“No, I’m going to need a girls’ night out and some alcohol to lure out details. Of course, you could spare me the trouble and just tell me.”
“Where would the fun be in that?” I pace up and down the room, taking immense delight in teasing my sister.
“True. Plus, men don’t understand the meaning of details. But Daniel? Don’t let a good thing go a second time, okay?”
“I don’t plan to,” I assure her.
“Good. We all work hard, and we’re ambitious, but there’s nothing like going home to people you love at the end of the day.”
“Pippa, are you okay?” I ask in alarm. My sister does love her heart-to-heart talks, but she sounds off.
“Long day at the office. Half the things didn’t go my way.”
“Ah, I can sympathize.”
“And now these two have started bombarding me with their carriage idea. Please promise me I won’t find two horses and a carriage on Saturday at Mom and Dad’s house.”
“I promise. That’s a hard line, even for me.”
“Well, it’s good to know you have one. I’ll keep my phone close. I bet they’ll try cornering Blake next.”
I laugh. “I’m sure they will.”
“I need to go back to watching the little devils. Enjoy your evening, brother.”
My mood is considerably better after I click off. Logan once said something similar, that no matter the shit-show going on at work, knowing he’d go home to Nadine and their son put everything into perspective. I grunted and nodded, not really getting it, but now I understand the sentiment.
As I finish signing the stack of papers on my desk, my phone chimes again.
Caroline: I heard back from the preschool closest to the bookstore! They scheduled their first reading next month. Woohoo! And I had an early dinner with Dad. Made him fried chicken. Thought I’d save him (and myself) from his cooking today. There’s plenty left over. I can bring you some by if you want. I can make donuts too.
Instead of messaging back, I call her. I need to hear her voice.
She answers right away. “I knew mentioning donuts would earn me a phone call.”
“You had me at fried chicken already. How come you’re not trying to rope me into coming to your place?”
“Well, I might have bought a bath bomb I’m dying to try in your Jacuzzi.”
The thought of Caroline naked in my arms while we’re surrounded by bubbles is enough to sell me on anything.
“What smell?”
“Cherries.”
I groan. “Don’t they have any masculine scents?”
“You’re such a man. This is their newest stuff.”
“Here’s a compromise. You’ll try it out. I’ll eat the chicken, the donuts, and then I’ll have you for dessert. Out of the Jacuzzi.”
“Can we sneak in a glass of wine on the terrace too in between?”
“Watch it, or I’ll think you only want me for the terrace and Jacuzzi.”
“Don’t be silly. I want your mad shmexy skills too. I fully expect my mind to be blown tonight.”
“I promise I’ll up my game. I love exceeding your expectations.”