Page 40 of Fortune's Control
It was my turn to sober up. “What?” I swallowed.
“You owe him a long conversation when he gets back.”
Sophie offered me a pitying look. “More wine?”
“Please.”
*****
“When does my brother return home?”
I ceased cutting the pineapple to think better. “Later today? Tonight. It’ll be the three of us all day.”
Sophie stood at the faucet, refilling her glass. “You should know that I’m not a full-time drunk.”
“No judgment here.” Otherwise, I’d be the world’s biggest hypocrite. I followed her lead and drank more water. “Are you sure it won’t be a problem if Emma stays here?”
“It’s your house, Lilah. He married you.” She ate a strawberry off the tray. “There’s no sense in sticking her in a hotel when we have extra bedrooms.”
Shane’s reserved nature would clash with a house full of people. He enjoyed his friendships, but I sensed that he also needed his alone time.
“Are you suggesting that to help me or needle your brother?”
“A little of this and a little of that.” Shepopped a grape into her mouth. “An afternoon of fruit, cheese, crackers, and alcohol. I picked the perfect time for a vacation.”
“You forgot about the music and swimming.” After waking this morning, I wore my emerald green bikini and cover-up. Why bother with clothes when a swimming pool was close by?
A faint scratching sounded at the back door. “Good morning, Pirate.” I rubbed her ears. “We’re doing this. Today is the day. Your food is inside.”
She stood at the entrance and meowed.
“Leave the door open and pretend you don’t care. Cats like people who don’t like them.” Sophie moved Pirate’s food bowl closer to the door. “Look who has your food. Make me your favorite.”
“I put out the food.”
“And I’m taking the credit.”
“Credit for what?” Shane asked.
I didn’t hear him approach. “You’re early.”
He glanced at his sister. “Intuition told us we needed to get back early.”
Aiden stepped inside and went to scratch Pirate’s ears. She hissed and ran into the hallway. “He insisted we move up our return once he learned you were in town. It ruined last night’s plans.”
Sophie shrugged and ate another grape. “Good. I hope you cried yourself to sleep.”
Shane stood by the sink with his legs spread wide and his expression grim.
“Good morning to you both,” I said, all bright and chipper. It’s like I interrupted an old-fashioned standoff. “Why don’t I make something else to eat? We picked lemons this morning, so how about some homemade lemon bars?”
I didn’t get it. If one sibling were the only family member that remained to me, I’d do anything to maintain the relationship.
My question broke the tension in the room.
“That sounds amazing,” Shane says.
“Could you make extra for me?” Aiden asks. He fixed a devilish grin on Sophie. “You should know Jack will be here soon.”
