Wicked Sunshine

by Justine Winter

  Ever.

  I’ll buy an island to keep her safe if I have to.

  As all siblings do, we have our moments, especially now that she’s becoming more independent in her late teenage years. That’s right, my job of keeping her safe has just increased exponentially now that she’s eighteen.

  And trust me, I know what horny eighteen year old boys think about. I’ve been one for nine years.

  I’ve finally come to realise that when it comes to my sister, I’m old. Like, sitting-in-a-rocking-chair old, no matter how ‘cool’ I may seem with all my money.

  But that’s the price I pay for being responsible for my family. Someone has to be the adult, because we sure as hell can’t count on our mother. She’s too busy acting like a cougar.

  I walk in to the respectable four-bedroom house with my sister at my side, convinced she’s gotten taller since last week. That happens, right?

  Like mine, her eyes are onyx in colour, and her skin’s tanned after a summer abroad. And I know, beneath that slim frame of hers is a toned wildcat. We share a common love for all things sports, especially martial arts which I may have imposed on her when she was little. It helps my state of mind to know she’s a black belt in Karate. However, the thought of her needing to defend herself when I’m not around fills me up with dread.

  And I’m pretty sure she’ll castrate me if I have a bodyguard follow her around twenty-four/seven.

  “Nice to see you finally made it, cupcake. Dinner’s on the table. And beer’s in the fridge for you, Cam.”

  “Thanks, Clara. You’re looking mighty fine tonight.” I roll my eyes as he leads my mother towards the kitchen. Before you ask, I have no worries about leaving the two of them alone. Cam’s practically family. He’s eaten here every week with us for years.

  “How’s mum doing, Layla?” I sit at the table.

  She sighs which is never a good sign. “I think she’s getting worse. Like she’s realised she’s getting older every day, and her chances of finding someone shrinks.”

  “I was afraid of this.” I run my hands over my face. “Did you know she came to my charity gala last week?”

  She nods. “Where was my invite, huh?”

  I frown. “I thought you’d find it boring to be in a room full of wealthy people.”

  “You’re using that as an excuse to get out of paying for a dress,” she laughs, sipping her drink.

  Did I do something wrong here? Do girls like this sort of thing?

  “Do you want me to put you down for the next one? And if you say yes, you can’t moan to me afterwards about how bored you are. Deal?” I hold my hand out like it’s the most serious transaction in business history. It is important. Do you know how fucking exhausting it is listening to a teenager moan on and on like there’s no end in sight?

  “Deal.” She smiles brightly. I understand she’s effectively gotten me wrapped around her little finger, but what can I say? She’s my baby sister.

  “You can’t get drunk and embarrass me though. One false move and I’ll have Logan lock you up.” Okay, I might be a bit of a pushover when she wants something, but I can still be strict about it. Sound like a contradiction? It is. But I know what I mean.

  “I don’t know what to do about mum,” I say, returning to the previous conversation.

  She sobers, putting her hands on her lap. “I don’t think there is anything we can do. She’s desperate for companionship, Grayson. Since dad died she’s never healed from the loneliness.”

  I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to say what I really want to. “She’s not lonely, Layla. She has us.” Haven’t I provided enough for my mother already? A home. A car. A life of luxury. You’d think she’d be more grateful, more aware of the cushy life she’s living, but all she sees are the things she doesn’t have.

  Namely, a husband.

  I might sound harsh when it comes to my mother, like my patience is thin, but if you grew up the way I did you’d feel the same. I love her wholeheartedly, but there are times I just want to shake some goddamn sense into her closed off mind. Wake her up to the real world, the one where she realises how rich she is with family.

  That’s what makes a man affluent, you know. It’s not about whose got the biggest bank account, it’s about how much love he has to share it with.

  Money is superfluous. It comes and goes based on the market. For all my love of being rich, it won’t break me if I lose it all tomorrow. No man is broke when he has friends and family that truly care for him. Isn’t love the most sacred currency on the planet? That’s why it doesn’t come cheap.

