Falling For My Annoying Step Brother

"Man, I'm exhausted. Who would've thought owning your own business would be this much work?"

Macy smiled at her boyfriend's remark. She nudged him playfully. "What, now you're trying to brag to us?"

"Hell yeah! You both said I would never make it, but here I am, driving you around in my very own car."

"Right, but babe, you know you still haven't celebrated it with us. We have to go for a joyride soon and have a car picnic too."

"Of course. How does this weekend sound?"

"It sounds perfect."

"Would you two lovebirds keep it down? A celebrity is trying to sleep back here."

Macy laughed at her friend's comment. "Our apologies, Madam Sage. We'll keep the noise to a minimum."

"Good."

Macy Henderson had been best friends with Sage Wilson ever since childhood. She was the first friend Macy made when she moved to the city, and they had been inseparable ever since.

Macy could walk into Sage's place whenever she wanted, and Sage practically lived in Macy's house. Their bond had grown strong enough that they acted like sisters more than friends.

They met Grayson in college, and in no time he became the third member of their little squad. A couple of months after graduation, romance bloomed between Macy and Grayson, and the two had been dating since.

"How was work today?" Macy asked.

Sage groaned loudly.

"I take it it wasn't good?" Macy guessed.

"Oh no, it was great. Wonderful, even."

"Then what's the problem?"

"My stupid boss! He told me to come up with three new outfits that have never been seen before, and I was like 'okay, that's literally my job,' but then the asshole said I should do it in a week! How the hell am I supposed to come up with three new ideas in just one stupid week?!"

Macy and Sage were complete opposites, but it had never affected their friendship. If anything, it made them closer.

Sage was always the belle of the ball - the life of every party. Her beauty and bubbly attitude attracted everyone to her.

Macy, on the other hand, was an introvert through and through. Antisocial, awkward with strangers, and someone who rarely left her comfort zone. Life experience? Very limited. And she preferred it that way.

"You're Sage Wilson. If anyone can work such a crazy schedule, it's you."

"Awwn, that's why you're my bestie."

"Sage, am I dropping you off at your place or...?" Grayson asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

"I'm spending the night at Mace's," she replied, scrolling on her phone.

"You know, I think I'm starting to get jealous of you, Sage," Grayson said.

"Me? Why, what did I do?"

"Isn't it obvious? You spend way more time with my girlfriend than I do."

"That's because we're twins," she said proudly.

"From different parents?"

"It's possible," Sage laughed. Her laughter faded as she turned serious. "Hey, Mace?"

"Yeah?"

"How's it going? You know... with your dad?"

"He's not my dad." Macy corrected her for what felt like the millionth time. "And I have no idea what he's thinking anymore."

"What difference does it make if you call him your stepfather? He practically raised you and took care of your mom. I'd say that's the job of a father." Sage noticed Macy didn't want to get into the topic, so she smoothly changed direction. "So? Did he say something?"

"That's the thing - he's not saying anything. He's been oddly quiet these past few days."

"Maybe something's on his mind?"

"No, it's not like that. He's fine. Except when I mention work. Then he just brushes me off."

"Mace, you said he wants to retire, right?"

"Yes."

"And he said you're the perfect candidate to take over when he does, right?"

"Yes..."

"Then relax! It's been, what? Twelve years since the prodigal son left and refused to come home? Unless he has a secret child somewhere, that position is as good as yours. All you have to do is calm your nerves and prepare to become a boss lady."

Macy smiled, relieved. Talking to Sage always helped.

"You're right. Maybe I'm just overthinking."

"You probably are."

Grayson dropped off the girls at Macy's house, and after greeting her mother briefly, he headed home.

★★★

The next morning, after Sage left for work, Macy went out to a bookstore. It was her day off - her chance to relax. She stopped by a café for a snack, but before she could eat, her mother texted her urgently to return home for a meeting.

When she walked into the house, she noticed her mother and Mr. Darwin already seated at the dining table along with the chef and the cleaners.

Taking a seat beside her mother, Macy waited quietly for Mr. Darwin to speak.

"I understand you would like to rest on your day off," he began, eyes fixed on her, "but I feel this is the perfect time to discuss an important matter."

Macy's mind raced.

Had she done something wrong?

Was he disappointed in her work?

What had she messed up?

She wanted to ask, but she knew he hated interruptions, so she kept still.

"I know this may come as a shock to all of you, just as it did to me," he said slowly, "but... the purpose of this meeting is to discuss William's return."

"What?!"