“Seriously, Ki. Go lie down in my office, lower the shades, turn on the white noise machine, and get some shuteye,” he instructed, adjusting his briefcase on his shoulder.
“I have to answer the phones.”
He waved me off.
“We’ve been without a formal receptionist for the last two months. Just tap in the answering service and catch a nap.”
I closed my eyes and inhaled through my nose while my stomach performed a double back tuck.
“I think I might take you up on that offer.”
Kieran checked his watch and muttered under his breath about traffic and whether he could snag a parking space close to the courthouse.
“Screw it. Shut it down. I’m taking you home. I can make it in time as long as everyone remembers where the gas pedal is.”
My shoulders dropped in relief before I could stop them. I felt like shit since before we left the house, and I didn’t have anything to prove to anyone by pushing through it. I just wanted out of the building that smelled like reheated coffee, toner, and whatever else was making my stomach double-dutch.
I kicked my heels off and dropped my head against the headrest as soon as I lowered myself into Kieran’s car, and I knew he was my favorite sibling when he put the A.C. on full blast. I’d nearly fallen asleep when Kieran’s phone rang loudly through the car.
“Kiyah, you’re not performing your wifely duties.”
I raised my head and peered at him, suspended in confusion. “What do you mean by that?”
He shrugged, shooting out of the parking lot. “I’m just saying, if you were, then Big Bro would stay off my dick,” he exclaimed, jabbing the accept button on the dashboard. “What do you want?”
The line fell silent, and I imagined Grant was just as shocked as I was from Kieran’s outburst. Eventually, Grant cleared his throat and responded.
“Good afternoon to you, too, Wesley.”
“You know who isn’t having a good afternoon? Kiyah. Why didn’t you leave her at home if she wasn’t feeling well? Every time I passed the reception desk, I was afraid she’d blow chunks all over it.”
“Nice visual,” Grant commented.
“I’m just being honest. I hate to admit it, but I think it might’ve been the oysters from the party. Ronan hasn’t been feeling so hot either, and he was slurping them down like he was getting paid. Mom ate a few, too. I’ll swing by the house aftercourt, check on her, and report back to everyone in the group chat.”
“Kieran, you’re not fooling anyone. You’re going to Mom and Dad’s to get a free meal,” I muttered, resting my head against the headrest again.
“That’s my business. What do you need, Grant?”
“I received an alarm notification and checked the cameras and was calling to see where you were taking Kiyah. I called, but her phone went to voicemail.”
“I’m taking her home, and if she vomits in my car, then you’re paying for it to be detailed,” Kieran threatened as he weaved through traffic.
“Understood. Kiyah?”
“Yes?” I answered, keeping my eyes closed.
“There is ginger ale and crackers in the pantry. I’ll bring soup from the deli you like.”
“You’re a godsend.”
“You say that now. Set the alarm when you get home.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Good. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
