Chapter 1

I walked into my office pretending like nothing happened last night. I decided I’m not going to waste my time thinking about someone who betrayed me.

“It is what it is,” I grunted.

I made a few calls to that morning before I went to my first meeting. Market shares moved up, finance reports are exemplary, my staff seemed more motivated but darn it, I’m not happy. It wasn’t until 4pm when I got a call from my brother. They’re in town today so they asked me to grab dinner with them. He is getting married in a few months and his fiancѐ decided to pick a venue here in Filis.

Filis is a small town. Most people know each other as it only takes 15 minutes and you’ve practically toured all small streets. There is a strawberry farm near the lake and that is a “perfect place” to tie knots says Jill.

“I still have an hour to go. Where do you want me?” I said.

“Lighten up, bro. Something up? You don’t sound too excited to see me.”

“Therese is pregnant. I’m not the father. I’m moving on. But I-AM-NOT-IN-THE-MOOD.”

“Well I’m not surprised that happened, bro. She’s bad news. Like I said”

“I hear ya!” I was surprised when I heard myself laugh for the first time in 48 hours. No I didn’t count. That was just an estimate.

“So we’ll see you at Trellis’ around 7?”

“I’ll be there. Bring me a date.”

“You can count on it”

“Whatever, bro!”

Trellis’ was crowded that night but Sam knew we were going to be there so the special booth was reserved for us. I saw my brother wave as I entered the room. I saw Jill smiled as I moved to their direction. The seat across her wasn’t empty.

Tom stood up as I approached. “Damn, bro. Looking good!”

“Gained a few pounds. I needed to.”

“Whatevs, bro.”

“Hey, Jill. How’s our blushing bride to be?”

Jill chuckled as I kissed her head.

“Artur, you remember Nikki, right?” Jill said.