"You like her or you wouldn't be taking this risk.She's your client and your roommate, your best friend's younger sister, and now your girlfriend?"
I shook my head."We haven't talked about labels or what it means."
Cooper sighed."Of course you haven't."
"I'll figure it out."
"I hope you will and that there won't be any fallout to the business."
"Why would there be?"I asked as the front door opened.Aspen walked in.
She clapped her hands together."I wanted to see the progress."
"Not much to see.Just a bunch of open walls," I said, watching her move around the room."You just missed Reina."
Aspen raised a brow."What does she think of the place?"
"It's not that impressive to look at, even if it's the most important part of the renovation."I wanted Reina to rest easy knowing that her electrical was up to code and safe.Plus, we were adding more safety features, like additional fire detectors and sprinklers, to ease her mind.
"You always stop by the job sites to check out the progress?"Cooper asked dryly, and Aspen's face screwed up.
These two had always irritated each other.I wasn't sure if it was because Aspen resented another man being around the house.Maybe she didn't want yet another brother figure or one more person to divide our parents' attention.But I wasn't positive.
"I'm friends with Reina," Aspen said calmly."And the other shop owners."
"But you aren't a shop owner," Cooper said, and I felt the tension between them.
"I don't have to own a shop to be her friend.We bonded over coffee, and she's coming with me to a yoga class at the inn," she said defiantly, lifting her nose.
"That's good," I said to her.I wanted Reina to do things besides worrying about her business.She needed to relax, and having a new friend who'd go with her to yoga would be good for her.
Aspen looped her arm through mine."That's why you're my favorite brother.You never give me a hard time."
I chuckled."I'm sure that's not true."
She gave me a look."I think it's because you're the middle child.You've always been so chill and easy going."
Was I easy going?I hadn't really thought about it before.
"You're just secure in your place in the world.Another Sterling with a successful business," Cooper said, and I couldn't tell if his comment had a bitter tone to it.
"I asked Cooper if he could help Reina pick out her fixtures.Maybe you could go along too?I'm a little worried about Reina working here after the fire.I want her to be comfortable."And Aspen had a way of calming other people.
"I'd love to help.I'm really good at picking design features.I know this is a business, but still it could be fun.Is she doing the upstairs or just the bakery itself?"
"The business.I'm not sure she's ready to even be upstairs, much less move back in."
"We're contracted to renovate the second floor too," Cooper reminded me.
"Let's get the bakery done first.Eve would want that."
Cooper nodded."You got it."
"You think you two can work together?"I looked from him to Aspen.
She nodded."Of course.Why wouldn't we be able to?Cooper's like a brother to me."
He raised a brow."You think of me like a brother?"
