The Book of Rook

Chapter 3

A year later

Rook

Ever since that fateful day in Cancun, I've become a changed man. After returning from Cancun, I decided it was time to grow up and become a responsible adult. Slowly, I took on more responsibilities at my father's company, Raines Construction. When my sister settled down and got married, I realized I wanted what she had.

A partner.

A confidant.

A constant in his life. Monogamy. Sleeping my way around the country wasn't satisfying anymore. Not only was I working at my father's company but I also became a silent partner at a club with my new friends Camden and Lyle. Both men are dating my sister's best friends.

Actually, Cam is dating the woman I've had a crush on since we were kids. Angelica is my sister's best friend and I always flirted with her but that was just me. Flirting with anything in a skirt. She's hot. Petite like my sister with shoulder length brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. She works out so she's got a smokin' hot body. What? I'm still a man who appreciates a good-looking woman.

But I digress. During our teenage years, I stalked her and truly believed I would marry Angelica when we grew up. I would constantly tell my twin how I'll wear Angelica down until she finally relented since I thought she was secretly in love with me when she really wasn't. She only saw me as an annoying brother. Harsh, but it finally sunk in that Angelica and I were never meant to be.

Now I see her as a great friend and I'm happy for her and her relationship with Cam. He and Lyle are friends with my brother-in-law and became part of the crew last year. When I started hanging around the CL Club with my sister and her friends, an opportunity came up and I took it. Investing in the club was a very wise investment. That and helping my sister sell her paintings under her fake name. I realized I had a knack for business and asked my dad to help me. Philip was over the moon when I finally decided to change my playboy ways and become a responsible adult.

I just arrived at my penthouse and was loosening my tie when my cell phone rang. Cam was calling.

"Mate, what's up?" I ask as I continue towards the stairs to my bedroom. I need a shower before heading to the club.

"Coming by tonight?" Cam asked.

"Yeah, just need a few minutes to get the corporate smell off me," I joke.

Cam laughs with me. "Yeah big shot business man. Don't know what happened to you in Mexico but it suits you. Just don't forget about the club."

I put my phone on speaker as I strip and turn on my shower. "Never. The CL Club was the best investment ever and having you and Lyle as partners makes everything so effortless. I'll be there in twenty."

I hear Cam take a deep breath and let it out slowly. That's his tell he has something important to say. "Come to the office when you get here. We need to talk."

He sounds too serious for me so what do I do when I feel tense. I crack jokes. "Cam, are we breaking up?" I say with a laugh.

"Fuck you, Rook. I'm just saying I need to tell you something so just get your ass to the club soon."

"You know I'm teasing. Those words are what all women say when they need to break off a relationship. Hell, I've used that line toooooooooo many times," I explain.

"Yeah, I've heard. Anyway, I'll see you when you get here."

I arrive thirty minutes later. The club is full as I make my way up the back stairs to the office. It's empty, so I decide to just log on to the computer and look over the profits this month. The CL Club is thriving. When I first invested, dad was so pissed I did something on impulse. Not sure why he was shocked. Impulsive is my middle name. I do remember him saying, "Typical Rook, irresponsible and reckless." Ouch.

Believe it or not, I did do my research on this club and noticed Lyle and Cam were making a profit, but they were at a standstill. They needed new ideas, maybe a push to excel higher. That's where I come in. Not to toot my own horn but I've got a lot of ideas in this head of mine. Toot, toot.

The club was full regardless of the day of the week but Fridays and Saturdays were their hottest days. My first suggestion was theme night. Each month for one night, a theme was picked. Customers and employees would dress according to that theme. Cam and Lyle thought it was cheesy but when we had to actually turn people away since the club was almost to maximum capacity, they figured they had a hit. Even Bishop, who isn't a fan of clubs, showed up for 80's night.

The door opening in my periphery caught my attention. Cam walked in and looked nervous which gave me pause. Now I'm getting nervous. What the fuck can Cam have on his mind that makes him look like this? Like he might throw up. Maybe he's switching sides and has a secret crush on me. Personally, I won't judge, can't blame him since I am hot, but I don't play for the same team.

"Hey Rook, thanks for meeting me," Cam starts as he sits down, resting his forearms on his thighs. Cam rakes his fingers through his blonde hair and even rubs his beard. More tells telling me he's struggling to even start this conversation. Ok, shit is getting real now.

This stalling is killing me. I know we're not the best of friends since I met him through my sister. Should I make a joke to ease the tension? Should I say something? My mind is drawing a blank right now.

Cam clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck. "Rook, this is so awkward." He takes a deep breath and lets it out. "I know you have history with Angelica."

Oh fuck.

I stand up with my hands held in front of me. "Hey man, I never slept with her if that's what you think."

Cam shakes his head. "No, I mean, you've known each other since forever and I wanted to ask for your blessing. I'm gonna ask Angel to marry me."

Whew! Ok. That wasn't so bad. Wow. Ok. How do I feel about this? I sort of knew this day would come. Cam and Angel have been dating for over a year. Did I think she would miraculously fall in love with me? Yes. But it seems I've been living in delusion land. Actually, I feel ok about it. I'm actually happy for them. Did I even have true feelings for Angel? Not sure. Maybe she was just a challenge I wanted to conquer to feed my ego. In retrospect I'm glad nothing happened between me and her or this would be really awkward.

Cam is sitting there with an expected look on his face. I guess I've been quiet for too long. "Congrats man. That's fantastic. I'm really happy for you both." I stand to give him a bro hug.

Cam pulls back from me. "You were so quiet I thought you were gonna punch me or something."

"Fuck no, man. I'm just surprised you'd want to settle down. Not that I'm trying to talk you out of it. Angel is a wonderful woman. You're both lucky to have each other." Inside I'm jealous. Not that he's taking Angel from me. I'm jealous because he's found the ONE. The same like Bishop. Our crew is starting to pair off and make commitments and here I am, looking for something. Anything. No, not anything. HER. My Sunrise.

Ok, where the hell did that thought come from? I haven't thought about her in a year. Ok so I lied just now. She's been on my mind since I woke up and realized I slept with her. I mean actually SLEPT with her, no sex. That's a first for me. In bed with a hot woman I was attracted to and nothing happened. That fucking trip changed me. I've been celibate since then. I know, blasphemous but true. No longer a man whore as my sister loves to call me.

"Can I make a suggestion?" Cam nods. "Fly her somewhere romantic. Angel and my sister love reading all those sappy, romance books and believe in that happily ever after crap," I said as slap Cam on the back.

Cam rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, you know I'm not good with shit like that."

I read between the lines. Finances. Sometimes I forget not everyone is as privileged as I am. "Then consider this an engagement present from me. When you want to do it, let me know and I'll have the jet ready for you."

Cam shakes his head. "Can't ask that of you man."

I give him my famous Raines smile. "You didn't. Angelica is one hell of a woman so make it special. I know you'll treat her right so sweep her off her feet."

After our heart to heart, we head downstairs to join our friends and enjoy our night.