EVER
“It must be if you’re using the big words.”
He smirks. “This is serious, E.”
“I’m all ears.”
“My grandma finally got approval from the insurance company to have her hip replacement. It’s my turn to take care of her.”
“If it wasn’t your turn, whose would it be?”
“My cousin Slate.”
“Does he work at Crimson?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“No reason.”
“Ever.”
I wave my hand. “He let me in, okay? He looked like a meaner version of you, if that’s even possible. Is he single?”
“You’re not dating my cousin.”
“I’m asking for a friend.”
“He’s too old for any of your friends,” Gage grinds out from between clenched teeth.
I shrug. “That’s his call and not yours.”
“Ever!”
I put up my palms like I’m surrendering. “Sorry. Can’t help it.” Gage’s buttons are easy to push. I sit with my knees to my chest and study my brother’s friend with my eyes narrowed. “Has anyone ever told you you’re too serious and should loosen up?” I scrunch my face. “Boy, I feel sorry for the girl who falls hard for you.”
Another jab at his personal life.
“Can’t get no girl when I have my hands full with another girl who throws me nothing but attitude.” He pointedly looks at me.
Gage wants me to drop the subject of Finley. Not my fault that he volunteered to be my shadow after Carlos’s death. Gage said it was easier for him to keep an eye on me because he works as a freelancer and has a say on what hours and days he works. His services must be in demand. Gage keeps our fridge and pantry full and my gas tank filled.
“You might find a girl when you go and help your grandma.”
“Not happening. I’ve sworn off all relationships.” Since Finley called off their engagement.
Finley is the opposite of Gage in personality and mood. He’s intense and loud. She’s quiet. Not reserved or standoffish, but quiet in an observant way, like she’s taking everything in. Gage is moody. Finley keeps her emotions in check.
If they’re different in personality, they complement one another in the looks department. He’s tall. She’s short. He’s muscular. Finley is strong, but Gage insisted he do everything for her. Gage is tatted. Finley’s skin is flawless, and she’s naturally tan. Gage has dark, almost black hair. Finley’s long, inky hair falls to the small of her back.
“Is your grandma in the same cute house?” The one we moved the chewed-up coffee table from.
“Yeah. She’ll die in that house. Her words.”
I decide to stir the pot. “I overheard Finley’s cousin Asher talking to her twin at Gigi’s Diner. Finley moved back to Montgomery. Her boss is letting her work from home.” Sounds like a dream gig. “She’s renting a loft in the International District.” After the breakup, Finley relocated to Alexandria for a job. “Maybe you’ll run into her.” Gage’s grandmother’s place is on the outskirts.
“Is that so?” His jaw hardens. “From now on, I’ll remember to stay away from that neck of the woods.”
It’s his loss that he’s still butthurt from the fallout of Finley picking her mental health over getting hitched. “How long will you be gone?”
