Page 34 of Lipstick Kiss

“Are you sure you just want bacon? What about some cheesy scrambled egg on the side?” Maggie said, coming back into the kitchen, oblivious to the men’s conversation.

“I’ll take some scrambled eggs. I’ve already been for a run, so I’ve earned it,” Luke said.

“I went for a surf with Keith, so pile them on Maggie,” Jason said.

“I’ll stick with the sandwich, Maggie,” Archer said.

Luke looked over to the coffee pot and took Archer and Jason’s mugs for a refill. He took out his mug from the cabinet above the coffee machine, poured three mugs and set up the machine to make another pot. Taking them back to the table, he placed them within reach of his brothers. Archer and Jason were looking his way but not saying anything.

“Are you okay?” Archer asked.

“Yeah, I think. I’m feeling a bit lost, but I know I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Luke replied.

“Have you met Freya’s fiancé yet?” Jason asked.

“There is no fiancé, but I don’t have enough evidence yet to force her to admit it.”

“But you have a plan, right?” Archer said.

“I do. I will meet her after school every day until she is forced to confess her big fat lie or roll out the man of her dreams that put a ring on her finger.”

“Are you jealous?” Archer asked.

“Of a fictitious man? Hell no,” Luke said.

“But what if he’s real? Are you ready to give up your bestie?” Jason asked.

“Hell no again. If he does exist and doesn’t like the look of me, he will have to accept we come as a package deal.”

Archer barked out a laugh.

“You would never accept that as a deal if you were her fiancé, and she told you she had a male best friend who hugged her all the time and kissed her head.”

“Hell no, but we’re not talking about me being the fiancé. I’m the best friend.”

“Hmm, Jason,” Jason said into his coffee mug.

“Breakfast is ready,” Maggie said, giving Archer a wink and placing his sandwich in front of him.

Next came two plates for Jason and Luke.

“Whatever happens, boys, I hope Freya isn’t a stranger in this kitchen. I’ve got used to Heidi and Erica popping in. It will be nice to have Freya, too,” Maggie said.

“I’ll let her know, Maggie. Thanks for breakfast,” Luke said.

“Eat up before it gets cold.”

Once breakfast was eaten, more stories were told, and then it was time to head up to see Aunt Cynthia. Bailey came through to the kitchen with five minutes to go. Luke went to the bathroom to wash his hands and straighten his clothes, paying careful attention to stray crumbs.

Luke came back out and received nods from his brothers and a once-over from Bailey. He nodded, too, and they were good to go.

Luke followed him up the back stairs, across the marble foyer and entered the morning room after him. Once Luke was inside, Bailey closed the door, staying on the other side. Luke wondered if this was how it felt when someone was locked in a cell.

“Luke,” Aunt Cynthia said from the other end of the morning room.

She was on the threshold of the morning room and conservatory.

Wearing her uniform of green slacks and a twinset, she looked well-groomed and ready for battle. Luke wasn’t there to argue, but she knew he didn’t want to be there at all. The one thing on his side was he was an adult now, no longer the child she could bully.

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