Noaz (Van Doren #2)

27. Briar

27

brIAR

The big house—or main house or primary house, depending on who you’re talking to—has several exterior doors. While it’s no surprise that the first has the most breathtaking view you could ever imagine, the entrance on the right side of the house is nearly as impressive.

It opens to a beautiful foyer, much smaller than the one at the front of the house. Directly across from the door is a set of stairs with beautifully carved railings. Halfway up, there’s a landing, and the stairs split to either side before continuing up to the second floor. You can also keep going up to the third and fourth floors this way.

The landings are wide and spacious, circling the stairs. Off those landings are half a dozen doors and a hall leading deeper into the house.

Each floor is a little different directly around the stairs. The space on the second floor is filled with different, quiet seating areas. It reminds me of a very modern library or bookstore combined with all kinds of different seats like preschool teachers bring into their classrooms to help with posture, strengthening, or fidgeting.

The area on the third floor looks like a gallery with art and sculptures. And the fourth floor is home to a damn library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, reading nooks, and gathering places. I’m confident this is where Noaz gathered their inspiration for my library office.

Around this fourth-floor staircase is where my friends who live in the big house have their rooms. Honey Bee’s is as big as mine and Noaz’s house. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s certainly more massive than one person needs, with a vestibule you walk into that’s a complete and spacious sitting room. This leads into the second room, which Honey Bee has made into a combination office and gathering space. And last, there is the bedroom with an enormous four-poster bed, elegant royal canopy and all. I won’t even comment on the ensuite and closet.

Brek’s and Levis’ rooms are still large with their own entrance vestibules that do not compare in size, though the grandeur is definitely just as regal. I think great-granddad Van Doren thought he was royalty.

Voss’ room isn’t in this area surrounding the stairs, though Honey Bee says he’s just down the hall. We don’t know where Daddy Jalon’s bedroom is, though curiosity makes me want to find it. If Honey Bee’s is fit for royalty, I can only imagine what his looks like. It must be pulled directly from the majestic halls of gods.

This is where we’re gathered this morning, the six of us. It’s been a while since we’ve all had the opportunity to hang out together. At least since before we moved into the land of gods. While I love the direction my life is heading, sitting here with my friends makes me realize how much I miss them. I miss this .

I miss the nonsense conversations and never finishing one before getting sidetracked with another. I miss knowing about their lives and what they’ve been up to for the last month. Wait… two months? Ugh. It’s been far too long.

I’m getting sentimental in pre-parenthood.

“Did you break up with that girl yet?” Oakley asks Levis. “The one you’re stringing along?”

Levis gives him a severe frown, but Oakley just grins. “Yes.”

“That’s all?” Honey Bee questions. “You’re not going to elaborate? Did she cry? Were you kind and told her you were a dick?”

He sighs. “You already know what happened.”

“But share with the class,” Haze says.

With a huff, Levis adds, “I was kind, of course. Yes, I told her I was being a dick, though not quite in those words. Yes, she was upset, though I think she’d already figured it out when I moved four hours away and didn’t ask her to join me, nor take her into consideration when making the decision.”

“The writing was on the wall,” Honey Bee agrees, nodding.

“So that’s it? The Levis Li is single?” I ask.

Levis shrugs. “I’ve been seeing a girl who works in the office.”

“Ugh. You’re such a hoe,” Honey Bee says.

He snorts. “Right.”

“Who’s next?” Honey Bee asks, looking around. “Haze. Ready to tell us who you’re talking to?”

Haze lifts a brow. “I’m not talking to anyone, really. The guy I text is casual, and it’s filled with sexy innuendos, flirting, and dirty memes. But that’s literally it. However, I’m happy to report that there’s a gay club in Flagstaff that I’m enjoying.”

“Huh,” I say. “I thought you were actually seeing someone in secret.”

Haze shrugs. “Meh. That feels like a lot of work. I’m not sure I’m up to putting that much effort into it, you know? I mean, why sneak around? If the relationship isn’t valid enough to keep it in the open, then I’m not sure it’s worth it?”

I’m sure I’m not the only one trying not to side-eye Honey Bee to gauge her reaction. We couldn’t have planned that better if we rehearsed.

“But there’s got to be some notes of excitement in sneaking around,” Brek suggests. “No?”

