Page 59 of The Forever Rule

“Call Isabella. And have fun, okay? If you’re willing to give it another chance, he seems like a wonderful man.”

“I don’t know if he is or not. But I want to find out. And that’s what worries me.”

“Just breathe. And know that your father and I know people just in case,” she said, so seriously, I had really hoped that I saw humor in her gaze.

We made it to our cars, said our goodbyes, and I called up Isabella on my way to my house to get ready.

“This is Isabella,” she said on the other line, and I frowned.

“Why are you working today?”

“Yes, I understand, I can give you a call back.”

“Is he in the office with you?” I asked, because there was only onehehere. Her boss. It seemed that Isabella and I were great at finding shitty bosses. At least I had resolved that issue. I just hoped Isabella could.

“You’re right, I’ll give you a call right back.”

I sighed as I got onto the highway, my knuckles a little white because I hated traffic, and it seemed that I was constantly in between eighteen-wheelers.

It only took a few moments for my phone to ring again. I answered quickly, still nervous.

“Hello,” I said, and Isabella let out a dramatic sigh.

“Sorry about that, my office door is closed. I’m fine. I just have to fix a couple of mistakes at work.”

“Your mistakes?” I asked, though I knew the answer.

“Of course not. And while I would say that I never make mistakes, I can. Not often, but I do.”

“I’m sorry, babe. You shouldn’t be at work right now.”

“I shouldn’t, but it’s life. I need a paycheck. Now, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I said, taking my exit. “I just wanted to let you know that I, um, am getting ready to go to coffee with Aston.”

Isabella was silent for so long, I had a feeling that I had made a terrible decision. Everything was far too complicated, and I should probably just text Aston back and say no. And walk away.

Only part of me really didn’t want that.

“Good,” Isabella said after a moment, and I nearly jerked the wheel.

“What?”

“Good. I don’t know him. He seems like a nice guy. And it’s all weird and awkward when it comes to dinners and the fact that he’s my brother and I don’t even know him. But you kept thinking about him, and while part of me wanted to hate him for not calling you back, we both know why he didn’t.”

I sighed and pulled into my neighborhood.

“I know. Maybe it’s just going to be coffee. I don’t know. But if there was something, I’m afraid that if I let this go, I’m going to regret it. And I already have so many regrets.”

“Well don’t be me and live in those regrets, okay? And just know that if he hurts you, I am his sister now, so it means I will have more access to him to kill him.”

“Don’t tell me things like that,” I said, laughing.

“It’s true though. And if things don’t work out with you two, it won’t be too awkward, because I don’t evenknow him. That just means I won’t have to get to know him.”

“See, that means I shouldn’t do this. I want you to know your family.”

“Well I’ll figure it out. You should get to know him too. It’s not all about me, you know.”

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