  Love is the only treasury capable of destroying someone.

  “There’s nothing we can do to save her, Grayson. She needs to realise it on her own.”

  When did my sister grow up to be so smart?

  “Layla, when’s term start for Uni?” Cam asks, walking into the room with the hot lasagne dish.

  I catch her pout, knowing there’s an earful of grief about to be turned my way. Think I’m over exaggerating? Just wait, I know it’s coming. I can read every expression on my sister’s face like it’s my own.

  “I’m supposed to move in next Sunday. You’re still helping me, right?” She stares at us both.

  “Of course. I’m not missing the chance to give out my big brother speech to your dorm friends.” I smirk.

  “We’ve gotta make sure our girl is safe.” Cam shrugs, handing out plates as my mother serves.

  “Why do I even have to go to Uni? Can’t I just come and work for you straight away instead?”

  Oh, and here comes that grief I’ve been telling you about. That whining hurts, doesn’t it?

  “Layla, we’ve been through this. You’ll have a job as Editor at Rush House when you’ve graduated, and then you can work your way up to Chief and run the business for me. But until then, you have to get your degree in Journalism. You’ll never know when it might come in handy in the future.”

  “I know, Grayson.” She huffs. “I just want to get out there and start working on my dreams now, not wait another three years in education.”

  Have you noticed how my mother hasn’t weighed in on my sister’s future yet? That’s because she’s too busy drowning in seventeen years of selfish sorrow to notice.

  I get what Layla’s saying, I do. I didn’t let anything get in the way of pursuing my goals, but even after I became an instant millionaire, I still finished out my degree because I have no guarantee how long my success will last.

  But she needs an incentive like I did. I see it now. For me, it was knowing I had money in the bank to invest in a whole load of money-making ideas.

  “Okay, I’ll meet you halfway.” I push my empty plate aside to make room for my elbows. “While you’re studying, how about a part-time job in the company.”

  “Like a temp?” She asks, and I see the sparks in her eyes set off.

  “Yeah. You can float between all the jobs - editor, proofreader, designer - get a feel for everything that goes on under the command of the people I employ. It’ll be good experience for when you graduate, and it should help with your degree. Fair deal?”

  She takes a second, but I can already see the cogs of her mind working. I know I’ve won her over. “Did I mention you’re the best brother ever?” She moves to my seat, smacking a big, wet, kiss on my cheeks.

  “I thought I was the best?” Cam holds his arms out.

  “You’re the best honorary brother, Cam. You can get your kiss when you unpack my shit at Uni.”

  I laugh out loud, my belly shakes with the rumbling, but it doesn’t last long. All this talk of degrees reminds me of Maya, and I’m back to brooding again.

  She’s like a lightbulb in my mind I can never switch off. What am I supposed to do? Grayson Rush doesn’t spend time chasing arse when it comes to him. But what if Cam’s right? What if she’s worth it?

  How is it a successful man as myself can take daily risks on everything I own, but cannot risk taking a woman out on a date bec
ause of the potential for more in the future?

  How fucked up is that? What if I like it?

  Ding, ding, ding. Herein lies the problem.

  “Cupcake?” I look up to find my mother standing beside my chair. “I said, do you want dessert? I’ve got profiteroles in the fridge.”

  “Sure. That will be great.” She vanishes into the kitchen, leaving two sets of knowing eyes to stare my way.

  “What’s her name?” Layla asks.

  “Maya,” Cam supplies.

  “Must be special if she’s got your balls twisted up in knots.”

  Does everyone see something I don’t?

  “She’s gutsy,” I say. “And Christ almighty she tells me exactly what she thinks of me.”

  “Sounds like a woman worth pursuing.”

  I look inquisitively at my sister, caught unawares by her statement. “What do you mean?”

  “Grayson, women fall at your feet like you’re God’s gift. You’re not, by the way, just so we’re clear on that.”

  I roll my eyes as she carries on.

