I could have sworn I talked to my sister since then. But, truth be told, I’m not exactly a family guy. To be fair, our parents aren’t really family people either. I’ve come to realize they only had kids so they could have the appearance of the all-American family. I don’t mind. Like I’ve said before, my father made it clear the one hindrance to him achieving the kind of wealth I have was his family.
While I understand and can appreciate the advice, however cold-hearted it may sound, Locklyn deserves better. She truly wants a family, somewhere to belong. I don’t know how to give that to her, but she’s the only soft spot I have. The only reason I regret being an antisocial workaholic.
Juniper’s soft giggle echoes in my mind, confusing me. My heart thumps unevenly against my ribcage. I’m not ready to admit she might be a soft spot, too.
“Well, there you go,” I finally mutter.
“Vincent. I swear I can hear you blushing.”
“That’s ridiculous,” I grunt, making Locklyn laugh.
“I know, but it’s fun getting you riled up. I can’t wait to meet Juniper. I’m sure she’s a lovelyassistant.”
I grumble something else, then ask her about her studies. Locklyn may not have had much support growing up, but I’m damn proud of her for forging her own path and going to Sequoia University.
When she’s talked herself out, we say our goodbyes, and I promise to call more often. She doesn’t believe me, which is fair. I haven’t had the best track record. But I want to be better. Maybe if I can be a better brother, I could be worthy of Juniper’s affection.
Jesus fucking Christ. I’m ruined. All thanks to a sassy assistant and her honeyed voice.