She shrugs, unrepentant.“I’m not that young, and someone has to look out for my sister.So are you?”
“No,” I say firmly.“That’s not what this is about.”
Sophie considers this, then nods, apparently satisfied.“Good.Because she deserves someone who’s nice to her.Someone who looks at her like she’s special.”She tilts her head.“You’re rich, you’re nice to her family, and throughout our walk home from school, you kept looking at her when she didn’t know you were looking.I approve of you.”
“Thank you.”I feel amused.“Is it important to you that I’m rich?”
“Yes,” she says bluntly.“I want someone who will buy Olivia nice things.And take care of her.Chase never got her gifts.He’d give her handmade stuff.And he’s gotmoney.He is the town’s only vet.Do you know what he gave her on her last birthday?Olivia kept hinting that she liked a necklace.It wasn’t even that expensive.I mean, she could have afforded the necklace herself.It’s not like she wanted him to pay for it because she couldn’t afford it.He just always said he’s not good at giving gifts so she told him what she wanted.”Sophie makes a face.“He sent her a cheap bouquet.Like, he got it delivered to her apartment in Manhattan.He didn’t even bother flying out to see her.And—” She leans even closer, her eyes flashing.“—and he took Amber on a trip for her birthday two months ago.My sister deserves better.”
“She does,” I agree, my jaw tensing as I listen to the selfish man Olivia had tied herself to for the past decade.
We stare at each other, and then Sophie demands, “So this is really pretend for Olivia?”
I nod.
“But not for you?”
“Correct.”I set down my glass on the table.
Sophie is quiet as she mulls over this bit of information.“So why are you guys pretending?Is it because of Chase and Amber?”
“I can see why you’re top of your class.”I give her a small smile.
She grins in response.“You know, I can help you one-up Chase.Amber really likes to brag about Chase and everything he does for her.I can tell you when he’s planning to propose.”A wicked glint enters her eyes.“He’s got a very specific plan.Amber told him what her dream proposal is.I know everything about it because Amber’s cousin from her Mom’s side is in my class.We can totally ruin the proposal.”
“Tempting,” I murmur.“Tell me what you know.”
A cackle escapes her lips, and I know this one is a little troublemaker.I’m glad she’s on my side.
* * *
I’m still processingSophie’s information about Chase’s proposal plans when I hear footsteps on the stairs.Bob Hartley appears in the kitchen doorway, stopping short at the sight of his youngest daughter and her sister’s supposed boyfriend drinking hot chocolate five in the morning.
“Well, this is a surprise,” he says, rubbing sleep from his eyes.“What are you two doing up so early?”
“Sophie made me hot chocolate.”I lift the mug in greeting.
“Alexander went for a run,” Sophie announces cheerfully.“In this weather.Can you believe it?”
Bob’s eyebrows shoot up as he looks at me.“A run?In December?In the mountains?”
“I like to stick to an exercise routine,” I explain lightly.“Keeps me focused.”
“That’s dedication,” Bob says, sounding impressed.He moves to the coffee maker, measuring out grounds and yawning.“So, what do you think of Silverbell Hollow so far?”he asks as the machine starts to burble and hiss.
“It’s charming,” I say honestly.“Very different from Manhattan.”
“That’s the point,” Bob says with a chuckle.“We like our quiet up here in the mountains.”He leans against the counter, waiting for his coffee.“You strike me as a city person through and through.Think you can handle a whole month in a small town?”
“I’m finding it more enjoyable than I expected,” I admit, and I mean it.Bob nods, seeming satisfied with that answer.His coffee finishes brewing, and he pours himself a generous mug.
Sophie bounces up from her chair.“I’m going to start running with him,” she declares.I nearly choke on my hot chocolate.That’s news to me.
Bob laughs, the sound warm and genuine.“Is that so?You, the girl who complains about walking to the bus stop?”
“It’s good for discipline,” Sophie says primly, shooting me a conspiratorial look that her father doesn’t catch.“Right, Alexander?”
I recover quickly.“Absolutely.Discipline is important.”
