He scoffs. “I’m sure it’s only causing more turmoil for my sister.”
I stand tall, and my nose rises slightly to square off. “Why would you say that?”
He seems humored by me. “The thing is… Summer and your brother were always close. They made sense and had a good marriage with a beautiful baby. You? You’re like a tornado rolling into town and uprooting my sister’s life. So, I don’t care what the fuck was in your brother’s mind about this little arrangement, but I can guarantee that Summer is not getting space to process and grieve.”
Gently I shake my head in disbelief. “What is it that you hate about me so much? You’ve made no effort to hide it.”
Keats’s eyes grow into saucers in surprise. “You were a cocky asshole already when you played varsity hockey, but that’s not the issue. I’m not an idiot. Ever since the car crash whenyouwere driving, my sister could barely muster your name for the past few years, and now suddenly you appear in photos of Bo with pumpkins. So yeah, sorry if brother bear is here to check up.”
Licking my lips, I can understand where he’s coming from, which is odd, as it’s not exactly in my favor. “You’re kind of being an ass considering it’s my brother who passed.”
Keats pauses for a second, a small dose of regret showing in his eyes. “I’m… sorry. I’m just worried about Summer. She’s always been one to appear okay on the outside while breaking on the inside.”
I couldn’t agree more, and I hate that she and I are an unsettling feeling of right and wrong. Swallowing, I do my best to be careful with my words. “I’m doing my best to look out for her. To ensure she and Bo are okay.”
There is skepticism written all over Keats’s face as heleans against the pillar and crosses his arms. “I’m seriously wondering how that’s working.”
Glancing up, I’m still uneasy of what exactly Keats’s theory may be in his head, but I’m going to bury it and do what is best for Summer. “I think it’s a good idea that you let Summer know you’re in town, and I’m sure you must be excited to see Bo, too.”
“Very true.” He tugs up his sleeve to peek at his watch. “Since you’re living with my sister, then I’m sure you can confirm that Bo still goes to bed around seven, which means I need to get a move on to see them.”
My jaw tightens. “Schedule confirmed.”
Keats strolls away slowly, patting my shoulder in passing. “I’m only being an ass because it’s my sister on the line, and I worry about her.” There is honesty in his voice, which I do appreciate.
Still, just as he has doubts about me, I have misgivings about his presence.
Bo sitson Keats’s knee, and they stare at one another. “You’re getting big too fast. Slow it down.”
I’m observing from the sofa with a beer in hand. Summer does seem happy as she sits on the floor near them. “Or you’re just not visiting him enough, Mr. Bigshot Lawyer?”
Her brother gives her a pointed look in jest. “I’m not complaining about that title.”
“Sure, but I don’t see any women trailing behind you, so you may need to work on a few qualities,” Summer teases.
Keats quirks his lips at Bo. “Did you hear that? Your mommy is being mean.”
“That’s the whole point of being a sibling, to watch out and call you out when needed.”
Keats’s eyes sharply dagger my gaze. Summer’s innocent sentence has way too much meaning.
Clearing my throat, I divert us. “The Chinese food should be here soon.”
Summer skims a quick look at me before returning to wiggling Bo’s feet playfully. “It’s the easiest, plus you don’t need to cook.”
“Sounds like you two have a routine down to the T.”
Summer slides her eyes between her brother and me, uncertain how to answer. “Kind of happens when you’re living together.” She shrugs.
“Well, I’m here for a few days while a crew finish renovations at my house in Everhope, so I can help you out if needed. Stock up on Halloween candy or something ridiculous. Do you need me to check out that sink you were complaining about?” her brother offers, even though he’s probably the last person to be able to fix a sink. His life is law and overworking.
“Oh, well, Nash already fixed the sink and bought all the candy we need when we were at the store.” Summer smiles, still unaware that her brother wants to roast me.
“All is well,” I direct my sentence to only Keats, as Summer focuses on Bo.
His cheeks twitch with his eyes darkening. “Seems so.”
“It’s really great that you’re back in Lake Spark for a visit. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you,” she mentions.
