CREW
“You’re pathetic.”
This is the first thing Grant says to me when I return to the living room after my quick conversation with Wren.
“Oh, leave him alone.” This comes from Grant’s girlfriend, Alyssa. She has no fear in telling him what to do, and I think he respects that. Begrudgingly. I know I respect it. No one talks to Grant like she does. “He’s in love.”
Even a day ago, I might’ve denied it, but come on.
I am definitely in love with Wren Beaumont.
Purchasing A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime for her birthday present more than confirms that. Sending her a Chanel bag and spending a shit ton of money on four hundred lipsticks more than proves it too.
The piece proved tough to find. Tougher still to actually purchase it from the previous owner. That guy did not want to give it up, no matter what we quoted, and he held out for a while. He also made me sweat, and Grant loved every second of it, the dick.
But money talks and Lancasters have plenty of it. I eventually acquired that piece my girl loves so damn much. For a cool 1.2 million dollars.
“If being in love makes me pathetic, then I guess you are too,” I tell my brother, sounding like I’m five.
“Stop fighting,” Mother says, her tone mild. “When is she coming over, Crew? And will she be here for dinner?”
“She should be here soon. And yes, she’ll stay for dinner. It’s her birthday.”
Mother’s eyebrows shoot up. “What? Today?”
I nod.
“We must celebrate then. I’ll talk to the chef. We already had something planned, but it needs to be extra special. And we should have a cake! Oh my.” She rises to her feet and scurries to the kitchen, calling out to her staff.
“You really spent a million bucks on a painting for her?” This comes from Finn, my second oldest brother. He’s kicked back on the couch, clutching a glass of orange juice loaded with vodka.
It’s not even noon yet. Guess he needs it to cope with all the family time we’ve experienced the last couple of days, which he normally tries to avoid.
Not that I can blame him. It’s the one good thing about being trapped at Lancaster Prep. I only see my family for major holidays.
“I did,” I say with a nod as I make my way over to the windows that face the city, stopping next to the massive pine tree that’s strung with white lights. Mother went all out this year. The entire place reeks of pine, which isn’t a bad thing. “And it’s not a painting.”
“What the hell is it then?” Finn asks.
I turn to look at him. “The entire piece was made with lipstick.”
Finn frowns. “Come again?”
“Someone kissed the canvas. Over and over and over again in different shades of Chanel lipstick,” Alyssa explains, her sheepish gaze meeting mine. “When Grant told me about it, I had to do a little research. I was intrigued.”
“It’s her favorite piece.” I shrug. And all I ever want to do is make that girl happy.
No matter the expense.
No matter what.
“I can see why. It’s beautiful,” Alyssa agrees, bringing it up on her phone and showing it to Finn.
He studies it, frowning when he lifts his head. “I don’t get it.”
I sigh. Grant calls him a dumbass. Alyssa just shakes her head.
“I’m afraid you don’t have a romantic bone in your body,” Alyssa says to Finn, who also happens to be her former boss.