“Sorry, I had to run to the office to check that the next snack will arrive at three instead of two.” Violet looks between us. “Got to see Connor?”
“Yeah, he hates that I’m here.” Brielle pouts for dramatics.
Violet touches her arm. “If it’s any consolation, I’m only cool if I supply pizza. I can’t even sway him with watching the Mighty Ducks movies anymore. That was a total win for me. Hockey for Connor and Joshua Jackson.”
Brielle touches Violet’s shoulder in agreement. “Oh yeah, totally forgot he’s in that. So, right, Connor is too old for everything now.”
Ignoring their nostalgia, I tell my sister, “Thanks again for helping out.”
My sister shrugs. “Kind of needed something to do while I figure out my life. Speaking of which, Margo phoned me to ask what kind of flowers you both might like for your wedding?” She gives Brielle and me a confused look.
Brielle croaks out a sound and pretends to cough.
I rub the back of my neck. “What did you say?”
“That I’ll get back to her.” Violet is waiting for further explanation. “Something you two need to share?”
“Do you think she told Mom and Dad?” I ask awkwardly. As much as we are adults, we all know my dad will have an opinion on any reunion between Brielle and me.
Violet looks at Brielle for a clue then back to me. “No. She barely talks to them, and why aren’t you telling me that Margo lost the plot?”
“Yeah, Ford, why aren’t you?” Brielle gives me a cheeky smirk.
Looking at my watch, I pretend it’s time. “Wow, look at that. Need to start warming up.”
Violet looks back and forth between us, tilting her head to study Elle’s vacant finger. “Okay, no engagement ring. Why are you two acting so… oh my God, you two are totally hooking up again,” she loudly whispers, her face completely entertained.
I hold my hand up to indicate for her to quiet down. “You’re my sister. We are not having this conversation.”
“This is why I’m babysitting my favorite little devil, isn’t it? You were really serious about your get-Brielle-to-Lake-Spark plan.”
Brielle swipes a hand through her hair. “Wow, was I really the last one to figure out his agenda?”
My sister gives Brielle raised brows. “Oh please, Connor or no Connor, you really think you both would have lasted more than a day during ‘family time at the lake house?’” Violet uses air quotes.
Brielle attempts to say something but fails.
“Don’t you have emails to check? Maybe fill a water cooler? What am I paying you for again?”
“Big brother can’t handle the hard facts? Fine.” Violet takes two steps then pauses and whirls her finger in the air. “I’m not leaving because you told me to. I’m leaving because I have emails to answer and need to show Declan where he can connect his laptop.”
“Oh yeah, Declan had to answer his phone. He said he’ll call you later,” Brielle informs me.
I shake my head. “Violet, just take Declan to an office. Don’t try anything, Declan knows you are to be treated like a sister.”
“Lucky me. I will show him to your office, but I’m doing it because I have job responsibilities, not because my brother is giving me orders.” She tosses her hair behind her shoulders and stomps up the steps.
Brielle bursts out laughing. “The maturity between you two is really next-level.”
“It’s the fun of having a sibling.” Looking down at my skates, I glide back and forth in place, but when I glance up, I notice a funny look on Brielle’s face. “You okay?”
“Totally.”
“Liar.”
She looks around, checking that nobody notices us. “I like your look. Jeans and skates with a sweater on, it’s my favorite.”
Assessing myself, I’d say that she has good taste. My jaw flexes side to side. “Truth?”
