“Hey, problems are problems. And grappling with change is natural, I think. It’s a process, like everything else.”

“What if I’m just not cut out for it?” he said in a slightly lower tone, and I could tell it was weighing on him.

Usually, when I gave advice or reassurance, I tried to put myself in the shoes of the other person, but in this case, I was out of my depth. My brand was built around the products, not myself, so I’d always been in the shadows.

“Jace, you’re the Lords’ most valuable player. Your game is excellent. That’s the important thing. The rest is secondary, but if it’s becoming too much, I’m sure you can take measures to avoid the limelight.”

“I know, but it also seems stupid not to capitalize on my luck. I know that this career isn’t forever. If I’m unlucky, an injury can take me out at any time. All these contracts for commercials are good money that I’ll need later. In Dad’s words, I just need to toughen up. This won’t last forever anyway. I have maybe ten years left to play, and then everyone will forget who I am. Sorry for laying all this on you. I guess I just needed to vent.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You can always talk to me.”

“Thanks, sis. How is it going with Beauty SkinEssence?”

“It feels like we’re playing ping-pong. Their lawyer makes a move, then mine, then theirs again. Lawyer fees are piling up. I don’t even want to think about it. Sooo, since you’re here....”

“Oh, no. I know what you’re going to ask.”

“How?”

“You were in the sampling room. And you want to drag me there with you.”

“A man’s perspective always helps.”

Jace grinned. I grinned back.

“Fine, I’ll come with you. But only because I feel guilty for dumping all this on you.”

“Awww. I love you too.”

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Val

I tortured my brother for about an hour before calling it a day. I wasn’t trying to be a nuisance, but it required hard work to get more out of Jace than “This is okay” and “This is okay too.” I needed the nitty-gritty. If he were part of a focus group, he’d be a tough cookie to crack.

“Do you have time to grab a tea?” I asked as we made our way to the break room. “Leta just texted me that she’s in the area and dropping by.”

Leta was a good friend of mine. I’d met her a few years ago at a conference, and we hit it right off.

“Sure.”

I narrowed my eyes at Jace. He looked a little too excited. I pinched his arm.

“Leta is my friend. Don’t go after her and make things weird.”