“Now that I’m convinced you’ll stay in the friend zone, I actually think you two are perfect as friends.”
“Why?”
“Both can get into trouble. Smart asses. Talented in your own way. Total opposites though. You can learn from each other, ya know?” He poured his coffee into a to-go mug, mine in an old black one, and then he got two more out. Sugar and cream in one and sugar in the other. That one was Elle.
“We already are. We have this deal—”
“Morning, gentlemen.” Elle yawned as she walked in and sat on the stool next to me. “Heard your dumb voice going through all the reasons why Cal and I are friends. Did you also do this with me and Daniella? Who was mine first by the way.”
“Aware of that, Eleanor.”
“Eleanor?” I repeated, my lips curving up, because what a name. “That’s your name?”
“My parents love Eleanor Roosevelt. I can’t help their choice twenty-one years ago, Calzone. Elle is just fine.”
I snorted and hit my shoulder into hers. “Eleanor. I see it.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and yawned again. “I need caffeine and aspirin.”
“On it.” Gabe handed her the mug with sugar and a bottle of aspirin. “So, what deal do you and Holt have?”
“A sex deal.”
Gabe choked as I lost my balance. “Elle, what the fuck?” Gabe yelled.
She laughed hard, throwing her head back and sounding wonderfully insane. “Oh, the two of you. Chill out. He’s helping me with finances, and I’m getting him to read.”
“Do you need money?” Gabe asked, glaring at me like I was the reason she made the joke. My own face burned, but her witty reply amused me.
“No. I told you already.”
“They why ask him?”
“This is fun to listen to,” I said, earning a cheeky smile from Elle.
Gabe scoffed at me. “I could’ve helped you.”
“Sure, but then I get to make Cal read which is way more fun.” Elle leaned into me, her head on my shoulder, and I froze. What the hell was she doing? Taunting her brother like this?
The floral scent of her shampoo hit me, and I had to slowly breathe it in because Gabe looked furious. His gaze zeroed in on where she touched me, and I took a step the other way. Clearing my throat, I asked, “You ready to leave, Elle? I want to check on the bar.”
“Probably a good idea. Plus, I want to get back to Lizzie’s room?”
“Who is Lizzie?”
“We’re preparing Cal’s new cousin’s room ready at Charlie’s house. Charlie, the owner of the bar and Cal’s uncle, just found out he has a daughter. He’s visiting her for a few weeks, and we’re preparing for a little girl. It’s so much fun.”
Gabe blinked and looked between the two of us. “So, you work at the bar together and are getting the house ready?”
“Yup.” Elle popped the P, downed the hot coffee, and set the mug on the counter. “Thanks for the wine, games, and air. Appreciate you.”
“Cal, why don’t you start the car?” Gabe said, not leaving room for argument. I took the cue and got out of there. It had been stupid to stay the night. Nothing good had come from it. I headed out the door but not before I heard Elle’s voice.
“Before you say a word, Gabe, please understand I warned Daniella about you multiple times. If you want a mirror to talk about your past, let me know, and I’ll gladly remind you. Now, I’m leaving.”
She walked out, paused when she saw me listening, and a wry smile filled her face. “I’m impressed you were eavesdropping. Thought you’d be too scared of Gabe.”
“No.” I shook my head and hated how I flushed. “You’re loud. Your voice carries.”
