Why were there so many women if he was so terrible? He imagined the money helped. His older brother, Alexi, had had no problem keeping girlfriends. Pale as alabaster with sandy curls and piercing gray eyes, Alexi was rowdy and irreverent and had clashed with his parents about everything. They had lost him in the same devastating car accident that claimed their parents. Now the trio of siblings was down to two. Dorsey knew if Alexi were here, he would have much more vulgar words for Mr. Hampden and the board. Alexi had done everything boldly. What Dorsey called “thoughtful,” Alexi would call “chickensheet” in his curled Slovenian accent. Now with his father and Alexi gone, and Gigi skilled but too young, Dorsey was suddenly the face of a development corporation. His family’s legacy now rested on his shoulders.

“That wasn’t too bad,” Gigi said, bringing him back to the present. “If you give them Netherfield, they’ll increase their CSR funds.”

“Why can’t they just keep the same rate they had in the past? Why do I have to beg for money that should have been set aside?” Dorsey asked.

“Sometimes to get what you want, play your cards a little closer to your vest. You’re too rigid, D—”

“Don’t say that. Don’t call me rigid. I hate how much I’m expected to act. I hate how much time I waste being who I’m not!” Dorsey’s voice tightened, and Gigi recoiled.

“Why do I have a feeling this is not all about the meeting? How’s Rebecca?” Gigi nudged him toward a bistro, but Dorsey shook his head.

“Rebecca and I aren’t together anymore.”

“When did she break it off?”

“I broke it off.” Dorsey couldn’t hide his churlish tone. “Can’t do the CEO and relationship thing.”

“Dad did it for twenty-five years.”

“All the ways I am not Dad could fill a book, Gigi.”

Gigi turned to face him. “Why did you break it off for real?”

Dorsey started to double down, then gave up. It was hard to con his little sister. “She was DMing her ex. Called me an anxious bore and, I quote, ‘acted like you’re ashamed of me in public.’ ”

“You are weird about public stuff. Especially dancing and even holding hands. But how did you find out?” Gigi asked.

“It was the classic left-my-laptop-out situation,” Dorsey told her. “I think she actually wanted me to see.”

“Wow, four weeks. At least she was fun.”

“About as fun as being hit by a bus.”

“Well, we throw that party in DC next week. I have finals, but there are sure to be plenty of women there.” Gigi paused. “You should really try for the board.”

“If they want a show pony, Gigi, they need to increase the budget.”