Page 13 of Forever After All

Hanson linked his fingers together on the table and returned his attention to her. “So, you have any siblings?”

“It’s complicated.”

Hanson laughed. “What an answer. Now I can’t wait to hear more.”

“I have a brother. He’s just a little more than a year older than me. We’ve always been close, even though he drives me crazy half the time. We’re different.”

“You’re saying he isn’t blond?”

Jess chuckled. “I’m saying he likes to goof off. Don’t get me wrong, we work together, and he’s a good worker. He just likes to have fun.”

“And you don’t?”

Wow. She actually had to think about that answer. She wasn’t the kind to seek fun things or even make her own fun. Brett made everything into a game or made people laugh when the work was hard. She liked that about him, but it wasn’t in her nature.

“I like fun. I like working. I like the horses.”

Was that all she did? Pretty much. She hung out in the stables, and she liked it.

“You just used working and fun in the same breath,” Hanson pointed out.

“I like them both.”

“That’s a good thing. I like my work too.”

Oh yeah. He fixed computer problems or something. Sounded like the opposite of fun to her, but it was good that he enjoyed it.

“So, it’s just you and your brother?”

“Well, it was just me and Brett until recently.”

Hanson leaned over the table. “The plot thickens.”

“It did. We found out we have a half-sister.”

“When?”

“A month ago. I still don’t know what I think about her.”

It didn’t bother Jess that she had a sister. The part she got hung up on waswhothe sister was.

The waiter arrived and filled their glasses with water. As soon as he walked away, Hanson dove back into the conversation.

“You like her?”

“I haven’t decided.”

Hanson laughed. “I like your honesty.”

“Good. Some people don’t. What about you? Any siblings?” Jess asked.

“Loads. I have two sisters and two brothers.”

“That seems like a lot of kids,” Jess said.

“Yep, but my mom and dad are great. I couldn’t imagine growing up without a houseful of siblings. It was fun.”

Okay, Hanson definitely had a different childhood than the one she’d experienced. It was hard not to be jealous.

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