Again, Haze shrugs. “I guess. Personally, I can’t think of a reason I’d do so, but never say never.”

“I wouldn’t mind sneaking around,” Brek says. “Maybe you’re the other guy and it’s forbidden. The boss’s assistant?”

The five of us stare at him. Where did that come from?

“What kind of movies are you watching, Brek?” Honey Bee asks.

“I don’t know. Whatever channel is on in my bedroom. I haven’t changed it since we moved here. Everything that comes on oddly catches my attention, so I end up watching it.”

“Maybe we need to unplug his television,” Haze says. “That sounds like the beginning of a horror movie.”

“I’m not sure romantic storylines are horror,” Oakley says.

“Not on the surface. But they could be filled with subliminal messages that are luring you in and brainwashing you without you realizing it as you let your brain turn to mush watching romantic stories,” Honey Bee argues .

Once more, we stare.

“What are you watching?” Brek asks.

Honey Bee laughs. “Did you know there are like half a dozen documentaries on the Van Dorens? They’re filled with conspiracy theories.”

“Are there?” Oakley asks.

“Yep. And only one actually interviews an actual member of the family. There are people on there claiming they’ve been close friends or former employees, but we know Jalon’s been running this place since the nineties and from what I understand, there’s very little to no turnaround because Daddy Jalon treats his employees like they’re worth their weight in gold. So… I find it hard to believe that there’s any association.”

“I wonder what they think of the documentaries,” Oakley muses.

“I have to think they at least know about them. But there are hypotheses on how they secretly amassed such an enormous fortune. There’s even talk that they own, like, 6% of the entire world’s marketplaces. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but there are nine billion people in the world. There are millions of companies. If there are just one million companies in the entire world, 6% is 60,000. For a single family!” Honey Bee says.

Okay, now I’m a little curious.

“Do you think the nine real estate offices count as a single company or six?” Brek asks.

“They all hold the same name, so I’m counting them as one,” Honey Bee answers.

Levis shakes his head.

“You’re on the inside. You can tell us,” Haze says to Levis .

“Oakley or Briar could ask their spouses. They married into Van Doren,” Brek says. It’s probably the first time I’ve ever heard him refer to Oakley’s marriage without a bitter tone. Either he’s come a long way these past couple months, or he’s very engrossed in this conversation.

“I’m not sure Loren knows that answer,” Oakley muses. “That doesn’t sound like something he’d care about.”

Attention turns to me. I shrug. “I can ask, but I don’t think Noaz would know either. If we’re betting on who would know, I think probably Jalon or the accountant.”

“Oof. Can you imagine tax season for Daddy Jalon?” Honey Bee says, cringing.

“Speaking of Daddy,” Haze singsongs and looks at me. “You ready for baby’s arrival?”

Six weeks. Just six short weeks until Miranda’s due date. My stomach flutters just thinking about it.

“I think we have most of the big pieces we want. And now that the house is overtaken with baby things, we’re filling in the more essential items like clothes and diapers and stuff. Noaz is a little overwhelmed with options, so we’re taking it slow. We have some, so we won’t have a naked baby, but we’re aware of how fast a baby grows. Finding a source to tell us how much of one size is needed has been challenging.”

“Even if they only wear something once, that’s fine,” Honey Bee says. “I think it’s about comfort and convenience. Make changing as easy as possible.”

“I think the kinds of diapers alone look overwhelming,” Brek comments. “I walked down the baby aisle the other day when I stopped at the grocery store and there are like eight different brands claiming to be the best. ”

I snort. “No kidding. Noaz is looking into ones made from bamboo, I think. Something about healthier for baby and the environment.”

“Have you chosen a name yet?” Honey Bee asks.

“Nope.” I shake my head. “We like a handful, but nothing is screaming at us. I think we might keep these close and wait until we meet baby to see how we feel.”

“It’s impressive how neutral you are when talking about the baby,” Oakley notes.

“Meaning?”

“Sorry. Gender neutral. I’d have slipped up every other word.”

I grin. “It’s habit now. I don’t even think about it.”

“Is Uncle Noaz excited?” Honey Bee asks.

My grin widens a little further. “Very. And anxious and nervous and a little scared. But yes, very, very excited.”

