Page 22 of Heartfelt Goals

“I told the coach you both were flying in, and they let me leave practice early,” he explained simply, shrugging. To her horror, Kendall leaned forward, sniffed, and then backed away.

“Truth.”

“Thanks, kid.”

“You’re welcome. May I suggest antiperspirant?”

“I used it – along with a shovel to get my ego off the ground.”

“See? Now, aren’t you glad we’re family?”

“So happy,” he muttered evenly. “So,sooohappy… you have no idea.”

Laurel wanted to die.

Now.

Right now.

Instead, she grabbed Kendall, pulling her from where she was standing between the two of them and gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sure you smell just fine.”

“I’m so glad we are having this conversation in public,” he retorted glibly.

“You know, I was going to get a taxi to the condo…”

“But I’m here and thought it would be a nice gesture,” he interrupted, staring at her. “How were your seats?”

“Told you…” Kendall sang – and this time, both she and Dustin rolled their eyes in unison before sharing a quick, nervous smile.

“They were really nice.”

“She had two mimosas,” Kendall volunteered, “And lots of warm nuts. She was obsessed with them and…” Laurel immediately put her hand over her sister’s mouth – ignoring the way Kendall licked her palm to get free.

“You are disgusting,” Laurel hissed in frustration and anger, turning to look at her sister’s wide eyes as she stared at her mutely from behind her hand. “No more comments, innuendo, and can you please leave my dignity intact for the next thirty minutes?” And right before she pulled her hand away, she paused as Dustin spoke.

“You know, the computer is still in the box for Kendall. If she’s not listening to you or misbehaving, say the word, and I’ll return it.”

He tossed it out there in such a manner-of-fact voice that both females looked at him in shock as he shrugged.

Laurel was amazed that he had her back, allowing her to be in charge when she’d felt so completely out of control the last week, and Kendall was glaring at him. Pulling her hand away from her sister’s mouth, she wiped it on her jeans, disgusted.

“I don’t like you,” Kendall began hotly, hissing the words. “I hope this whole fiasco is temporary so you’ll go away.”

“Your sister is in control, so you are whining to the wrong person,” Dustin said simply. “I’m the wallet. She’s the boss. You’ll get farther with honey than you will with that attitude, too.”

“Kendall!” Laurel began, shocked, and Dustin stopped her, staring at her sister stonily. It was almost like the duo was in a ‘glare-off’ to see who could outdo each other with the most menacing look. “Please be nice…”

“When we’re at the house, behind closed doors, you can say what you want to me, Kendall – but you will always respect your sister. She is the one who decides if you get a computer, a game system, a car when you turn sixteen, all of it… so while you don’t have to like me – youdohave to treat her nicely.”

“Did you say a car?”

Instead of answering Kendall, Dustin turned to her.

“How many bags did you check, Laurel?”

“Two. One for each of us.”

“Perfect. Let’s grab them and head to the condo. I think you’ll like the views. You can see the St. Lawrence River from your office and the living room. It’s quite nice.”

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