“Yeah?” I turn, walking backward a few steps before I slow to a stop.
“You want to join us for dinner?” He takes a few strides closer. “I’ve got ribs smoking and Val’s making Mom’s mac ‘n’ cheese.”
Normally, I’d jump at the opportunity. It gets old cooking for myself and eating by myself. Those are probably the only two things I hate about living alone. But Rosalie is back at my place, and by our interaction earlier, I suspect she could use some company.
“Not sure.” I shrug in a non-committal way. “I might swing by. I’ll let you know.”
My brother’s brows rise as he takes off his hat and wipes the sweat from his brow. “You’ll let me know?” he says incredulously. “What the hell? You got a hot date or something?”
“Or something.” I waggle my brows.
“Must be pretty good if you’re passing up ribs and Mom’s mac ‘n’ cheese.”
“Maybe I’ve got someone waiting in my bed right now,” I tease. It’s not a complete mistruth. Rosalie will be sleeping in my bed all week, but she sure as shit ain’t waiting for me. “So, I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“Let’s say Val’s having a bad day. Is there anything you’d pick up to make her feel better?”
He considers my question. “Depends on the kind of bad day.”
“Okay.” I can’t help but roll my eyes. “That’s totally unhelpful.”
“Well, if she’s had a hard day because of work, I’d probably force her to go take a bath while I make dinner. If it’s that time of the month, I’d stop by the diner to surprise her with one of Marnie’s chocolate cream pies. And I guess if I just wanted to brighten her day, I’d pick a bouquet of fresh flowers from the garden.”
“Bath. Chocolate. Flowers.” Simple enough. “Thanks.”
“This mean the unthinkable’s finally happened?”
“And what’s that?”
“Did you finally go and fall in love?”
I hate how hopeful he looks at the prospect. My perpetual bachelorhood is a joke to him and the rest of the family, and I’m sure they have even more to say when I’m not in the room.
“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m still unattached.”
“Live it up, little brother. Better you than me.”
“You jealous?”
“Hell, no.” My brother shakes his head. “Don’t you get tired of sowing wild oats? Don’t you want to settle down? Start a family? You might be the baby of this family, but you’re not gonna be young forever. In fact, if I recall, you’ve got a big birthday coming next month.”
Yeah, I’ll be thirty. So? There’s no rule that demands I ever fall in love. Hell, the hurt and devastation love has caused my parents and siblings over the years doesn’t make it all that desirable.
“Kid-free and stress-free. You’ve forgotten how good it feels.”
“I’m tellin’ ya’.” My brother shakes his head. “You’re missing out.”
“On sleep? Money? Gray hair?” I laugh. “I think I’m good.”
“There’ll come a time when you’ll wish you could take back those words.” He chuckles smugly. “I can’t wait for the day a woman has you wrapped around herfinger.”
“Never gonna happen.” I walk away, and throw up my middle finger.
“Oh, come on. Don’t be like that.” He laughs after my retreating form.
I don’t take the bait. We can go round and round all day. This is one area we’ll never agree. It’s annoying when my brother gets on his high horse, telling me I’m missing out when I’m perfectly happy. Not everyone wants his life. And sure, maybe I’m not as opposed to the idea of settling down as I claim, but that’s to keep my sister and everyone else in this town from playing matchmaker.
