Fernando stalked back to the desk. “It’s all about the Benjamin’s with you. What about love and family, huh?”
Lorenzo got to his feet, preparing for an attack. “Brother, if I didn’t love you, and you weren’t family, I’d have kicked your ass to the curb a long time ago. As it is, you’re just hanging on the coattails of our family name. So I’m saying this now, and I want you to pay very close attention to the words that are coming out of my mouth. You put up, or you shut up. I’m giving you two weeks off without pay and”—he held up his hand—“and, at the end of that time, you will agree, in writing, to dedicate the same amount of time as me, or I’ll buy you out.”
“Are you serious?” Stopping in his tracks, shock crossed his gaunt features.
“Oh, I’m more than serious.” Lorenzo nodded.
A tic started at the corner of his brother’s jaw. He waited for another outburst that never came. Fernando’s shoulders dropped, appearing like a dejected man before his mask fell back into place showing the usual cocky smirk Fernando was famous for.
“Okay, I’ll see you in two weeks. But be prepared for me to come back and claim my place here.” He tapped the desk with his knuckles. “I’ll pay the girls what I owe them, too.”
Watching his brother turn and walk away with his normal swagger set Lorenzo at ease. With a sigh, he picked up the phone and hit speed dial, tapping his fingers on the mahogany desk. “Shit, voicemail.” He waited for his sister’s bubbly voice to quit jabbering.
“Gia, its Ren. I need you to call me as soon as you get this.” Rubbing his temple, he set the phone back on the cradle. His cell vibrated in his pocket, making his lips twitch. The song that began playing turned that twitch into a full-blown smile. “Barbie Girl” was his sister’s personal ring tone this week. Last week it was “I’m Too Sexy.” He really needed to figure out how she was always reprogramming his phone without his knowledge.
“Really, Sis? How the hell did you change the ringtone on my phone, and why didn’t you call my office?”
“Pa-lease, brother dear, don’t question my abilities. I’m a techno geek, remember? How do you like the new ringtone?” Gia laughed.
Lorenzo pictured her doing an impressive eye roll and snapping the gum she seemed to always be chewing. Curiosity would get the better of her, so he waited her out, letting the silence drag on. He always knew when she finally cracked. Who would cave first, was a game they played all the time. At twenty-three, the little girl still hadn’t realized she’d never won any contest with her older brother. And probably never would.
“Gah! I give up. What did you call me for?” Gia asked, ruining her impressive growl with the sound of a bubble popping.
“I need you to work Ando’s shifts at the club for the next two weeks,” he said without preamble.
The music playing in the background was turned off. “Uh oh…what did he do now?”
“What didn’t he do would be more appropriate, but, suffice it to say, I need you.”
“You’re so going to owe me. Big time, in case you were wondering.”
“My love and overwhelming gratitude isn’t enough?” Lorenzo groaned. “Don’t answer that. Just let me know what you want, and it’s yours.” He raised his hand, even though she wouldn’t see it. “Except anything to do with you, and a certain friend of mine,” he growled. He knew she’d had a crush on Derek for as long as he’d been bringing him around, but his best friend wasn’t the settling down kind of guy.
“You’re no fun and a total Debbie Downer. You know that, right?” Music started playing again, and the sound of popping gum made him smile.
“I’ll see you tonight at five. And, Gia...” He paused. “Don’t be late.” He hung up before she could yell at him, or worse, change her mind. He really did need her now that their brother was on a leave of absence.
His next call was sure to be the worst one yet. Although his parents generally agreed with any decisions he made, and supported him without question, the knowledge of the hurt this would cause them made his stomach roll. Everyone loved his little brother, Fernando, or Ando to his friends and family. He was the life of the party. It was a well-known fact in their circle that, if you wanted to have a good time, all you had to do was call on Ando Delgado, and he’d pull out all the stops to ensure a better than fantastic time would be had by everyone.