Chapter 6
“Grant!”
Reagan held open the door to the two-bedroom apartment she and Hudson shared and let her brother in. She was pleasantly surprised when he called her the week before to tell her he wanted to come and visit. She figured it was his way of making an effort to get on board with her relationship, and she loved him for it.
“Hi, Ray. How are ya?”
Grant set his duffle bag in the foyer and looked around. Reagan told him a few months ago that everything used to be white, but it was clear she’d had a hand in changing that up. There were colorful prints on the walls and pillows on the white couch. There was a rug in the living room floor in bold colors. Yeah, he could see his sister in every corner of that place. He was happy to see that she had a say in the decorating.
“I’m great. Was the drive all right?”
“Oh, you know. Same old.” He pulled her in for a hug. “Your place is nice, baby girl.”
“Thanks.” She beamed at him, pleased that he noticed the effort she put in. “Hudson should be done with work in about half an hour. He promised to cook dinner for us. First, let me show you the guest room.”
Grant followed Reagan down the hall and was impressed with the homey feel of the room she showed him. There was a plush blanket at the foot of the bed, and the comforter was a deep shade of green. There was a throw rug in there as well, and pictures on the walls of rainforests. “I feel like you should be studying to be an interior designer, sweetheart.”
Reagan blushed. “Luna helped me. She has an eye for color.”
“I guess so. This is not the stark, barren whiteness you complained about before.” He ran his hand over the dark gray blanket.
“Nope.”
After Grant set his bag on the bed, they settled in the living room while they waited for Hudson. They had been nice enough to stock Grant’s favorite beer, so he felt more at home than he’d expected when Reagan brought him one.
“You’ve been working so damn much. Aren’t you exhausted?” Reagan asked him. She noticed he had dark circles under his eyes.
“I slept a lot before I drove here. Floyd came back on Thursday morning, so I slept all day Thursday.” Still, he felt more tired than usual since his internal clock woke him early every morning no matter the day of the week.
“Holy crap.”
“We’re talking seven to seven every day. I felt like a Mack truck had rolled over me when I had to get up in the mornings.” He was glad to get the paycheck soon, but not glad for the reason behind it.
“I’m happy you chose to come here to blow off steam.” She touched his knee. “Are you happy?”
He raised an eyebrow. “What brought that on?”
“I worry about you always being alone.” She pursed her lips.
“I know you think I’ll meet my soulmate now that you’re out of my hair, but that hasn’t happened. I even went out with the guys for the hell of it before this crap with work came about.” There was no way in hell he was going to tell her about Alex. “I’m making an effort.”
“As long as you aren’t holed up in the apartment never getting out there and having fun, then I’m happy for you.”
They both heard the key in the door as Hudson unlocked it and came in. They stood simultaneously, and Grant looked away while Reagan greeted Hudson. Eventually, he sauntered over and stuck his hand out, accepting the other man’s shake and then stepping back.
“It’s good to see you, Grant.”
Grant watched Hudson set his briefcase down and drop his keys and wallet on the hall table. “You, too.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “You teaching a summer class?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.”
Grant could only nod, and Reagan stepped in before it could get awkward—moreawkward.
“Hudson, why don’t you get changed and we’ll meet you in the kitchen?”
He took her hint and went down the hall while Grant and Reagan went into the kitchen. She started pulling things out of the fridge to make it easier for Hudson once he got in there. Grant sat at the table and watched his sister move around with easy familiarity.
“I should be asking you if you’re happy, but the answer is pretty obvious.”
