“You are my favorite person in the whole world, Imogen. You’re never the third wheel.”
“Aw, that’s sweet. But I think I’m about to become number two.”
“Are you upset that I like someone?” It’s not like my sister to get jealous over girls I’ve dated. Then again, I’ve never actually dated anyone. This is new territory for all of us.
“No.” She snorts. “I want you to fall madly and sickeningly in love. I don’t want to hang out with you all weekend while you’redoing it, though. There are some things a sister does not need to hear.”
“Got ya. I’ve rented a house and I’ll hardly be there. You won’t hear anything that isn’t PG. Promise. Spend the weekend with me. Besides, Poppy will be working tomorrow. You can keep me company.”
“What about Frankie? I told her I was going to spend the weekend with her.”
“She’s got Emilio. Do you really want to be the third wheel to those two kissing cousins?” I laugh.
“They’re married. Everyone needs to drop thekissing cousinsthing. They’re not actually cousins.” Imogen rolls her eyes.
“It pisses Emilio off so I’m not stopping it. Are you actually going to tell me what’s bothering you?”
“Eventually, but not yet. I’m not ready.” Imogen sits on the end of the bed. Her face drops. Something is really wrong if she can’t even look at me.
Kneeling down in front of her, I pick up her hands. “Okay. It’s okay. Whatever it is, it will be okay. You know you can tell me anything and I won’t tell a single soul.”
“I know, but this isn’t something you should have to deal with. I’ll tell you. Just give me time,” she says.
“Okay, you’re not in trouble, though, right? You don’t have some crazy psychopath after you or anything?”
“No.” Imogen laughs. “No one would be crazy enough to try to come after me.”
“Good. You strapped?” My parents made sure both Imogen and I had the skills to protect ourselves. Imogen has a natural talent, though. Just like our mother. Her mark would never see her coming.
“Always.” She smiles.
“Good. Come on. Let’s get back out there before the kissing cousins have sex on our jet,” I grumble.
I left my sister at the house I rented and am sitting in the waiting room of Poppy’s spa. She’s with a client, or so I was told by the other woman who works here. The same woman who has been eyeing me suspiciously since I said I’d wait.
“I’m Kellie, by the way,” she finally says.
“Sammie,” I tell her.
“I know.” She returns to looking at the computer screen in front of her. “Whatever you’re doing with Poppy, it’s going to take more than showing up in a fancy suit to win her over.”
“Yeah? Like what?” I ask.
“I don’t know, but those walls around her heart are solid and for good reason. She doesn’t need to be hurt any more than she already has been. So don’t fuck with her.”
My back straightens. “What do you mean she’s been hurt?” I try to keep my tone neutral. Not sure it’s worked judging by the look Kellie’s giving me.
“Just don’t fuck with her,” she repeats as the door to Poppy’s room opens and a man walks out. I stand.
What the fuck is she doing back there with some fucking guy?
“Thanks, Poppy. I’ll see you at the wedding. Save a dance for me?” the asshole says. And now I’m definitely going to this fucking wedding.
“Sure. See you Saturday.” Poppy smiles, and as the guy turns around to leave, I step in front of the exit.
“Her dance card is full,” I tell him.
“Sammie, seriously?” Poppy growls. “Ignore him, Fred. He clearly has manner issues.” She maneuvers around Fred to stand in front of me. “Why are you here?”
