I kept my focus solely on Logan. “Yeah, just helping a friend out while he recovers.”
From my periphery, Brooke’s mouth slipped ajar, and Ryanne’s eyebrows pinched.
Logan held a secret smile, a smile that made me want to wring Austin’s neck.
“I’ll see him when he comes to Cali when he’s at rehab. Last time I talked to him, it seemed as though he was doing real well. Recovering better than expected. I’m sure you had a lot to do with that.”
I smiled, all teeth, which was awkward. “Oh, well, I’ve heard athletes heal faster than the average folk, and his team doctors are stellar, so …” There was no doubt I was turning red right now.
“Either way, I’m sure all of Chicagoland thanks you.” He winked.
I cleared my throat and nodded, thankful when everyone started to make their way to their seats.
As I headed toward the table, Brooke pinched my side. “Athletes heal faster, my ass. You’ll talk later, big sister.”
I shot her a look, and she laughed as she sat right next to me.
“We’re meeting at The Meetup after this.”
Internally, I groaned. Tonight would be the longest night known to man.
SYDNEY
I did not want to have this showdown with my sisters. Not before I told Alec at least. That was the plan.
The meeting had been high intensity, given that Serena was flexing her muscles by talking over the others—laying down Loverly concepts for Logan to see. Afterward, all I’d wanted to do was go to Austin’s and lie in his arms.
But no …
None of my sisters were having that, so I ended up at The Meetup.
I ran to the bar, kissing Nana’s cheek, then waved to Justin before heading to our regular table at the back corner, where they were already seated like a tribunal.
Oh joy.
“Hey, ladies.” I took a quick inventory of what everyone was having—Brooke with her girlie cocktail, Lyria and Ryanne with their beers, and Serena with her tall glass of red wine.
“Long time no see,” Brooke said, sipping on her martini, this all-knowing smile plastered on her face.
Goodness … is anything a secret between us?
“Didn’t you have enough to drink at the restaurant?” I said, sitting down.
“I know. I’ve been told.” She tipped back her drink, unaffected. “So, only some of us are in the know, huh?” Brooke’s gaze traveled toward Serena. “Even Logan Tyler knows about your love life. I call foul.”
Nothing could ever be a secret between us sisters. Seriously.
“I didn’t have to say a thing. They guessed it,” Serena said, looking sympathetic but also relieved.
“Or more so, Logan, the show-off, filled us in,” Ryanne added.
“He’s our client, Ryanne. Calm your panties,” Brooke said.
“And he’s way too full of himself. I’m fine with famous people, just not arrogant ones.” Ryanne tipped her beer bottle in my direction. “You. Spill.”
I rubbed at my brow. “Okay …” I pulled at my collar. “What started off as me taking care of Austin, in return for the Callaway-Tyler Tequila deal, has turned into a little bit”—I gulped—“more than I expected.”
“How much more are we talking about here? More back massages or massaging other, let’s say”—Brooke coughed—“erotic areas?”