Julien Baker Partner Novels & Stories

"The one who broke into your mother's Uber account." A small smile touched Julian’s lips. "She sounds... formidable." "She's terrifying," Noah said. "You'll like her." "Okay," Julian said. "Dinner." He checked his watch. Then he looked at Noah, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Can I bring someone?" Julian asked. Noah frowned. "Who?" "My partner," Julian said. "Not business. Personal." Aria raised an eyebrow. "You have a partner?" "For three years," Julian said. "He's... well, he's the reason I stayed sane while working for my mother."

I let out a short, harsh laugh that sounded ugly even to my own ears. "Worked? Is that what we’re calling it? Because I’m looking at Julian Cross and I’m seeing a man who invested a lot more than just professional interest in you." She didn't back down. She didn't even blink. "Julian is my partner. His investments saved the project." "I bet he did," I snarled, the jealousy I’d been trying to bury for hours finally clawing its way up my throat. I leaned in, my voice dropping to a low, lethal whisper.

Aria sat, keeping her posture perfect, her expression neutral. Damien leaned back in his chair, studying her. "My business associate tonight Julian Pierce. He's a childhood friend and a major investor. This meeting is important." "I understand, sir." "Do you?" He picked up his fork, spearing a piece of salmon, but his eyes never left her face. "Julian is very observant. Very good at reading people. If anything is off if service isn't perfect he'll notice." "I'll make sure everything is flawless." "I know you will." He took a bite, chewed thoughtfully. "But there's another thing you should know about Julian."

Chester looked intimidated by the batters before him, making me laugh a little. The poor giant I thought. He seems like an okay guy, plus it’s kind of funny seeing the giant scared of the dough and batter. “It’s a lot more fun than it looks, I promise.” I held out my hand. “I’m Melody.” “Chester.” He grabbed it and shook. His hands were warm and callused. I began working with him by showing how to bake the batter for the petit fours. He was a quick learner, and soon enough, I left him be to get the rest of it baked as I prepared the fillings for the cannolis, cream puffs and eclairs, and the petit fours.

A painting of the lake at sunset that she had given to me, framed and hung in my study. I was still CEO of Sterling Global. The company was recovering. The stock had stabilized. The board was restructured with people I trusted. Julian had accepted a permanent position as the company's chief legal counsel, which meant he split his time between London and the city. He said he liked having a reason to come back. I suspected he also liked working with the prosecutor from the DA's office, a sharp-eyed woman named Elena who had handled Alexander's trial. They had been spending a lot of time together, though Julian still blushed whenever I mentioned it.

He pointed to the girl then looking at Arien he said "She's my elder sister, Julien Lyle." "Elder Sister!" Arien exclaimed with excitement. Then he pointed at Arien, looked at Julien and said "She's my wife, Arien Jenner." "Wife?" Julian was shocked. "When did you marry? Why didn't you tell me?" She jumped up. "And what would you do if I tell you?" He raised his eyebrows. "Arien go freshen up." He said and looked back at Julien "And Miss Julie, come with me." He spoke as if ordering.