Penny shrugged and took her first drink. It was chocolatey and good. “However you like them is fine. Do you want me to make the eggs, though?” She hated sitting there while he waited on her hand and foot. Especially since he only had one foot to work with.
Brett shook his head and reached into a cupboard under the counter to pull out a pan, exposing a strip of his lower back. “I don't mind.”
Penny forced her eyes back to her shake. “Yeah, but I feel bad sitting here while you do all the work.”
He stood and shot her a glance. “You can do the dishes.”
Penny laughed. “I don't know if that's a fair trade.”
He set the pan on the stove and reached for the olive oil and salt and pepper next to the fridge. This kitchen was outfitted, which meant either Tyler was a cook and he left everything here when he moved or Brett was more cultured than he looked at first glance.
Brett grinned as he tipped the oil into the pan. “Hey, you're the one who said you felt bad.”
“Fair enough. I’d be happy to.” Penny watched him while he cooked. He heated the pan and cracked four eggs, then tossed the shells in the trash bin under the sink. “Do you work from home?” she asked when he leaned back against the counter.
“Right now, yes, for the most part.” Brett motioned to his knee.
“Do you prefer that?”
“Honestly, it's gotten a little old. I’m usually on-site for at least half the week.”
Penny nodded. She understood that. When she was seeing patients, those moments alone felt like gifts instead of perpetual servitude. It was tedious living in her own head twenty-four seven without any distractions.
Brett exhaled. “Hopefully won't last for too much longer, though.” He shot her a knowing glance.
“If you’re hoping I'm a miracle worker, I'm going to be a huge disappointment.”
Brett coughed. “I don't think that's possible.” He turned and splashed a little water in the pan, then set it back on the stove and topped it with the lid. Penny’s insides warmed. What had he meant by that? Was she already exceeding any expectations he’d had for a housemate?
He turned and braced himself on the counter, and she suddenly wished she’d done something to smooth the hair that was half pulled out of her braid.
“What kind of job are you looking for?” Brett asked.
“Something that pays the bills.”
“You don't really have bills at the moment.”
Penny laughed. “You know my finances now?” The corners of Brett’s mouth twitched. “I only have free rent for the next few months, so I better take advantage right?”
Light streamed in through the window behind her, making Brett’s blue eyes sparkle. “Fair. If you could have your ideal job, then what would it be?”
Penny considered his question as she sipped on her shake. “Probably signing on with a team, being on salary, getting to travel while building long-term relationships.”
“You don't build relationships with your clients?”
“I do, but they’re usually short-lived. I help them through something, and then they move on. With a team, it seems like you become more a part of the family, so to speak.”
Brett's expression sobered. “Is your family from here?
“No.” Penny shook her head. “I’m from Vancouver.”
Brett nodded. The way he was leaning toward her made his shoulder muscles squeeze under his shirt. “Siblings?”
Penny took another long drink. She never knew how to answer this question. If she said six, then inevitably the topic of Lucas would come up. If she said five, she’d feel sick to her stomach. “Six. Three brothers and two sisters.”
Brett’s eyes widened. “Where are you in the mix?”
“Second to youngest.” Penny licked a drip of shake off her lower lip. “One younger sister and then the rest are older.”
