Page 86 of Something’s Brewing

“I didn’t⁠—”

“You didn’t have to,” he cut in, not harsh, but firm. “You left the door open. Literally.”

Her chest tightened. “Then say it.”

Garrett held her gaze for a long second. “I think your dad is doing exactly what he’s always done,” he said evenly. “Putting himself first.”

Madison flinched, the words landing harder than she expected. “That’s not fair.”

“Isn’t it?”

“He offered me the job.”

“Yeah,” Garrett said. “Now. After your brother walked away. After you built an entire career without him.”

“That doesn’t mean⁠—”

“It means the timing isn’t a coincidence.”

Her grip tightened around her glass. “You don’t know him.”

Garrett let out a quiet, humorless breath. “I know enough.”

Madison shook her head, frustration rising. “You’re twisting this.”

“No, I’m not.” His voice stayed calm, but there was an edge to it now. “I’m saying you should be careful.”

“I am careful.”

“Then talk to Mason.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What?”

“Call your brother,” Garrett said. “Ask him what it was like. Ask him if your dad ever really let him run that company.”

Madison looked away, her jaw tightening. Because she already knew the answer.

“Exactly,” he said quietly.

She shot to her feet. “You don’t get to sit there and act like you know what’s best for me.”

“I didn’t say I did.”

“That’s exactly what you’re doing.”

Garrett stood too now, frustration finally breaking through. “I’m saying you deserve better than being someone’s backup plan.”

The words hit like a slap. Madison froze. “That’s not what this is.”

“Then tell me what it is, Madison. Because I can’t tell if you actually want this . . . or if you just want him to finally choose you.” Garrett’s voice was rough now. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like he realized he needs someone to keep things running while he goes off and lives his life.”

Her chest heaved. “At least he wants me there.”

Garrett closed his eyes for a brief second. “Madison,” he said quietly, “that’s what scares me. You’re so desperate for him to choose you that you can’t see what it’s going to cost you.”

He continued after a beat, his voice steady again—but distant now. “I’m not saying don’t take it. You should do whatever you want to do.”

Madison swallowed hard.