Then lets out an embarrassed giggle.
“I was just trying to say that … she finally tried the matcha last month, and now she’s addicted. So, you know, it’s good you brought her one. Like, if you’re trying to, like, woo her or something …”
She cringes and bites her lip, a flush spreading across her cheeks.
“I probably shouldn’t have said that either,” she whispers under her breath. “Who says ‘woo’anyway?”
I’m trying hard not to laugh in the face of her discomfort. It’s no wonder my brother fell for her, though. This girl is adorable and utterly endearing. I decide to give her another moment to make sure she really is done.
But she’s not.
“Sorry,” she blurts out, and I can’t help the full-on grin that takes over my face. “Okay, I’m going to stop talking now. For real.”
“You sure?” I ask, beyond amused now.
Piper mimes zipping her lips and nods.
“Well, I actually came here for some advice, so maybe you want to … ‘unzip’?” I ask, mimicking her movement over my own lips.
She rolls her eyes, then lets out a long breath, squaring her shoulders.
“Alright. What can I help you with?” she asks primly in what I can only assume is her formal librarian’s voice.
And now it’s me who feels uncomfortable once more.
“Umm …” I clear my throat. “Well, see, my sticking around is actually part of why I’m here. I was hoping you could talk to Aidan for me. I just—” I stop, and try again. “He won’t—”
She sighs. “He won’t even acknowledge your presence?”
“Yeah. Pretty much,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “But Piper, I want to know my brother.”
She shakes her head sadly. “That’s not going to be easy.”
“I understand,” I say, nodding. “I get that he’s angry. That he feels like I abandoned him—”
“Well,” she cuts me off sharply, “didn’t you?” I glance up to see her expression has hardened. She’s leaning over the desk, arms crossed, and while it’s anything but threatening, it actually pleases me to know Aidan’s found the kind of woman who will stand up for him.
I raise my hands in surrender. “I’m not denying anything, Piper. I know I have a lot to make up for. And he’s completely justified in his feelings. It’s just … well.” I suck in a deep breath and blow it out slowly, gathering my thoughts before I continue. “It’s just that there’s more to the story. I didn’t want to leave him back then. Or my mom.” I meet her eyes. “I’d really like the chance to explain.”
Piper studies me for a long moment, and I hope she can read the sincerity in my expression. I need her to know my intentions are good, that I don’t want to hurt my brother anymore. I just need him to listen. To give me a chance.
Finally, she nods. “Okay. I’ll talk to him.”
The breath I’d been holding whooshes out, and I smile again. “Thank you.”
“Don’t get too excited, Riley,” she says, raising a hand. “I said I’ll talk to him. I’m not making any promises. He’s had years to build up this anger and resentment.”
“I know. I know. Just … anything you can do. It would mean a lot to me. And … I want us to get to know each other too,” I say hopefully. “I kind of like the idea of having a little sister.”
At that, Piper grins. “Huh. I kinda like the idea of having a brother, too.”
“Well, alright then. In that case…” I lean back, reaching into my jeans to pull out my phone, then scroll through my photos until I find the latest in a myriad of sleeping dog shots I’ve taken in the last few days. “Allow me to introduce you to your new nephew-puppy, Connor.”
15
Steph
“Oh.My.God.Iswear he is the cutest thing!” Piper squeals as I push my way through the front door of the library. “I can’t wait to meet him. Promise me you’ll bring him in to visit me soon?”
