Page 95 of Employing Patience

“Yeah, I’ve heard all about my brother. Frequently. Unfortunately. But it’s only just occurring to me that I haven’t heard his name mentioned in a while.”

My cheeks grow hot at what she’s implying. Art told me it’s been months since he slept around, and this is basically confirmation he wasn’t messing with me. “That’s a fun piece of trivia.”

She hums, looking me over. “Do you cook?”

I’m thrown by the random question. “I try.” I don’t, but I want to win points here.

“Art’s looking after these two at my place tomorrow.” Her growing smile puts me on guard. “You should help him.”

“Yes,” Alice hisses. “You have to.”

“P-please, Joey, please?” Gus begs.

“Why do I get the feeling I’ve been set up?”

“You wouldn’t say no and disappoint my children, would you?” Mariana asks.

“Ah, well, it’s Saturday. So I do have the day free.”

“Free to spend with my brother.”

“I’ll check with him first, and if he says yes—”

“No,” Mariana cuts me off. “Don’t tell him. Let me surprise him. Just come over at eleven. I’ll write down my address.”

I wave a finger between us. “You are aware of how weird this is coming across, right?”

“Yep.”

“Just making sure.”

“Tomorrow. Eleven. Art will get a kick out of it.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“I know you have no reason to believe me, but I’m not going to set you up for awkwardness.”

“Then what are you doing?”

She shrugs. “Forcing my brother’s hand.”

“Into …”

“Dating someone. Finding his man. Settling down.”

“You did hear the part where I said we’re friends.”

Mariana snorts. “Yeah, I heard you lying through your teeth.”

“How do you know it was a lie?”

“Easy.” She nods toward her kids. “Them. Art is super protective of his niblings. If he’s bringing them here to spend time with you, he’s testing you.”

“Testing me?”

“To see how you are with them. They’re arguably the most precious things in his life. He doesn’t share them with just anyone.”

I look at Alice and Gus, filled with a newfound appreciation for the little hurricanes. “You think?” The question slips out before I can think it through, and I immediately regret it.

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