Trevor soon materializes again with fresh beers. “Sorry about the family. They have no filter.”
“I noticed.”
“They mean well. They really do. They’re just…” He trails off, searching for the word.
“Fun?”
“That’s diplomatic.” He takes a long drink. “So what do you think of Bailey?”
The question is casual. Too casual.
I keep my expression neutral. “She seems nice.”
“Nice.” Trevor’s mouth quirks. “That’s the best you’ve got?”
“We spoke for thirty seconds.”
“Still, first impressions.”
I choose my words carefully. “She’s clearly intelligent. Your aunties love her.”
“Everyone loves her. She’s—” He stops, something shifting in his expression. “She’s had a rough time lately with the Derek situation. She’s hiding behind her new job, pretending she’s fine, but I can tell.”
Guilt twists in my gut. I know exactly how bad the Derek situation is. I was there that night.
“She’ll be fine though,” Trevor continues. “She is tougher than she looks. Starting that new job, finally leaving that dead-end firm behind. I just hope they treat her right this time. She deserves a real fresh start.”
“Yeah.” My voice sounds hollow. “Fresh start.”
Across the yard, Bailey is talking to a cousin, laughing at something they said. But her shoulders are tight and her smile is slightly forced. She glances up, catches me watching, and looks away quickly.
Trevor follows my gaze. “You know, you two would actually get along. She’s creative, you’re analytical. Fire and ice.”
The words hit close. I take a long drink of beer to avoid responding.
“I should introduce you properly,” Trevor muses. “After the meal, maybe. Consider yourself warned, though, she’s off-limits.”
My hand tightens on the bottle. “You’ve mentioned that.”
“I know. I’m protective. It’s a flaw.” He grins, but there is steel underneath.
“Of course.”
“I mean it, though. Bailey is special. She’s been through a lot. From now on, anyone who hurts her answers to me.”
“Understood,” I manage.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, grateful for the distraction.
Lottie:Press issue with the Larsson deal. Need you to call ASAP.
“Work?” Trevor asks.
“Emergency.”
“On Saturday?”
“You know how it is.”
