I was alone in the small room because I asked not to be disturbed when I was sampling. I needed to concentrate—pick up on the finer notes, try to imagine what sort of emotion or reaction they could bring out in a customer. Sometimes I even wrote marketing briefings while I was at it. The conversation with Davis two weeks ago was at the back of my mind. I was semiconsciously wondering what kind of fragrances we could make for the potential exclusive line. Shaking my head, I resolved to concentrate on the task at hand before I went back to my office to compose an email to our sales associates. It was the end of November, and the Christmas rush was almost upon us.

Midway through the process, I heard commotion in the corridor, even though the door was shut.

I listened carefully, frowning when two of my newest employees ooh-ed and aah-ed. Then another familiar voice spoke.

“Of course we can take pictures, ladies.”

Jace was visiting. That was weird. I grew downright concerned when I heard Hailey’s voice as well. Had something happened? Whenever we met during the week, we met elsewhere, because my office was far away from everything.

When both he and Hailey entered the room, I scrutinized them. They looked happy and relaxed, so I relaxed too.

“This is a surprise.” A very welcome surprise. I might not like being interrupted while sniffing samples, but I made exceptions for my siblings.

“Thought we’d pay you a visit,” Hailey said. “We also brought lunch.”

She held up a takeout bag, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

“Let’s go upstairs. I don’t want the smell of food lingering here. It’ll make testing harder.”

Up the stairs we went and into the smaller of the two break rooms. It was empty. Most employees went out for lunch, and those who didn’t preferred the other one because it opened up onto a balcony.

My siblings had brought quinoa and avocado salad, and as we dug in, I studied them. This wasn’t a random visit. Hailey held her shoulders slightly raised, which meant she was in work mode, not relaxing mode, and Jace glanced at her from time to time.

“So, full disclosure, we’re not here just for lunch,” Hailey said eventually. “I had an idea.”

“I’m listening.”

“You know that our brother here is rather famous.”

I feigned having to think it over. “Really? I couldn’t tell. I think two of my girls tripped over their own feet for a picture with you.”

His fame was unusual, because soccer typically didn’t get as much attention in the US as basketball or hockey.

But my brother was more famous for being attractive than for playing soccer. It all started a few years ago when he appeared in a high-profile commercial. The internet exploded.