“I bet your calm helps calm them,” Brek says. “It’s always soothed me. You and Lev. It’s like you put out some calming pheromones whenever I feel worked up. Like a drug.”

I laugh, but Honey Bee, Oakley, and Haze nod with surprising agreement.

“I’ve not thought to put it into those words,” Haze says. “Growing up, every time I was stressed or freaked out about home, Lev and Briar were always the first places I’d go. I love you all, but yeah, they just had a way of calming and reassuring me I never gave much thought to.”

“Well, thanks,” Levis says, a light smile on his lips.

I nod in agreement. “I hope that’s true, anyway. ”

Footsteps on the stairs pause our conversation. I would have expected Loren since he didn’t like to let Oakley out of his sight for any length of time. Even while we’re here, at the Van Doren compound. I mean… estate.

However, I don’t think any of us are expecting Kairo. He looks at us with unmistakable disdain. “Look at this. The riff-raff my brother adopted.”

“Oh, look,” Honey Bee sasses without missing a beat, “the asshole no one wants around because he’s got a big stick up his ass.”

I’m surprised when Haze follows up with, “No. He’d be much happier with something in his ass.”

Oakley nods emphatically.

I try very hard not to laugh.

“Watch it,” Kairo warns, his voice dark and deep. “Accidents happen.”

“They do,” Honey Bee says. “Like, I don’t know, people dying in their sleep from undiagnosed diabetes.”

Kairo narrows his eyes.

“I hear pigs eat anything,” Oakley adds, shrugging. “Loren says they even eat bone. I know Bruno is well fed, but I bet he’d be up for a little more meat.”

Okay, first, I didn’t know the pig’s name was Bruno. And second, how in the world did this turn into subtle threats of murder? What is even going on here?

What I do see is the absolute fury in Kairo’s eyes as he stares at Honey Bee and then Oakley. His hands fist, and a vein in the side of his neck pulses. Beside me, Brek shifts uncomfortably .

Then a bedroom door opens and out steps Loren. I feel a moment of triumph because I knew he wouldn’t be far from Oakley. Not even in his father’s house. He barely steps into the room and Kairo very visibly takes a step back. Then another. His eyes dart down to Loren’s hand. A hand I can’t see at this angle.

“Problem?” Loren asks.

Kairo’s lips purse. It’s a struggle. I can tell he desperately doesn’t want to back down from our exchange, especially not with Honey Bee and Oakley unanswered.

“I will not hesitate to kill you,” Loren says as if he’s commenting on the color of Kairo’s shirt. “Don’t tempt me, Uncle. Leave my husband alone.”

“And the others?” Kairo demands.

For a second, Loren doesn’t answer. Eventually, he shrugs. “I have a feeling Uncle Noaz won’t stand for you bothering Briar, but you’re welcome to ask. I love to see Uncle Noaz get violent.”

My eyebrows rise. Whaaaattttt …..?

Kairo scowls.

“All my friends, Loren,” Oakley says quietly.

Loren nods. “Yes, leave them all alone, Kairo. Take your miserable ass somewhere else.”

I’m sure I miss something because Kairo flinches. Without another word, he turns on his heel and heads down the hall. Silence envelops us.

“Doesn’t he have a house somewhere on the property?” Honey Bee asks.

Loren nods. “Behind Uncle Noaz’s by the stream. ”

“What business does he have up here?” Honey Bee asks, leaning forward.

Loren shrugs, his usual disinterest back in place. He turns to look at Oakley, who gives him a wide smile. Loren returns it, though far less loudly. He returns to the room he came out of and I silently curse to myself that I wasn’t paying attention to see if he had something in his hand that made Kairo nervous.

“Voss’ room is that way. Maybe he’s going to talk to Voss?” Levis says.

“What’s he doing in there?” Brek asks, nodding in the direction of the door Loren disappeared through.

“Watching TV,” Oakley says. “Maybe I should suggest the Van Doren documentaries.”

Our conversation circles around nothing as we wait to see if Kairo will return. He doesn’t and I assume he’s chosen another staircase to leave by. I think someone said there are seven sets of stairs in this mansion, so there’s definitely no need for him to use this one.

Eventually, we get back to aimlessly talking about whatever comes to mind. But I can’t help but periodically hear the words Loren said drift through my mind.

I love to see Uncle Noaz get violent.