Page 97 of A Play for Love

I stared at Ella and Lily, who were teaching Nora, Lorelei, and Lena how to build sandcastles.

“How long do you guys have Nora for?” I asked.

“She’s staying the week while Celeste and Howie are in Colorado skiing,” Sebastian said. “She’s such a good kid.”

“She’s got our blood running through her veins. Of course, she’s good,” Simon said.

“We weren’t always good, bro.” Sam chuckled.

“We lashed out because of our parents. Celeste is a good woman, and Dad isn’t around. Our sister isn’t tainted.”

“I heard that, Simon!” Aunt Barb walked over to us.

“Boundaries, Mom. We talked about this.”

“Shush up, darling. Stefan, the toilet in the bathroom upstairs is leaking. Can you come over tomorrow morning and fix it?”

“Yeah, Mom. I’ll be there.”

“Thank you.” She pressed her lips against the top of his head.

“You look very nice, Aunt Barb. Are you going out?”

“Thank you, Nathan. Yes, I am going out.” She smiled.

“With whom?” Simon narrowed his eye.

“That is none of your business. I’ll see you tomorrow, Stefan. Good night boys.”

“You could have just sent Stefan a text message!” Simon shouted as she walked away.

“And miss the opportunity to irritate you? Never.” She turned her head and smiled.

We all laughed.

“Shut up, douchebags,” Simon said as he pulled his phone from his pocket. “Hey, Roy. I need you to put a tail on my mother. I want to know where she’s going and who she’s with. Thanks, buddy.”

“Really, bro?” Sam asked. “It seems like you’re the one with no boundaries. Maybe she’s going out with Rose tonight.”

“Nah,” I said. “Rose and Mark are going to see some play tonight.”

“She probably has a date,” Conner said.

“We’ll find out, won’t we?” Simon smirked.

CHAPTER35

ONE WEEK LATER

Christian

“And that should do it. Let’s close him up,” I said.

“Excellent work, Dr. Kind.”

“Thank you, Dr. Lovett. Great work today, team. If you’ll excuse me, I have a dinner date with my beautiful fiancée.” I smiled.

I removed my gown, gloves, surgical cap, and mask as I headed out of the O.R. When I stepped out the door, I saw Charleigh at the nurse’s station talking to a few nurses.

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