Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 12

Chapter 12: I Can't Face Him

Brianna

“Honestly, I come from a wealthy family so my father gifted my brother and I the shop when he saw how serious we were about our craft. It was pretty awesome and because of our location, we do well for ourselves.” Sandra muttered.

I admire her success at such a young age, I am twenty years old with no idea where I am headed next aside from being a new tattoo shop manager apparently. Sandra ended up showing me the backroom where the supplies were to keep track of inventory. She showed me everything that I need to know and I feel more prepared for it.

“The phone is ringing.” Josephine called out. I guess this is my start at work, I walked out to answer the phone and put on my customer service voice.

“Bizzyaski Ink, how can I help you?”

I muttered as soon as I picked up the call and it was a customer looking to schedule a session with Zaveri which I was happy to book an appointment for him.

***

I felt good with how my first day ended up going. When Ethan was finished with his client, he came and introduced himself as promised. The man had a melting smile and was full of charm. He seemed passive and is also handsome as everyone that works here seems to be. I didn't get to Kate today because she had a back to back client.

Just as David had dropped me off, he was also here to pick me up. I couldn't help asking him if he was asking to babysit me.

“I am not sure what is going on to be honest.” He shrugged.

“What else do you do for work? You just have all this available time to drive me around.” I muttered.

“I usually have things to do, it seems your brother has cleared my schedule.” He pressed his lip together and I could see he wasn't pleased with that fact.

“Do you want me to tell him that I can handle my own way?” I asked, I pity the man.

“Your brother doesn't like being told what to do, don't stir the pot.” He dismissed the offer.

It was eight o'clock in the evening and I knew there would be no dinner waiting for me at home, so I came up with an idea.

“Where is my brother right now? Is his office close by here? I was told they have a restaurant there.” I looked at him through the rear view mirror and his dark eyes snapped up at me.

“I don't know if he wants you hanging around there.” She shook his head.

“I will call him.” I shrugged and pulled out my phone.

I don't know what I feel like I would find at that place but I just wanted to start getting to know his business and where my brother is spending all his time. The phone rang several times before he picked up.

“Hey, where are you?” I said as soon as he picked up the call.

“Working,” he replied and I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, I know but where? I just got out of work and I was thinking about having dinner at Terra Kulture.” I said as casually as I could make myself and he hesitated.

“Nobody is around there, you would be eating alone.” He muttered.

“You are too busy to come to dinner?” I challenged him and he sighed.

“I guess I could stop in.” He surprised me by giving so soon.

“Excellent, see you then.” I hung up, I didn't want to give him time to change his mind.

“Take me to the restaurant.” I said to David and he nodded.

Although the restaurant was owned by Harold's family, I wonder if I will keep any family members there. My brother texted me, telling me to use his name at the front so they would seat me at his usual table. Apparently, he was known enough to have a table there, how fancy. I was glad I looked fashionable tonight because upon arriving, I could see it was a pretty nice place. The light was more intimately set since it was dinner hours and the place was honestly packed aside from one section that seemed to be reserved. When I approached the hostess, she smiled and asked if I would be dining alone.

“No, actually, I am Bryce Fletcher's sister. He told me to come here!” Her eyes went wide and she seemed to straight out for whatever reason.

“Miss. Fletcher, you are welcome. Come right this way.” She grabbed a menu and led me to that reserved section.

The area was off to the side, away from the bustling movement of the busy place and I am used to sitting alone for a meal so I didn't feel odd except for when I noticed I caught some eyes after being seated here. At the back bar which was circular in style were a few men in well tailored suits. They kept eyeing me, possibly trying to place me and I just kept my eyes down and read through the menu. I also didn't notice the man approaching me until he was sliding into the seat across from me. I was at a booth.

“Hello, darling and who might you be?” He asked, leaning back confidently like he owned the place.

Maybe he did, who knows? I placed the menu down and looked at him.

“I am Brianna Fletcher, Bryce's sister. Do you know him?” I asked, I didn't want to assume he did and when his brows flew up, I knew my answer.

“Sure, we were very close, we work together in fact.” He said.

“Where?” He seemed taken back by the question and thought about it before responding.

“Here and there.” He replied, which frustrated me.

“Do you have a name?” I asked, and I realized he hadn't introduced himself.

His face split into a grin even with that toothpick in his mouth and he leaned over the table to extend his hand.

“Angelo Harold.” He muttered and my eyes widened.

“So you are related to Callan?” I asked. I wanted to know if they were brothers or something, though they didn't look alike.

He isn't insanely handsome like Callan and he didn't have his stunning eyes.

“Cousin,” he muttered and his hand lingered on mine until I pulled it away.

“Nice to meet,” I tried to remain polite.

“Bryce told me his sister was coming but he forgot to mention how beautiful you are.” He flirted, trying to charm with his grin and I chuckled.

“Thank you,” I muttered, although I didn't believe him. I never did when people tell me so, I hear my father telling me to do better instead.

“I assume it is your first time here, I could recommend some dishes if you would like.” He leaned over the table to get closer to me.

When his eyes flicked up at something behind me, he leaned back in his chair again.

“Callan?” He called and my heart dropped, my eyes went wide.

No, no, I didn't want to run into him, I can't face him after our encounter last night when I caught him jerking off and stayed put to watch. I didn't even look up from the menu, my eyes stayed glued to it as I tried to calm my nerves down.