“Wouldn’t it be great if you could do that?”
“I can, bro. It’s new technology. I’ll show you when you get here.” Sawyer laughed again. “I can literally see your face right now. You can’t decide if I’m lying or not.”
“You’re lying. I would have heard about this,” I argued. “You better have something good to make up for this elaborate story.”
“Come to the island and you’ll see. Hey, I gotta run. See you next week.”
“I’m not flying commercial. Send your jet and I’ll be there,” I demanded. “I’m serious, I need your help with how to convince Dad.”
“If you want my advice, I’d talk to Aunt Victoria. She has all the power in the Hawthorne family,” Sawyer blurted out. “She managed to get us all married and runs a lot of the Hawthorne Foundation.”
“I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right. Thanks. Is your lovely lady going to be there?”
“She’s here and deep into planning the wedding,” Sawyer said. “We both just want a simple ceremony on the beach, but the family is being impossible.”
“Dude, just get married where you want,” I said. “Let’s chat when I see you next week. I’ll put in a good word for you with Aunt Victoria about your wedding wishes.”
After hanging up with my brother, I sent my aunt a text inviting her to lunch.
“Cota, great to hear from you. I was told you might be helping Murphy.”
“She asked me to but I’m still thinking about it.”
“What can I do for you? I know you don’t just want lunch.”
“I need your help.”
“Do I have to do something illegal?”
“You’re funny. Of course not. Can we talk in person, please?”
“Sure. Are you in the city?”
“Yep. Are you?”
“I am, and I have a slow day. I’ll meet you at Morton’s.”
“I’ll see you at, let’s say, one o’clock.”
“Sounds perfect. Bring your bribery money. I’m expensive.”
“Lol”
I grabbed a quick shower, chatted with the guys for a bit, then headed out to meet my aunt. I was still thinking about Murphy’s request when she texted me, as if I’d summoned her.
“You coming to meet with me this afternoon? I wanna show you around.”
“I still don’t know if I want to help, but I’ll come and hear you out.”
ChapterNine
SABRINA
The alarm rang out into a quiet room. I threw the covers to the floor in my haste to get out of bed, thinking I’d somehow overslept. Frantically, I called out for the others all while battling to get my shoes on.
Where are they? Why would they leave me?
The door opened as I approached it to leave. The girls filed in with only a nod to me.