“Most definitely,” I say with a snort, but before he goes too far down that panic road, I lift a hand. “But he and Nana are not talking. Like ever again, probably. She’s not going to be on the receiving end of any more favors from him.”
Some of his discomfort seems to ease. “Yes, that’s what Willow said. It’s just…I signed a non-disclosure agreement.”
“Oh, I sign those all the time,” I say, which is somewhat true. It’s part and parcel of working for Byrne Systems. “You’re fine.”
I have no idea whetherthat’strue, but I’m not going to be telling anyone his secrets.
“It’s Zach’s sister,” Harry says in a whisper hiss.
“The contestant?” I ask, surprised.
“Yes,” he says. “They found out today…” He glances out the windows again. “BecauseItold them. Zach’s really upset. She only knew about the show because he and Tina told her. I guess she applied without saying anything to them.”
“Man, youarereally bad at upholding non-disclosure agreements,” I say, but I’m grinning as I say it. “Also, holy schnikes. That’s big news. I didn’t even know Zach had a sister.”
He gives a solemn nod. “He does, and she’s fabulous. Kennedy’s not doing it for the money, though. Or the guys. She works for a nonprofit, and her trust fund has all kinds of strings attached. She can’t give the money away.”
Wow, I really stumbled into an unexpected breadth of knowledge here. Since he shows no signs of shutting up, I ask, “What’s the Rolex ceremony? I need to know more.”
His eyes glimmer. “She puts a Rolex on everyone who gets to stay.”
“Isn’t that basically a direct copycat of the rose ceremony fromThe Bachelor?” I ask in disbelief. “How is that legal?”
He tightens his lips. “It’s going to be very classy.”
And expensive.
Cole lets out a disbelieving huff that makes me grin.
“If you say so,” I tell Harry. “Are you sure you want to work with my grandmother? I’d like to tell you she’s not always this manipulative and immoral, but that would be a lie. She literally had my brother lower the legs of your chair so you’d be at a lower level during your interview.”
His brow furrows. “So it wasn’t just my paranoia.”
“No, and she’s probably going to continue the gaslighting. I’d get out while you can, buddy.”
But he shakes his head fiercely. “I need to protect Kennedy.”
It’s an admirable attitude, and one I understand well. I didn’t necessarily want to spend my twenties working for Mayberry Matchmakers. I did it because my sister wanted to…and because I wouldn’t leave her alone in Nana’s clutches. The app is a marriage of my interests and hers.
My mind shoots to Hot Rod. In a roundabout way, Hot Rod—and thus the app—threw me at the very man I was using it to try to forget.
Whatever happens next, I’m glad it worked out this way. Something about this day, this night, feels precious. Even this strange moment with Harry.
“Well, word to the wise,” I say, playing with the hem of my/Cole’s shirt. “Standing up to her like you did back there is good. That’ll get you everywhere. Don’t let her steamroll you.”
Harry sighs loudly. “I wish she were more like Willow.”
“Don’t we all.”
Cole clears his throat. “We’re here,” he announces unnecessarily as we stop in front of Zach and Tina’s little bungalow.
“Why don’t you ask Tina to bring you by our place tomorrow, Harry?” I suggest. “That’ll give Rowan and me time to clean up a little so we can pretend we’re not as messy as we actually are.”
“Really selling it,” Cole remarks, but there’s a slight smile on his face. He’s worked through some of his anger.
Harry’s brow furrows. “How attached are you to the interior design of the house?”
“Not at all,” I say flippantly. “You canfeng shuithe shit out of it.”
