Chapter 564
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
Andrew couldnât fathom why he disagreed. Perhaps it was just the thought of Aubree getting married, and giving another man those looks she had given him. It made him feel unbearable.
Tessaâs heart sank completely. Just then, Andrewâs phone started ringing. She beat him to it, noticing that the caller was Aubree.
What a dramatic scene it was. One woman with whom heâd shared passionate nights; the other, someone heâd promised to look after for life. On this strange night, they were suddenly brought together.
Tessa hit the answer button, and a strange manâs voice came through. âHello, is this Aubreeâs brother?
Sheâs had a bit too much to drink. Could you come pick her up?â
In this A sneer crossed Tessaâs eyes. âWhy donât you send the address to another friend on her phone, named Brielle? Sheâll come get her.â
âAlright, I wonât disturb you further.â
After ending the call, Tessa managed a smile, holding her emotions in check. âAubreeâs plastered.
Youâre not thinking of going now, are you? Iâve already had the bartender contact Brielle. Andrew, tomorrowâs your birthday. Are you planning to stay here or go celebrate with someone else?â
Andrewâs Adamâs apple bobbed, a flicker of guilt for an inexplicable moment of hesitation. âIâLL spend it out with you to ensure youâre well. Didnât you love that clam chowder at that restaurant? Iâll book it just for us, just the two of us.â
Tessa breathed a sigh of relief. In the past, Andrew had only spent his birthdays with her. Maybe he didnât really like Aubree, and that was fine. Her lips curved into a small smile. âYeah, I knew it. You still like me best.â
Andrew didnât speak; he just held her and gently patted her back.
When Brielleâs phone rang, she was already halfâasleep, clinging tighter to Max. She heard the ring, rubbed her eyes, and saw Max taking her phone and talking to the person on the other end. âYeah, I got it. Someone will be there to pick her up.â
After hanging up, Max met Brielleâs gaze.
âWho was that?â
âSomeone from the bar is calling to say Aubreeâs drunk at Tequila Sunset. Donât worry, the staff there are responsible.â
At that, Brielle perked up. âHow did she end up drunk?â
Max glanced at the clock on the wall. âItâs past midnight. Todayâs Andrewâs birthday, but Tessaâs been unwell lately. I guess he hasnât been around much.â
10:55 Brielle felt a mix of annoyance and concern for Aubree, so she reluctantly got up and started dressing.
âIâm going to check on her.â
Max followed suit, and as Brielle watched him dress, warmth flooded her heart. She couldnât resist giving him a quick kiss. âAre you driving me there? Donât you have a meeting early in the morning?â
Patrick had mentioned before going to bed that his meetings would start at five and go until noon, dealing with a critical phase in an overseas acquisition. His schedule was about to be turned upside down.
âI canât leave you alone.â
Brielle felt a wave of affection. How could Max be so wonderful? What kind of luck had she stumbled upon to have him in her life?
Max grabbed his jacket, put it on, and noticed her daydreaming. His brow furrowed, âStomach still hurting?â
âNo, letâs go.â
Max drove them quickly to Tequila Sunset. It had been ages since Brielle had been there. Inside, the dance floor was still crowded with young people.
Under the dim lights, Aubree was sprawled over the bar. Brielle tapped her shoulder. âAubree?â
Aubree tooked up, blearyâeyed, and didnât recognize her.
Brielle propped her up, glancing at Max. Max frowned, his face set as he grabbed Aubreeâs other side.
Aubree recognized Max now, her lips trembling.
âMr. Dorsey, Iâm so sorry to trouble you. Just take good care of Bri, donât worry about me.â
âMr. Dorsey, I always thought you were a good man, handsome, and rich.â
âYou have to treat Bri well, for a lifetime.â