Page 91 of Force of Nature

“Yes. Because if you stay I’ll feel obligated to stay and while I love North Carolina, I’m ready to get the hell up out of here for a few weeks.”

“You staying with your parents?”

“My brother. He just moved to a two bedroom in Brooklyn and I absolutely love New York this time of year.”

“You sure you two won’t kill each other?” I chuckle. From what Glenn has told me the two don’t always see eye to eye which has led to some pretty dramatic blow outs over the years.

“Nah. I won’t be there long enough. Our fights usually stem from long periods of time together. A few weeks is nothing.”

“That sucks that you guys fight like that.”

“Yeah, well, we can’t all have the perfect siblings.” He gives me a pointed look.

“My siblings are far from perfect.”

“And yet when you talk about any of them your face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning.”

“I think it’s because I’m the only girl. If I were a guy it probably wouldn’t be that way at all. In fact, they all fight with each other. Especially Brad and Chris when we were younger.”

“Spoiled little princess. You really have led such a charmed life.”

“How do you figure?” I crinkle my nose at him.

“Gorgeous. Talented. Head Cheerleader. High school drama star. Dated the most popular boy in school. Five brothers and parents who all adore you. Need I go on?”

“I’m not disputing that I’ve been blessed, but I am far from a princess,” I say, remembering how Thad used to call me that sometimes. “Besides, most of that was years ago. I’m not even close to that person anymore.”

“You’re still a princess,” he teases, pushing his empty cup to the edge of the table. “You about ready to get out of here? I’ve got to get back to the hotel and pack. My flight leaves tomorrow at the butt crack of dawn.”

“Yeah.” I take one more drink of my latte before standing. “I guess I should call my mom and let her know I’ll be coming home in a couple of days.” I blow out a hard breath.

“This will be good, you’ll see.” Glenn drops an arm over my shoulders as he leads me out of the small coffee shop and into the cool afternoon breeze.

“I know,” I admit. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not dreading it.”

“I get that. But I think you’re thinking it’s gonna be worse than it is. I’m not saying it won’t drudge up some old feelings, but you’ve got way more memories there without him than with him. Give it a day or two and it will be like he was never there at all.”

“You’re probably right,” I agree, knowing I’m likely just psyching myself out for no reason at all.

“I’m always right.” He knocks his hip playfully against mine.

“Now I wouldn’t go that far.” I laugh, realizing how much I’m going to miss my wildly entertaining friend over our break.

—-

“Ididn’t know you wereback,” Brad says, spotting me at the kitchen table the moment he enters the house.

“Yeah. I got in last night.” I roll the spoon around my half eaten bowl of cereal.

“Did Mom know you were coming? I’m surprised she didn’t plan a big dinner and force everyone to come.” He grins, crossing the room toward the coffee pot.

“I think that’s probably coming. I purposely didn’t tell her exactly what day I would be here,” I admit, watching Brad’s shoulders shake as he chuckles.

“Smart girl.” He fills his travel mug with coffee before turning around. Pressing his back to the counter, he twists on the lid before his gaze comes up to me. “How long are you here for?”

“Until after the New Year. I’ll probably head to L.A. for a couple of days to see Whit, but other than that y’all are stuck with me.” I smile. “How’s Miranda and Devon?” I ask, having spoken to Brad and the twins the least since I’ve been in North Carolina filming.

“Doing really well. Devon is chattering up a storm. Most of it makes little sense but his vocabulary is really expanding.”

“Aww, I’ll have to stop over and see him later today if that’s okay.”

“Of course. I’m sure Miranda would love to see you.” He pushes away from the counter. “Well, I should get back out there. Glad you’re home, sis.” He stops directly next to my chair, dropping a quick kiss to the top of my head before disappearing outside without another word.

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