  “But Maya sounds like someone who’ll care enough about you to listen to what you have to say, not just laugh and pretend. And if she’s not afraid to tell you exactly how she feels, then I think you’ve met your match.”

  I stare in disbelief. “You haven’t even met her. How can you be so sure?”

  “Because I know you. You never talk about women, let alone have one, as in singular, on your mind long enough to distract you.” She holds up one finger in emphasis.

  I look to Cam, expecting some back up. “I’ve been trying to get you to see straight for a while. I’m with Layla on this one. You can’t blame your past with Maya. She’s different.”

  “And if she’s not, I’ll have to have a sisterly talk with her.” Layla bats her eyelashes at me, mocking my earlier statement. Guess I deserved that.

  Okay, so I’m alone on my reasons not to pursue her then. Nice.

  “Take her out on a date,” Layla urges.

  “I can’t, she wants more.” I know, are you as fed up of hearing that statement as I am of saying it?

  “Grayson, you’re really fucking intelligent when you want to be, but sometimes, you’re as thick as a plank of wood. More doesn’t mean she’s expecting a proposal tomorrow. More means spending time with her outside of the bedroom. You know, actually getting to know her compared to all your usual hook-ups. I bet she told you she didn’t want to be associated as one of your girls?”

  Okay, is there some kind of a lesson that girls participate in that makes them so good at all this relationship advice crap? Because I’m sure I’m looking at my sister, and hearing Maya’s words come out of her mouth.

  “You think I’m making a bigger deal out of this than it is?”

  She nods. “Grayson, sometimes your all or nothing mentality ruins your chances at happiness. Take her someplace nice, ask questions about her life, then take her home. Don’t screw her.”

  I try to argue with her on that statement but she talks over me, holding her hand across my mouth so that I’ll listen.

  “Show her you can have a good time without your dick doing the talking. Conquer that, and the rest will be easy.”

  She sits back down, crossing her arms over her chest with a satisfied grin on her face like she’s just solved the world’s biggest problem.

  “I pretty much said the same thing,” says Cam, casually leaning back in his chair.

  I lift my arms up in a questioning manner, my brows creased together. “When did you say that?”

  “In the car, in the boxing ring. You just wouldn’t listen.”

  Am I being stupid here? Have I missed something?

  I take a deep breath. “Okay. I guess I’m really doing this then. Now let’s go shoot some hoops.”

  “What about dessert?” Cam asks, sad puppy face in tow.

  “Later,” I say, following my sister out the back door with the basketball in hand. I need to blow off steam if I’m going to concentrate on what I have to do tomorrow.

  Maya Kennedy, I’m coming for you.

  Chapter Eight

  ~ £ ~

  The orange sun rises over the London skyline, filtering rays through the gaps between buildings, and I can’t help but walk like a champion with a smile on my face. I’m breathing in smoggy, exhaust-pipe air, my ears are hounded with relentless honking and disgruntled shouts yet I can’t seem to give an ounce of shit to my surroundings. Why? Because I’m a man on a mission. Also, it’s Friday. Nothing can ruin the greatness of a nearing weekend. Am I right?

  After getting off of the elevator I’m finally standing outside Maya’s place, waiting. This is a snapshot moment for me. I’m practically changing the entire course of my future by standing in this barely-decorated hallway.

  The brown wooden door swings open, and I’m met with disappointment as a man emerges, dressed in an equally fitting suit as mine. It’s definitely tailor-made.

  Now, I know what you’re thinking. I’m too late. I think you’re right, but not for the same reason you do. I don’t think she’s moved on already. At least, I hope not.

  Based on this guy’s effortlessly styled blonde hair, and perfectly shaped eyebrows, not to mention the exaggerative shiny suit, I’m guessing he’s gay. You might think I’m being stereotypical, but wait, I have excellent gaydar.

  “Can I help you, sugar? You look like a lost man, would you like me to help you find your way?” He winks at me, leaning on the doorframe for support.

  Hate to say it, but I told you so.

  “I’m looking for Maya. Is she around?”

