The VIP Room(106)

Right now he and Lauren were still in the beginning stages of a relationship that he believed could progress to a long-term future, but until he knew for certain he wasn't sharing any information, not even with Cade.

"Oh, just the usual little-head, big-head duel getting me in trouble again. But I think one more cup of coffee, and I'll be back on the workday track," Derek said.

He walked the short distance to the kitchenette, punching his brother in the arm as he passed. He poured a large mug for himself and held up another. "Want some?"

"No."

Derek plopped down at his desk and pointed to an empty chair. "I've got a few minutes before I head off to get the crews going for the day. Sit down and tell me why you're here."

Cade had a folder with him, which he tossed on the desk as he sat down. "I was at Spring Rock Country Club over the weekend."

"Good for you. I'm sure our father was pleased."

"Come on, idiot. The old man had nothing to do with it. I got invited to play golf with Will Bishop, of Reynolds Development. By the time we hit the nineteenth hole for beers, I had closed my biggest contract to date. Holmes Construction will be handling all the new home development for their next three projects."

Derek whistled. "Impressive, big brother."

"Yeah, and guess what. They haven't selected their landscaper yet. I put in a good word for you, but Will likes to do things the good ole boy way."

"Man, Cade, you know I'm no golfer."

"No, but you are a card player, and guess what goes on in the card rooms at the club. Poker, big time. Officially, they play for points, but it's all settled up outside the club later. It's a pretty serious game, and not just anybody can sit at the table."

"So what are you suggesting? How do I get in the game?"

"First, you have to be a member." Cade tapped the folder he had dropped on Derek's desk. "And that, little bro, is an application for membership. Get it filled out ASAP because Saturday night is the New Member Welcome Dinner, and I've bought us both tickets for the event already."

Derek grimaced. "Can't I go as your guest?"

"Sure you can. But you're not closing any deals there on Saturday. You know how it works, Derek. It's the old style networking game, high end. If you get in Will's card game, you can get that contract. I have no doubt about that."

Derek opened the folder and eyed the application. The section at the bottom with the membership dues jumped out for his attention. "Holy crap, Cade. A million bucks? That's one hell of a price of admission."

"Yeah. That's the one-time fee. Then there are the yearly fees. Keep reading. There's a whole schedule of payments. But money's not the issue here, is it?"

Derek shook his head. Situations like this were exactly what he wanted to avoid when he left his father's house and business. He hated the arrogant bastards his father called friends. Not a sincere or decent man among them. They cheated on their wives, were vicious in business, and slapped each other on the back for each conquest. But they'd just as soon stab one another in the back if it came down to winning a client. Hell, he'd seen feuds arise over golf games. These men held some of the highest political positions in the nation and controlled much of the country's finances, but they were a bunch of crazy, miserable dirtbags as far as he was concerned.

Derek flipped the folder closed and pushed it across the desk toward Cade. "Sorry. No can do. I'm not getting into bed or boardrooms with these *s. There's other ways to make money."

"Yeah, but not nearly as much or as quickly, and you know it. Look, you told me the other day that you'd plateaued with this biz, didn't you? You said you needed a fat, long-term contract to push you past the billion dollar mark. Don't be shortsighted, Derek. This one deal with Will Bishop could do it for you. You don't have to marry the guy, just schmooze a little over poker. Be a bud. He's not his father any more than you or I are Dad."

Derek stood up. "All right. I'll go on Saturday, but as your guest, not a member. If it looks promising that I can work with Bishop, I'll join. But I'm not selling my soul to do it."

Cade grabbed the folder off the desk. "Is that what you think I did?"

"I'm not judging you, Cade. Do what you feel is best for you and your business. Just let me do the same."

Cade stood up and put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm looking out for you, Derek. You may have outgrown me in height and weight, but you're still my little brother who gets himself into trouble because he's thick-headed."

Cade raised his hand and gave Derek a light jab to the chin. "And what were you doing before with your hand down your pants? Someone's got you distracted from your work. I saw you struggling to focus on that computer screen."

Derek put his head down and lurched forward, tackling his brother lightly, but enough to knock him backward.

"I gotta go to work. Get out of here before I have resort to playing line backer again full out."

Cade walked toward the door, turning around before he stepped out.

"Yeah, yeah, little brother. Just remember, nothing's changed since we were kids. You've got the brawn, but I've got the brains. We're better as a pair, Blockhead. One day you'll listen to me, and we'll merge our businesses to become one of the most powerful real estate development companies in the world. Good thing I love you enough to be patient."