Somewhere between Sunset

Eleven ~ Better Man

Calhoun Property Corporation
Office Meeting Room

After the last time he saw Kelsea with his cousin, Luke, Briggs tried to stay away from her, for days, keeping himself busy with work and hanging out with his friends. He didn't even received any messages or calls from her either, not that it matter. Still, he gets haunted by that night of seeing her with him and the thought that they are together as a couple sends a hard punch.

When he received a letter of invitation for the annual stock holders meeting at their family business owned by their grandfather, he knew so well he won't missed it for the world. He knew the least person he wanted to see will be there. His cousin, Luke. Who is determined to take his place instead, in the family business, whatever it takes.

The two of them used to be close, growing up, more like brothers but since Briggs' father took over the position as the CEO, instead of Luke's mother, his cousin drastically changed. He despise the family more and placed all his hate on Briggs. Who instead is eyed to take his father's role in the company in the near future. Things have changed in between them but they can't keep their paths from crossing each other and this time it went too far, involving Kelsea, the girl he likes. Briggs dressed sharp that day, he wanted to make an impression to his grandfather that he got it and to silenced any potential contenders especially his cousin, once and for all.

He pushed the door of the meeting room to his surprise that everyone was already there saved for their grandfather and his dad who probably have their usual quick chat before starting the board meeting.

"You're late." Amanda Calhoun, his elusive socialite cousin who's currently based in Miami, was surprisingly present that day, as she glanced quickly on her gold watch bracelet. She was seated next to Luke who gave a chuckle without looking back at him. They weren't that close when they were kids but as young adults, they became inseparable when it comes to the family business affairs. Next to Luke, Amanda is the other person Briggs doesn't trust within the family. Her sweet, pretty face easily conceals her tainted intentions that usually serves her own interests and not the family's.

"It's good to have you back again after several months, Amanda." Briggs remarked with sarcasm.

"Months? I've only been gone weeks! Of course, I won't missed being with my favorite family! Plus, Luke here has been sharing to me a few interesting updates in his life.. what was her name again, oh Kels.." Amanda batt her lashes to her cousin and giggled as Luke stopped her.

Briggs didn't react, took a seat, straightened his tie and just look through some files in the folders in front of him when their grandfather and his dad entered and they started the annual board meeting.

"I want you all to be more proactive in getting yourself familiar with the business. You're all adults now. Your parents are not getting any younger except for Julie here who seemed not to age." Their grandfather teased at their youngest aunt who stayed single in her 40s.

"Haha Dad, you know how to make a lady blush?!" Julie chuckled loudly as she tuck in her hair behind her ears and adjust her eyeglasses.

"I've been going through the finances, Gramps. With my degree in business management, it's easy for me to look into that these days." Luke exclaimed proudly without even waiting for any opening remarks from their grandfather and his uncle, Briggs' father, the current company president.

"I'm going to immerse myself on the marketing side, I have all the networks as you know, being in multiple cities and having my hands on experience in one of the biggest advertising company in the country." Amanda smiled as she glanced back to her cousin Luke. The two of them are definitely doing their usual tag teaming ahead of what their other cousin, Briggs would say though he rarely say anything and yet still ends up getting the most favorable response from their grandfather, the company's CEO.