Glaring at her, I don’t appreciate my little sister mocking me. “Not a reversal of roles,” I firmly state.
She simmers a laugh. “Okay, if that’s the case, then it shouldn’t bother you if I voice my opinion on your situation. Since, after all, you claim there is nothing going on between you.” Summer has a mischievous smile.
“Don’t I have a nephew somewhere to play with?” I search the room and stretch to look down the hall.
She swats me. “Nash is getting him down for a nap. Thanks for stocking your house with the portable crib. One less thing to worry about. But don’t go off topic. What’s the deal with crazy lady who has you completely wrapped around her finger?”
“Or I could have her under my thumb,” I counter.
Summer gives me a look that says she’s not buying it. “Maybe Esme can join us for the BBQ.”
“Absolutely not.” That would be a trainwreck of epic proportions since Esme is a loose cannon and Nash can be an ass because it’s fun.
“Fine. Are you two like dating?”
My face screws up.
“A benefits kind of thing?”
Quickly, I give her a pointed look. “I am absolutely not discussing this with you for the sake of our sibling relationship.”
Summer flaps her hands as if she is a penguin on speed. “Ooh, you are so having a thing with her.” She gets comfortable, bringing her feet up and under her while her chin rests on her hand against the back of the sofa. “Is it going somewhere? It seems like she’s on par with your need to debate.”
I’m going to have a headache by tomorrow. “Simmer it down, oh young one.”
She curls her bottom lip, pretending to pout.
“What has Summer in a tiff?” Nash enters the room, as my nephew must have fallen asleep. “Are you not giving her the lowdown on what we witnessed?” He flops down on the chair on the other side of the coffee table, bringing his arms behind his head and throwing his feet up on the table.
Clearing my throat, I give him a warning to get those damn shoes off.
“Relax.” He got the hint. “Just remember, the ball is in my court to push your buttons this weekend. I’m going to love every second of this. The neighbor seems to have a thing for you. You two must be having a bad day, though. Don’t worry, it will turn around. Fate is fate.” There is sincerity in his words because that’s how he and my sister happened.
“He’s probably not at that stage yet.” Summer looks to Nash. “You know, realizing it could be the right thing.”
“I can tell. Your brother could loosen up a little. At least he has an excellent wine fridge.”
My sister returns her gaze to me. “You can’t want to be alone forever. No way. One day you will realize work isn’tlife.” She places her hand on my knee then shakes me. “Let’s try to get there before a midlife crisis kicks in.”
“What a cheerleader,” I rebuke.
“I’m totally in your corner. It just seems like you met your match, and look at that, she’s a door knock away. Prime opportunity to keep this thing moving.”
I groan and stand up, ready to flee. “You’re talking as though I’m seeing Esme. You are like ten steps ahead.”
“Uh-oh. Keats said steps ahead. Sounds to me that it has crossed his mind. Time to start shipping Keats and Esme.” Nash does a little fist pump in the air and grins.
“Wine. We need wine,” I declare.
While they both chuckle, I begin to walk away, only to stop.
“Keats, I forgot to tell you something important,” Nash calls out and sounds serious. I turn to answer only to see him holding up a tiny little pearl bead between his fingers. “You really need to be careful. Bo has grabby hands.” He is trying not to burst out laughing. “I found this in the hall. Huh, seems to be from a woman’s necklace.”
Nash and Summer now let loose, and the laughter can probably be heard down the street.
Sipping my coffee,I feel rested. After BBQing last night and calling it an early night, we all woke a little while ago. I had to check a few emails, but I’m trying to turn off so we can head to the park later.
Nash is busy offering Bo scrambled eggs from his fork as they sit at my kitchen counter. Everything seems quite tranquil.
