“I mean, he’s basically like Ethan, give or take a couple inches.”
“Same for the ego, I bet.” She giggles and blows my brother a kiss. “I told him to play nice, but you know how it is.”
“Let me guess,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “He doesn’t like him.”
“You’re his little sister. He’s just having a hard time getting over it,” Hattie says apologetically. “Of course, Itoldhim the age difference literally doesn’t matter, but he insists it does.”
“Would you be okay if I hit him on the head with a croissant?” I hold up my pastry, narrowing my eyes. “It’s been a while since we had a food fight.”
“Be my guest,” she assures me. “Maybe you’ll knock something loose that reminds him he’s being ridiculous and overbearing.”
Ethan and Kane are still squaring each other up as they move closer to us.
For a second, I think Ethan wants to embarrass both of us. It’s like watching a loading screen spin, just waiting for something awful to come out of his mouth.
Then he stops and sticks out his hand.
“I wish you both luck, brat,” he says.
“Oh my God,” I mutter, standing to prod my brother in the side. “Really, Ethan?”
But I take his hand anyway and shake, knowing this is about as nice as my brother gets.
Kane slides his arm around my waist. I can practically see him holding in a belly laugh.
“He’s not half-bad,” he tells me. “Frankly, he’s cooler than I’ll ever be the day Sophie brings a boy home.”
Hilariously, I know that’s no lie. I’m just grateful I’ll get to be there for it.
Hattie comes up to Ethan’s other side.
“All this dick waving is making me dizzy,” she says, ruining the effect by giving Ethan the soppiest glance I’ve ever seen.
“We’re only in New York for a couple days.” Ethan slides his arm around Hattie’s waist. “Want to come to dinner before we head out?”
“You can bring the kids,” Hattie tells Kane quickly. “Margot says she designed some really cool shoes for your daughter, and I’d love to see them.”
“See?” I say to Ethan, pointing at my best friend. “This is what support looks like.”
Kane kisses the side of my head.
“Dinner sounds great,” he says. “Sophie can’t get enough of showing off her favorite shoes.”
I sigh.
It’s so sweet how much she loves them. I almost tear up every time I think about it.
“Feels like a good time to bury bad memories,” Kane says as we all head for more from the breakfast spread set up on the bar. My mouth waters at the delicious smells.
“Cheers to that,” Dad says, holding up a glass of black iced tea.
While he’s distracted, Ares trots over and steals a sausage off his plate.
“Good boy,” I whisper.
Dad gives the dog the stink eye.
“I’ll always be around to help Margot any way I can. As long as she’ll have me.” Kane looks at Ethan, the words falling like a solemn vow.
