Page 11 of One Week Wingman

“Literally all the time. Literally!”

She giggles, and I give her a fond hug. “I’m so happy it’s worked out for you. I just… don’t know when it’s going to happen for me.”

“At least you’ve got Stefano,” she reminds me, grinning.

“Stefano,” I laugh. “God knows I’m going to need him!”

Back at the house,Daisy is with Mom on the porch, excitedly showing her things on her phone.

I watch them for a moment, still processing the bombshell news.

Daisy, and…Jason.

Like there weren’t enough single guys in the world, she had to go straight for the one who was the love of my life for four whole years. And, sure, it’s water under the bridge, but still! Isn’t there a code?

Thou shalt not bone your sister’s ex. At least until you clear it with her first.

“Good to see you, sweetheart,” my stepdad, Phil says, sauntering into the kitchen in his khakis and golf shirt. He gives me a big hug. “Everything OK?”

“What? Yes!” I blurt. “Fine. Dandy.”

Dandy?

He follows my gaze out to the porch. “Did you girls have a chance to talk?" Phil asks. "I know Daisy wanted to… Straighten everything out.”

“Nothing to straighten!” I exclaim brightly. “Everything’s great. I’m happy for her. For both of them. Small world, huh?”

“That’s the way we like it.” Phil grabs a beer from the fridge and carefully pops the top. Everything about the guy is thoughtful and deliberate, it’s what makes him such a great match for my scatterbrained mom. They met when she started as a secretary at his septic company. Yes, septic: He’s the Sewer King of Western Connecticut. Apparently, it was love at first sight. Or scent. Either way, he’s been great for her. My father passed away when I was younger. He was a session musician who died in a car accident when I was just a kid, but from what I’ve been able to pick up over the years, he wasn’t the most reliable guy around. In fact, my mom pretty much banned me from ever dating anyone in a band, thanks to their disastrous relationship.

Which is why nobody in this house knows about my musical leanings. And it’s going to stay that way.

“Isn’t he the best?”

I yelp, and almost drop my purse. Daisy is standing right there, her eyes bright with excitement. She’s changed into a pretty little sundress, and her hair frames her face in a blonde, wavy cloud. “Jason, I mean.”

Who else?

I pour myself some ice water, trying to hide my freak-out. “The best,” I echo. “So, how long have you two… You know…”

Been discovering each other’s O-faces.

Daisy’s smile slips. “I wanted to tell you,” she says immediately. “I’ve felt like the worst sister in the world. But I didn’t want to say anything and cause a big thing unless it was serious, and then once it was, I knew you were coming for the reunion, and I thought it would be better in person. You’re not mad, are you? Say you don’t hate me!” She grips my hand and gazes at me plaintively, and I can’t help but soften.

Of course Daisy didn’t do this to hurt me. She doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body.

“I don’t hate you,” I say, and I’m immediately swept into a hug. “Jason and me are old news. Ancient history. It’s been years since we even saw each other!”

I waft my hand to indicate how utterly breezy and casual I am and knock a magnet off the fridge door. A photo of me and Daisy from years ago, arms around each other’s shoulders, grinning for the camera, falls on the floor.

Thanks, universe. I get it. She’s my sister and I love her.

Even though she can be…a lot.

“Thank you!” Daisy beams. “See, I told him you’d be fine about it. Besides, you’re all loved up yourself!”

I stare back blankly.

“With Stefano!” Daisy reminds me.

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