  He tuts as he shakes his head. “She’s already gone to work, but I on the other hand have a few spare minutes.” He trails his finger down the length of my tie.

  Naturally, I’m a little uncomfortable. But you don’t get to be a man in my position without having all kinds of attention thrown my way.

  Sorry, ladies. It’s just the way it is. I’m one hunky piece of candy.

  Women want me. Gay men want me. Lesbians want my women. And straight men want my money. Do you know what I’m hearing? A whole load of want centred around me.

  “Do you think I have time to catch up with her?” I ask, wondering how much of a head start she has before me.

  “Doubtful, sugar. That girl leaves at the crack of dawn. First one in, last one out. That’s her motto.”

  I smile to myself. Hasn’t she proclaimed she’s a workaholic? I should know better.

  “Thanks . . .”

  “Parker,” he offers, holding out his hand. I shake.

  “Grayson Rush,” I say, and watch his jaw hit the floor. I guess he’s heard of me before.

  “Let Maya know I stopped by.” I don’t stick around to work out the mumbles he replies with, because I’m too busy thinking ahead.

  What can I do to get her attention?

  As Logan navigates the way to Rush Tower, I’m struck by the best worst idea I’ve ever had, but I know it’ll get her motivated enough to come see me. If I can’t find her, she’ll find me.

  When I’m finally in my office, I set it up. And spend the rest of the morning working as I wait with anticipation. She’s going to be a blazing firecracker.

  ~ £ ~

  “Did you ask her out yet?” Cameron walks into my office carrying a tray holding the best milkshakes in the city. The real kind, ones made with the most decadent ice cream.

  What? I might be an adult, but chocolate milkshake has the ability to wipe away all stress.

  Or maybe that’s the brain freeze. Whatever, it works.

  “Kind of,” I reply, checking the time. It’s just gone midday. Perfect.

  “Jesus, what have you done? I can see the mischief written all over your face. It’s gonna come back and bite you in the arse, you know.”

  I grin. “That’s the point. Anyway, you have time to check out these applications yet?” I gather the papers across my desk, shuffling them up to a neat pile.

 
I lean back in my chair, and swallow a hearty gulp of my shake, forgetting it’s fucking freezing. My gob has effectively become host to Antarctica. Impatiently, I wait for global warming to do its thing, and rejoice when the iceberg of doom becomes a delicious snowflake.

  Fuck, that was close. I almost lost my cool then.

  “I did. I’ve narrowed them down to this list.” He pulls out a crumpled piece of paper from his jeans pocket, and hands it to me.

  It’s just the kind of professionalism I’ve come to expect from Cam. You’ll never guess we both graduated with the same degree classification - firsts, of course. And though Cam expresses a more casual outlook on work, I know I can count on him to get the job done. And when I need him in a suit, actually looking smart, he delivers.

  I scan the list, matching numbers to the applicants in front of me, the ones I set aside as possibilities, too. Unsurprisingly, they match.

  “Same ones?”

  I nod, going easy on my drink.

  “If they’re as impressive in person as they are on paper, Rush House will make it to the top smoothly.”

  “I agree. No one but the best. Okay, let them know they’ve been accepted for interviews, and get them set up for week after next, the twenty-first.”

  “Got it.”

  “Oh, and let Olivia know which days so I’m not double booked in anything. I need to be there. Layla’s career depends on this being a success.”

  As I finish talking, a load of commotion filters in the room. “You can’t go in there!” I look up to see Maya bolstering her way into my office with Olivia hot on her tail.

  “What the fuck is this?” Maya yells, holding out the package I had delivered to her earlier.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Rush, she wouldn’t listen.” Olivia looks flustered, her face is red with embarrassment.

  I flash her a smile. “It’s okay, Olivia. I’ve been expecting Miss Kennedy.” I like to think I’m a fair boss, kind and decent. But I’m often caught unawares by Olivia’s reactions. Sometimes it’s as though she’s expecting me to yell and scream at her, despite never raising my voice before. I don’t know what it is, but it’s unnerving. She disappears back to her desk without another word.