Chapter 2
two
. . .
WYATT
“Son! Come in here for a second.”
I almost made it past him. My father is in the large conference room overlooking downtown LA, sitting in a white leather club chair surrounded by lights and cameras for his weekly LawTalk video web series. When in Hollywood, I suppose.
“Hey. What’s the topic today?” I ask, feigning interest as I cross the room to see what he wants.
“Just a little update on California’s new employment laws. You sure you don’t want to join me for this?” It’s the last thing on earth I want to do, especially with him.
“Can’t today. Meeting Soph for lunch,” I say. “Did you need something else?”
“Send her my love.” He seems relieved at my rejection as he settles back into his hosting pose. “We have a new client coming in on Thursday, and I’ll need you there. I’ll send the details over.” With a wave, I’m dismissed. He doesn’t wait for questions because he doesn’t allow them. Jackson Bradford has spoken, and now the conversation is over.
My grandfather started Bradford and Associates, but my father has turned it into one of the most elite law firms in the U.S. We employ over three hundred lawyers and have offices in six locations. We support a variety of sectors, but we primarily focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and shareholder activism.
Even though it’s clear my future is to continue the success he’s created and eventually lead the company, my father still expects me to earn partner. Too bad it’s the last thing I want.
I make it down the stairs and out the door with no other interruptions and jump in the Town Car waiting for me. I haven’t seen Sophia in a few weeks. She’s been busy enjoying the perks of being an Oscar winner while also filming a guest-star spot on a new series for one of the streamers.
I’m so proud of her. She started acting in school plays as soon as she was able and pushed my parents to let her audition for a kids’ network open call. When she landed the lead role for a new series at age twelve, it shocked all of us, but at the same time it didn’t surprise us either. She was born to be in front of a camera.
There’s no traffic as we wind down the side streets to Everest Studios, and I relax, knowing we’ll make it there on time. She wanted to meet today because she’s looking for a new agent and needs my advice. Dad and I work with a lot of the talent agencies in town, and I have some insight into the pros and cons of each one. I don’t know many talent agents directly, though.
Except one.
Blair Barton. Actually, it’s Bennett now. I can’t believe she married someone. I used to believe that we would get married. Funny how things change. And how incredibly wrong I was.
The phone vibrates in my hand, bringing me back to the present.
Sophia
Almost here?
Me
Yep. What’s craft services serving today?
Sophia
Something delicious I’m sure.
Sophia may be tiny, but she eats like a man trying to put on game-day weight. I have no idea where she puts it all.
Me
Everest catering never disappoints.
Me
Be there in 20. Love you.
Sophia
My phone buzzes again, and I’m expecting to see Sophia’s name, but it’s an email from my best friend, Jake. It’s the itinerary for our annual Manmorial Weekend in San Diego—a weekend with a shit-ton of golf, whiskey, and debauchery. I look forward to it every year, but it looks like this year, Jake will be a little tame because he’s engaged. He’s been planning his wedding since we were in college, way before he ever had a hint of a fiancé. Jake just loves love. I shoot off a text to fuck with him a little.
Me
Is your mom joining us in La Jolla?
Jake
What? Why would my mom be going?
Me
Oh, so she just created our itinerary then?
Jake
Fuck you. You know I can’t go to some places we typically go to.
Me
Right. You’re in love. Or whatever…
I flinch, hoping I haven't reopened old wounds. I can't stand his fiancée, and Jake knows exactly how I feel. While he understands she's not for everyone, he's completely in love with her. I care deeply for Jake, and because he loves her, I do what any best friend would do—I support him the best I can.
Jake
You should try it. Maybe someone would finally sleep with you.
Me
Hilarious.
Jake
Where are you? Wanna grab lunch at Joan’s?
Me
On my way to have lunch with Soph—raincheck?
Jake
Tell Soph hi…
Jake was my roommate throughout undergrad and law school. He’s one of the top entertainment lawyers in LA and close to making partner at Hays and Cole, one of the best entertainment law firms in town. It’s where I’d love to work and where I will never get to work. Bradford and Associates is my legacy. The minute I was born, my destiny was preordained.
As much shit as I give Jake, I get it. It must be an incredible feeling to fall in love and build a life with someone. I just don’t think it’s in the cards for me. I’ve tried. I even lived with a girl during the pandemic. However, I hate flings and one-night stands even more. Luckily, I have a few arrangements in place when the need arises.
Speak of the devil.
Bethany
Hey love, I’m in town this week if you have time for dinner.
ME
Can I let you know? New client starting.
Bethany
Of course. If it can’t work, I’ll be back in a few weeks.
I run my hand through my hair and catch my reflection in the rearview mirror.
What am I doing?
I should lock in time with Bethany right now. A new client won’t keep me that busy. But I’m not feeling it lately. I’m in a funk. Maybe it’s because Jake is getting married and I’m losing my wingman. Not that he’s been a wingman for a while now.
Or maybe it’s because I already had my chance at love twelve years ago. When I watched it fail spectacularly, I knew nothing else would even compare to what we had.