She was right. We’d spent time together over spring break while island-hopping. I knew that she was a lot like Tami in that regard. If we ever got serious, it would be for the long haul. I would never be able to have Cassidy as a casual girlfriend. If I ever broke her heart, I might have to join the witness protection program. I could only imagine what she would do to me. This car-wreck stuff would just be child’s play in comparison.
“Getting back to threesomes. You know who we should ask? My brother’s girlfriend,” I said with sudden inspiration.
“You mean Angie?”
“No!” I scowled. “Numbnuts, my younger brother.”
“You cradle-robber. Jill Lacier is too young for you.”
She was right, but dang. Phil was a lucky boy.
“I should tell your mom about that,” Brook threatened.
“Go right ahead. Mom doesn’t claim that one. Now, my dad might have something to say about it.”
“What about your bro-code?”
I threw her a face. I needed a girlfriend who didn’t know me so well. My next one, I wouldn’t be friends with first. It would avoid all these little issues of her reminding you of what was right and wrong.
“I saw you were taking a lot of notes in the meeting,” I said to try to change the subject again.
“Not so fast. Is your brother aware you have an infatuation with his girlfriend?”
“I guess I don’t get it. Jill could date anyone at Lincoln High. Why him?”
“Do you think I could date anyone at Lincoln High?” Brook asked.
“No, no way,” I said, shaking my head.
From the look she gave me, I decided I better expand on that answer.
“If we ever broke up, you would never date a high school boy. You’d find yourself a college guy to torment me with. I would have to kick his butt, just because,” I added.
“You do know that Jill has the hots for you.”
Even I had figured that out. Jill had had her eye on me ever since I took her older sister out. I’d predicted that when she came to Lincoln High, she would be trouble. In my opinion, the males at our school were lucky Jill had latched onto my brother. If she hadn’t, there would have been a bloodbath to see who would date her. If Jill ever decided she wanted to model, it would take Adrienne all of two seconds to find her work.
“She’s aware that I think she’s too young, and that I would never hurt my brother. Jill knows the score,” I said, mostly to assure myself that it would never be possible.
I didn’t get the sense that Brook believed me.
“About those notes …”
She gave me one more look before she let it go.
“I found it fascinating to see how excited everyone was to build something. When I go to my grandmother’s board meetings, they’ve already made a name for themselves. It’s all about maintaining or growing market share. I liked the energy and how everyone felt free to contribute their ideas. I also think you have something here. In my opinion, you could expand this to go beyond the entertainment industry. I know a bunch of people who could use these kinds of services. This goes beyond wealth management,” Brook explained.
“Sounds like you might have some ideas of your own.”
“For starters, you could use someone to help with tax and estate planning. You probably also need a good lawyer to help.”
“Tell you what, when Caryn gets back next week, make an appointment with her and share your ideas. Maybe we can put a new spin on what wealth management is all about,” I suggested.
“I think I will. Now it’s my turn to talk about something else. How are you, really?”
“To be honest, I’m okay with my hip and rib injuries. Yes, they’re painful, but I know that with rehab, I can get back to the way I was. What scares me a bit is the head injury. This is the second time I’ve been knocked unconscious. Football is a high-risk proposition, as far as long-term head trauma issues are concerned. It’s probably for the best that I don’t play football for at least three weeks. Tami has sent me studies that show the links between football head injuries and not allowing them to heal properly. It’s not like a bruise where the damage is visible and you can judge when it’s better.
“My other concern is my arm. The doctor checked it out, but this is my livelihood. It’s my golden ticket to either the NFL or Major League Baseball. I’ve had swelling before on both my knees and my elbow. This is different,” I admitted.
“Do you think there’s a problem?” Brook asked.
“Probably not. I think it’s mostly in my head and me feeling sorry for myself. The next three weeks are going to be hard.”
“You do remember they said it might take six.”
“I can’t think that way,” I said.
No athlete wanted to think the worst. I would work my butt off to get back to playing form.
“Whatever you need, I’ll be there to help. Even if it’s just fetching things for you while you’re laid up.”
