‘Maybe I have no choice but to ask more than one. Because if I’m an open book, you’re so damned secretive no one knows what the hell is going on in your life.’
‘And that, dear sister, is exactly how I like it.’
‘I don’t believe you.’
She watched as he poured himself some wine and angled the bottle towards her glass.
‘No thanks,’ said Lucy. ‘I need a clear head.’
He inspected her. ‘You’re going out.’
‘I am,’ she said, stepping forward and resting her hands on his shoulders. ‘Don’t I get a proper hug?’
He sighed. ‘Sure.’
She gave him a big hug; he sat down on the sofa as soon as she’d released him. ‘Well done for submitting to it,’ she said wryly, more than a little puzzled by his lack of easy affection.
‘Hm.’ He grimaced. ‘Sorry. I’m out of practice.’
‘That’s no good.’ She took some cold chicken and salad from the fridge and plated it up, adding fresh bread she’d brought home from the café. ‘Here,’ she said, setting the plate on the coffee table beside him. ‘Eat before you drink any more.’
‘Thanks. I’m hungry.’
‘I thought you might be. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have turned up at my door just before dinner.’
‘Aren’t you eating?’
‘No, I’m eating out.’
He raised an eyebrow as he buttered a piece of bread. ‘Where?’
‘What are you, my keeper?’
‘I’m your big brother; same thing. So… big date?’
‘A date. Too early to tell if it’s big or not. Not enough information about him.’
He pulled out his phone. ‘I’ll do some digging if you like. What’s his name?’
‘Oliver,’ she said, checking her bag for keys, phone, lipstick — all the essentials.
Dan rolled his eyes. ‘Surname?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘You don’t know the full name of the person you’re meeting?’
‘I know he looks good, talks good, and he makes me feel good.’
Dan slid his phone back into his pocket. ‘Oh well, in that case, I guess you have all you need to know.’
‘I guess I do.’ She went to the mirror for one last check.
Dan walked up behind her, munching on salad. ‘You’re looking more than good. Hope he’s worth the trouble.’
‘Time will tell,’ she said with a smile, warmed by the compliment. In her heels, she didn’t even need to stretch to kiss his cheek. ‘I’m off. I want to call in on Mum before I go. Stay and finish your dinner.’
‘Cool.’ He looked around. ‘I think I will.’ He stepped out onto the small balcony that overlooked the village street, and Lucy joined him.
