“They want a beachfront property with the budget of a mainland shed. To top it off, they don’t want any building with windows because there would be more risk of damage in a storm.” Kelly rolled her eyes and threw up her hands. “Who wants a home without windows, especially one on the beach? Everyone is entitled to their own desires, but don’t get mad at me when I have no homes I can show within those extremely narrow parameters. The couple threatened to break their contract with me, and I almost told them go for it.”
“Wow. That sounds terrible.” Offering a sympathetic smile, Anna replied with full indignation. “You’re the best realtor in all the Carolinas, but you can’t work miracles.”
“I’m doing my best. I keep praying they’ll realize they are asking for the impossible. There are several really nice homes within their budget that check most of their boxes and are only miles from the beach, but they won’t hear of it.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t need that stress, especially now.”
“That’s what Tommy says. He’s all for me ditching them, but I’m not comfortable with doing that. Yet,” Kelly added with a half-smile. “On a happy note, I heard from my parents today.”
“How are they? Have they enjoyed their cruise?” Anna stabbed a piece of chicken with her fork, dabbed it in extra dressing, and ate the bite.
“They have enjoyed every minute. If I didn’t love them so much, I’d be jealous they escaped all that rain last week.”
“You and your brothers hit the Christmas gift out of the ballpark with that cruise. After the rough year they had, I’m happy they had this vacation.”
“Me too. The cruise was Jack’s idea, which surprised me. He’s changed recently.” A subtle, unspoken question laced Kelly’s sentence.
Treading carefully, Anna simply replied, “it was very thoughtful.”
Wrinkles formed on Kelly’s nose. “You’re going to make me ask outright, aren’t you?”
“Ask what?” She played naïve, though she knew fully well what was coming.
“What’s going on with you and Jack?”
After unscrewing the lid, Anna took a drink of water and swallowed slowly. “There’s nothing happening.”
Kelly lifted a brow. “Why was he here Saturday?”
“He asked for my help with a project,” she answered honestly.
“Jack needed your help?”
The dubious tone in Kelly’s voice hurt Anna. “You think I wouldn’t have anything to offer him?”
“That’s not it at all. I’m so sorry if it came out that way.” Setting her plate aside, Kelly frowned. “I love you, and I know the crush you had on him for a long time. I also love my brother, but he’s not known for having serious relationships. He’s starting to change, but I’d hate to see you hurt.”
“While I appreciate your concern, I’ve been over that crush for years. We’re too different of people, and I understand that.” Sitting straighter, she looked Kelly in the eyes. “More than that, I can promise you there is nothing between Jack and me. He seriously asked for my help, and that’s why he was here.”
Wrinkles formed on Kelly’s forehead. “Then what does he need help with that’s so secretive?”
“You’ll have to ask him.” She bit down on her lip, hating keeping secrets from her best friend. “I’m sorry.”
“I get it. Topic closed.” A smile pulled at Kelly’s lips. “If you can’t share your secret, can I at least share mine?”
“Of course!” By the look on Kelly’s face, Anna knew it must be good and she leaned forward. “What is it?”
“Well, you know how we weren’t going to find out this baby’s gender?”
“Yes.”
“The technician accidentally slipped this morning at my ultrasound.” Kelly covered her coy grin with her hand.
“No way! Were you upset? Are you going to tell anyone?” She sat upright, joining her hands to keep them from moving with excitement.
“She was so apologetic, I couldn’t be upset. Tommy couldn’t come to this appointment with me, but I told him what happened and gave him the choice to know or not.”
“What did he say?”
