"Hello." I'm sure my voice comes out bratty, but damn it, my brother, Jeremy, is getting on my nerves.
Jeremy's voice blares into my ear, "Don't forget, Mia. You're supposed to be here at eight o'clock."
"Of course, I won't forget," I huff.
"I'm serious," he snaps. "No pretending you're sick. This is my best friend from college. He's like a brother to me, so he's your new brother too. I want you to meet him, and I want you to be respectful. I want us all to get along and be one big happy family. The guy doesn't have any family of his own, so we're his family now."
"Okay, Dad," I smart off to him. Geez, Jeremy can be so bossy.
“Very funny.” I hear the smile in his voice as he picks up on my irritation. For some reason, Jeremy thinks it's funny when I joke that he's like my father. I think he takes it as a sign that he's doing his job right.
"Make sure you're not late," he adds.
I don't even dignify that statement with a response before hanging up the phone.
Stone is regarding me curiously.
"Sorry. I have to go. I have to do something with my brother."
"Don't worry about it," Stone reassures me. "I have someplace to be tonight too."
I can't help but wonder if he's got a date. Oh, my God, if he does, I've just made myself look like a complete fool coming over here and attempting to flirt with him.
I don't know if he can read the emotions flitting across my face, but his next words put me at ease. "I'm meeting up with an old buddy."
I relax. An old buddy. Not a female because most people wouldn't call their female friends buddies, would they? Isn't that like a guy thing?
Anyway, I don't have time to sit here and ponder. I toss a shy goodbye at him before I awkwardly turn and make my way across the yard to my house.
"Until later, Mia," Stone's deep voice rumbles from behind me. "I'll be seeing you around."
I smile to myself as I close my door. Yes, I guess he will, considering he lives right next door.
It's funny. Earlier I was telling myself I was going to get out more, but now I'm thinking that hanging around the house for the next few weeks sounds like a perfect idea.