Page 29 of Love Is Brewing

“Maybe it’s because, as you said, you’re well known. Could be you are used to people looking into you. I’m sure I’ll find many things about your business and that isn’t what I’d be interested in knowing. Or I’ll find out about your family, which again, is no representation of you.”

She could have no idea how good it felt for him to hear her say that.

That she didn’t care about his family all that much. Or who his family was.

“Glad to know,” he said. “I feel the same. I would only find work-related things on you. I’ve got an attorney in my life and don’t need another...on a business front.”

“Many people feel that way about attorneys,” she said, letting out a laugh.

“You didn’t answer me about dinner.”

“Oh,” she said. “I’d love to if you’re cooking.”

He hadn’t planned on that but wasn’t going to say it now.

There was no reason he couldn’t get takeout for them.

Now he’d have to cook though.

Shit.

“Dinner it is,” he said. “I’ll text you my address.”

“And a time,” she said. “I know you’re working.”

“I won’t be here much longer,” he said.

Because he had to figure out what food to buy that he could make and have it come out halfway decent.

“Bye, Elias.”

He had to admit he liked the way his name sounded on her lips. “Bye, Phoebe,” he said.

10

WHY BE ORDINARY

“Why am I not surprised you’ve got a massive house on a sizeable piece of land?” Phoebe asked hours later when Elias opened his front door.

She’d rung the doorbell, but the door opened before her finger left the button.

“I enjoy having space,” he said. “Something I got little of as a kid.”

“You’ll have to tell me more about that,” she said. “I know West is your brother, but I don’t know anything else. I’m not someone to follow tabloids. Who the hell has time?”

“You might be a first,” he said. “When it comes to finding out who I am.”

“Why be ordinary?” she asked. “I like being different.”

Something she tried for a lot in life.

Could be from her grandfather always putting her in a slot. Sure, he told her she was smart and would make a decent attorney.

She wanted to be better than decent.

She wanted to be outstanding.

“That’s me,” he said. “I’m different from most of my siblings. Or maybe we all are to a point. Come in.”

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