“Gina’s sister had an incident yesterday with her husband, and she went over last night,” I explain to my grandfather.
“Oh, no,” my grandfather says, leaning forward. “I do hope that your sister is okay.”
“When I left, she seemed to be feeling better. Hopefully, her husband will get the help he needs. He checked into a rehab—at least that’s what he said he was doing. Thanks for being there for me last night, Hunter,” she says awkwardly and blushes.
I grin at her wickedly. “Anytime.”
“Well, now, shall we get to work?” my grandfather asks, and I jump up. I know this is my cue to leave.
“You guys have a great day.”
“Thanks,” Gina says.
“One moment,” my grandfather says, standing up and heading out of the room. “I’ll be right back.” Gina and I look at each other in confusion.
“What was that about?” Gina asks.
“I don’t know, but I think you were on to something last night. My grandfather was arguing with Amethyst this morning, and then he was?—”
“What were they arguing about?” she interrupts.
“I guess Amethyst wanted a donation to the Whisper Cove Theater Company or something, and he didn’t want to do it. And then he was talking about how duty has made him do a lot of things in his life. I don’t know. I feel like maybe it wasn’t the love match they’re trying to portray. Just like you said.”
“No shit? So, what else did you get?”
“Nothing because you arrived, but that’s okay because I was hoping I would see you this morning.”
I grab her hand and squeeze.
“It’s good to see you, too.” She smiles.
“Last night was amazing.”
“It really was.”
“Can I take you on a picnic later?”
“I suppose so. Can I ask you a quick question, Hunter? Something that’s really been bothering me.”
“Of course.”
“You don’t have a girlfriend, right?” I suddenly still at her words.
“Why are you asking me that?”
“I mean, I know the paparazzi and everything is after you, and you had this celebration the other day, and there’s talk thatyou were going to get engaged. I don’t need to know if you’re engaged. I don’t need to know anything about your personal life other than—are you in a relationship? Because it’s going to make me feel really icky if I slept with you and?—”
“I told you before. There’s no one who would be upset.”
“I don’t know what that means, Hunter.” She looks aggravated, and I let out a low sigh.
“I’m sorry. Of course, you would wonder. Look, I’m single.”
“Really?” Her eyes look taken aback. “You’re not like in another fake relationship or anything?”
“No.” I laugh. “Why would I be in two fake relationships?”
“I don’t know.”
