Shifting in his seat, Braden glanced around, obviously trying to get comfortable. After the tents he’d slept in, no doubt everywhere he went took getting used to. Jaxon was just glad his brother was home and hoped it was for good.
“So what are you two thinking of doing career-wise?” Austin asked before taking a sip of his club soda.
“Hudson and I have a meeting tomorrow with a health clinic in downtown Miami where we want to volunteer,” Braden said.
Hudson raised a glass in acknowledgment.
“What about taking the opportunity from Ian as head doctor for the Thunder?” Jaxon asked about their cousin’s football team.
Ian had offered Braden the position of head team physician, taking over for Dr. Jonas, who was currently in prison after pleading guilty to numerous crimes, not the least of which was injecting Damon with performance-enhancing drugs without his knowledge in order to obtain money to pay off gambling debts and money owed to the IRS. He’d also generously offered Hudson a position as well.
Braden stiffened. Obviously this wasn’t a subject he wanted to discuss. “I’m considering it. He needs an answer soon.”
“Hudson?” he asked his brother’s friend.
The other man rolled his shoulders. “Same. It’s a big change from the work I was previously doing. I need to know it will work for me before I make a commitment.”
Jaxon respected that, just as he understood why this was a difficult decision for his brother. Braden had never chosen anything to do with sports, thanks to the way his father had treated him. Jesse had had no respect for Braden’s intelligence, caring only that he couldn’t nor did he want to be a football player. Jaxon got why Braden might want to spite Jesse Prescott, but Braden needed a job now that he was home and this was a good one. Not to mention, Jesse was long gone, even if the scars he’d left were never forgotten.
“What’s holding you back?” Austin asked.
“A few things,” Braden said vaguely.
“Including the fact that Willow works there as an athletic trainer?” Damon chimed in with the question and Jaxon winced.
Even he knew better than to bring up Braden’s ex. All Jaxon knew was they’d been together and then one day Braden announced he was leaving for two years, taking everyone from his family to his girlfriend by surprise. From what he’d seen of her, he thought she’d been a nice woman and a good compliment to Braden.
Hudson remained silent. Considering he’d been with Braden after the breakup, he probably knew more than Jaxon did about the fallout.
“You do realize she’d have to ultimately answer to you,” Damon added.
Braden shrugged. “I mean, it won’t be easy working with her considering things didn’t end on a good note, but it won’t affect whether or not I take the position. Besides, she’s a professional. She’ll deal just like I will.” If the long sip of his scotch was any indication, he didn’t believe the words he spoke as much as he wanted to.
Jaxon couldn’t help but notice his sibling was being deliberately vague with the emotional aspect of his answers, whether because he was confused about his next steps or he wanted to keep the information to himself, Jaxon didn’t know.
“Maybe her presence will sway you toward taking the job?” Damon asked.
Jaxon had to admit, his sibling didn’t give up.
Glancing at Braden, Jaxon wondered the same thing. Was he sorry he’d left her? Or relieved? Braden kept his feelings close. Always had.
“When is your wedding?” Braden clearly changed the topic and looked to Austin for an answer.
Austin grinned, obviously happy with the chance to talk about his future with Quinn. “Valentine’s Day at the Meridian Hotel. Between our family and Quinn’s, we have a boatload of people. We needed more room than our house could provide.”
Braden sat up straighter in his seat. “You’re getting married at Robert Dare’s hotel?” Out of the loop, Braden sounded shocked.
Robert Dare was Paul’s brother, Ian’s estranged father, and the man who had had two families at the same time, in secret.
Austin chuckled. “I forgot you wouldn’t have heard. Robert had to sell his hotels to help pay for the divorce settlement. Savannah, his second wife, took him for a bundle. Apparently they had a prenup. She learned from being his mistress first. Shockingly, he signed it, thinking he’d be faithful. Stupid given the old adage once a cheater, always a cheater.” He shook his head. “Could have saved himself a fortune.”
Braden laughed. “The man always was an ass.”
Jaxon couldn’t argue the point. “I guess you don’t know who purchased the hotels, either. The Dirty Dares.”
“I still can’t believe you call them that,” Austin muttered.
Jaxon ignored him. “They all went in on the hotel venture together. But with Harrison busy acting and Asher having his hands full with Dirty Dare Vodka, Nick, Zach, and Emery are deciding who wants to work the business full-time.”
“Sounds like I’ve missed a lot.”
Jaxon swung an arm around him. “The good news is you’ll have plenty of time to catch up. You’re not sure about the job with Ian, but you’re not leaving, are you?”
Braden immediately shook his head.
Good, Jaxon thought. His brother was home to stay.
“Glad to hear it,” Austin said, rising from his seat. “I’m going to get home to Quinn and the baby.”
“On that note, I’m out of here, too.” Damon stood. “I told Evie I wouldn’t be home late.”
“I’m beat.” Hudson, who hadn’t spoken much during the evening, also rose to his feet. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you all.”
And Jaxon hoped to learn more about the enigmatic
