BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

“I know. But I’m not doing it, period.” Kaleb stressed. None of the two could get him. “But I want you to spread the news that we’re raising the bid,” he uttered.

Claire sat straight. “That way he’ll also raise?” she asked, and Kaleb nodded agreeably.

“Huh? You want him to pay more than necessary?” She frowned, trying to understand.

“And then you back out? But you’ll also be on the losing end, don’t you think?” Clark remarked.

“I’ll take that,” Kaleb said with a wicked smile.

“But that’s crazy, Kaleb. You never let anyone screw your target, so then why?” Claire asked.

“Sometimes shit happens, I guess. I’ll think of a contingency plan,” Kaleb said while shutting the papers.

“And the Havana deal?” Clark asked urgently.

“I’ll review the contract at home,” Kaleb replied. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get going now.” He glanced at his watch.

“You’re leaving? What about dinner? You promised we’d go out tonight,” Claire asked, and Clark excused himself with a knowing grin.

Kaleb fetched the documents and rose up his feet. “Something came up, Claire. Some other time, maybe.” He moved out of his seat.

Claire scowled hard, displeased with his answer. “What’s going on, Kaleb? You’ve been acting really strange lately,” she asked gently while heading to the exit.

“Nothing is going on, you’re just being paranoid,” Kaleb replied coolly. “You should go home early today, and relax a bit. You’re working too hard.” He smiled at her.

Claire flushed. “First you lash at me, and now you’re being nice? How lovely!” She opened the door, followed by Kaleb right behind her.

“Work is work,” he said.

“Yes, Mr. President.” Claire rolled her eyes. They walked past Kaleb’s secretary post. “Oh, so how much will you offer to beat Jeremy? I bet you’ll have to pay a fortune to get the land,” she suddenly uttered loudly enough for the secretary to hear, and Kaleb laughed.

“Whatever it takes,” Kaleb replied. “You’re something else,” he added, a few seconds later.

“What? I always find her suspicious,” Claire remarked.

“Could be. That’s why I let you handle it.” Kaleb pressed the elevator button, and they both walked in after a short moment.

“What plan do you have for the evening?” Claire quizzed, her eyes straight onto Kaleb’s.

“Important,” he answered coolly while fishing for his phone.

Claire’s face blanched. “Nameless?” she asked, staring into space.

“Yeah,” Kaleb murmured and silence scooped them until the ride ended.

“You haven’t been spending a lot of time at your house, have you?” Claire asked out of the blue.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Kaleb scowled, but showed no hint of being surprised. “Yeah… I haven’t really been around. I have some business I’ve been taking care of so I don’t stay at my place as much as I used to,” he dialed a number on his phone

“Is that so? Well, I-”

“I really need to leave, Claire, see you tomorrow,” Kaleb told her curtly. “And I expect you’ll find the traitor soon.” His phone was now on the ear.

“Okay, I will, but- ” she started, but he was already leaving, making her sigh with a frustrated laugh. “What is it that you’re hiding, Kaleb?” she thought out loud.

———–

A feeling of being watched was what managed to wake Sasha from her deep slumber. Yawning, she flashed her eyes open with difficulty. Surprise spiked as she found the duvet on her body, feeling warm. Kaleb was here, she thought. He’d been here for too long maybe, for it was already dark outside.

Gingerly she sat up, desperately searching for him. He was on the loveseat couch near the main window, seated lazily, or exhaustedly, watching her with a faint smile. She pulled off the duvet and dropped her feet down on the carpeted floor. A scowl settled on her face at the sight of him.

“You said you won’t take long and look what time it is,” she complained when her eyes stuck on the alarm clock. It was seven, and the rain was making its slow entrance once again.

Sighing heavily, Kaleb rubbed his eyes in a subdued manner. “I couldn’t wake you,” he said, his voice too calm.

Sasha narrowed her eyes at that. She couldn’t understand his unusual mood.

Something was amiss. She slowly held her horses and sat next to him. “Kaleb, is everything okay?” she calmly asked.

“It’s nice seeing you calm for a second.” Kaleb smiled indulgently, stroking the strands of her hair. “Can I hug you?” he asked, and it was quite surprising.

“Um, sure,” Sasha uttered, confused.

Kaleb pulled her for a tight embrace which clearly defined that he wasn’t okay. “I love your warmth,” he breathed.

“Um, what’s the matter, Kaleb? Did something happen at work?” Sasha pried, intending to understand the situation.

“Hmm?” he murmured, his eyes shut.

“Hey, talk to me, please. I’m really worried now.”

“You are?” Kaleb returned, and that mischievous gleam was back into his eyes.

“Yes, Kaleb . Tell me what’s wrong.”

Smiling, Kaleb said, “Okay, I’ll tell you what’s wrong.”

“Good.” Sasha smiled back.

They both got comfortably settled in the bed, Kaleb’s head resting on Sasha’s lap.

“It’s about work,” he started. “Jeez, I don’t usually discuss my problems with anyone, and here I am, ready to whine like you.”

“I’ll let you whine today, so tell me everything, and let it off your chest,” Sasha told him, her fingers delving through his hair in a soothing manner, and he quickly relaxed.

“Well, I’ve been looking into this land.” Kaleb explained the facts and how he’d lost the deal that was so close to being signed.

“Gosh, what a bastard that Jeremy is,” Sasha snapped, and he laughed at her mad tone of voice. “So, you already have another project?” she asked.

“Yeah, by next year it will be a part of the Government’s Redevelopment Plan. Starting with the construction of a subway.” Again he got engrossed into details, and Sasha loved listening to his plans and visions of grandeur.

“Wow. And how the hell will you finance and manage another one?” she queried.

“In this industry, Sasha, you can’t let your guards down. It’s one late move and you’re out. So timing is also a merit, plus, I’m not the one financing the project.”

“Oh yeah? And who does?”

“Rule number one, never use your own money in Real Estate business,” said Kaleb, and Sasha smiled with a raised eyebrow.