There was little conversation from Jacob and I as he drove us the fifteen minute drive from our hotel to his new home, on the outskirts of the city of Williamsport. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, Jacob’s wife, Grace stood outside the door, waving at us.
The woman who’d stolen his heart after he’d believed for most of his life he hadn’t had one. That was how he’d put it, anyway. I knew the feeling of not believing you had a heart.
My gaze moved across the car to Syd as she looked between Grace and my brother. I couldn’t tell if she was shocked to see, like her, Grace was Black, or if she was trying to figure them out. Jacob’s demeanor noticeably changed from reticent and borderline hostile to a touch below giddy as he took barely three strides from the car to the front door, wrapping Grace up in his arms.
Her laughter was effusive.
I rounded the car, moving to Syd’s side, more so she wouldn’t feel awkward standing by herself meeting another person she didn’t know.
“Luke,” Grace called. “Thanks for coming,” she said excitedly. “We’re so happy you get to see the finished product.”
I nodded. “I came to ensure I got a place to get some work done if I ever need it,” I commented, my eyes glancing over at my brother.
Grace laughed. “You’ll always have a place here.”
I shook my head. As much as I despised the idea of marriage or being tied to one pussy for life, I could silently admit the bastard had lucked out with this one.
“And this is?” Grace questioned, turning her attention to Syd.
“Syd, I’m Luke’s trainer.”
The women shook hands.
“Please, come in,” Grace welcomed, stepping inside, leaving us to follow.
I let Syd walk ahead of me while Jacob followed.
“Your home is beautiful,” Syd commented, taking in the modern style decor.
“Thank you. We’re making some changes since Jacob moved in.”
Syd, turned with a lifted eyebrow as we passed through the entranceway toward the living room.
“You’ve had this place awhile?”
Grace nodded. “Lived here for about five years.”
“Nice.”
“I hope no one’s allergic to shellfish. Luke, Jacob said you weren’t, but I didn’t know you would be joining us, Syd.”
“Yes, I guess I was kind of a last-minute addition. Jacob said it would be okay.”
“It’s fine,” Grace quickly responded.
“Good. I usually would bring something, but this was short notice. And no, by the way, I’m not allergic to shellfish. But Luke is on a new plant-based diet as part of his training.”
Grace looked at me with lifted brows. “I didn’t know. Jacob you didn’t tell me that.”
“I didn’t know either.” My brother turned to glare at me.
I shrugged. “I forgot to mention it.”
“It’s a good thing your trainer is here,” Grace commented.
“Yeah, fucking grateful, I am,” I snarked.
“Watch your tone,” Jacob snapped.
