"You want to be a part of this?" I ask.
She nods. "Of course."
"Come to our meeting today. It's at two."
"I don't get off work until two. But okay. I'll figure it out." She smiles. "Thanks, Brendon. You... You aren't always the worst."
"High praise."
She nods. "I know." She pulls me into a quick hug. "I have to go. But, um, make sure Kay is all right. She's been quiet the last few days."
"Yeah. I will."
"You have any idea what's going on with her?"
No, but I want to. "A lot's changing in her life. And then there's school."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. You're free tonight, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Her party. Well, Ryan and I agreed to combine it. We'll tell her we're celebrating you guys buying the shop. But it's for her too. To say welcome to the family."
"That's sweet."
"I told you. I think about more than myself."
"You're a good friend."
"Thanks, Captain Obvious." She moves to the couch to slide into her black wedges. "You think this is nice enough for the lawyer?"
Her black dress is way too tight and low cut for an office. It's perfect for her job shilling lingerie, but it's not formal. "Wear a blazer."
"Could you get it from my closet? Bring it?"
"Yeah. Sure."
She grabs her purse from the table and waves goodbye. "I love you."
After Mom and Dad, we always close with an I love you. Even if we want to kill each other. "I love you too."
She runs out the door.
I'm focusing on this sale. On the shop. And even on how I'll really fuck things up with my sister—my only family, the most important person in my life—if I give into all the thoughts running through my head.
The meeting is quick. Seamless.
We've all got our finances figured out.
We're going to make everything official next week.
And Emma is sitting there with a serious, studious look on her face. It's a side of her I never see. It makes me so fucking proud.
I'm over the fucking moon.
Until we're walking back to the parking lot.
And Dean is nudging me and leaning in to whisper. "What do you think Kay's going to wear tonight?"
I say nothing.
"What do you think she'll say if I offer to take her to the back room? You think she'll be into it."
"Go fuck yourself."
"Nah. I'd rather save myself for her."
I know he's saying it to fuck with me.
I know Dean has no intentions of touching Kay.
But, fuck, I still want to punch the smugness from his smile.
Chapter Sixteen
Kaylee
"Kay-bear, you're going to have to be more specific if you want my help." Grandma's voice is irritated. It's the fourth time she's pressed for details, and the fourth time I've denied them.
Not that she can talk. She's being just as secretive about how she's doing. She's still toeing the party line. I need more help, but, really, I'll be fine. Focus on school. Don't worry about me.
"It's not like I'm gonna know the guy," she says. "Aren't you too old to keep your crushes a secret?"
"Are you ever too old for that?"
"Hmm. I guess not. I've taught you too well." Her voice lifts. Back to hearty. Vivacious even.
But that only makes me think about the possibility she isn't full of life. "Are you really okay?"
"I'm not the one with boy problems."
"Okay, answer this. Are you doing better or worse than just after your heart attack?"
"Better."
My shoulders relax. Then tense. She almost died. It's a low bar.
"You'll tell me if you're there again?" I can't say the words. "If it gets that bad."
"Yes, Kay-bear, of course. Now tell me about the guy. You're making me feel old."
"He wants me. I know he does. But he keeps pretending otherwise."
"How do you know?"
"I just do."
"But do you know? Or do you want it to be true? You wouldn't be the first woman to convince herself of a man's interest."
"No." I turn my phone to speaker so I can check my outfit. "I'm putting you on speaker, Grandma."
"You know I prefer Gigi."
"You know I'm never going to call you Gigi."
I set my cell on my desk. This is outfit four. A plaid skirt and a white blouse. It screams schoolgirl. It screams I'm practically jail bait. It's hot. But it's not what I want.
"I know," I say. "I... I have evidence."
"Yeah? What? He accidentally post it on Facebook or something?"
"Something like that."
"Hmm..."
"What?" I undo the buttons of my blouse and slide it back onto its hanger. "Trust me, Grandma. I know. I have evidence."
"I could help more if you'd tell me the evidence."
And I could help more if she'd tell me the truth about her condition. But I'm not bringing that up. I don't want to fight. "I have it on good authority that he wants me. At least physically."
"Well, of course, Kay. You're a knock out. Every guy you're friends with on Facebook must want you after those pictures Emma posted."
"Grandma—"
"Hey, you got those boobs from your mom and she got them from me. Let me brag. Don't post bikini pics if you don't want attention."
"I didn't. Em did."
"She's a heartbreaker too. So tall and such long legs."
"Yeah. She is." I laugh. Heartbreaker is putting it lightly. "Guys go crazy for her, but she never gets attached."
"Kay-bear, if you want a guy's attention, it's easy. Show off your boobs. It will work. I promise."
I push my skirt off my hips. "But I need more than him wanting me. I need him to admit it."
"Boobs and booze. That's it."
"That's all it takes? Really?"
"Hey, you're the one asking a divorcée for guy advice."
My smile spreads over my cheeks. Grandma has the best sense of humor. She makes the cloudiest day feel bright. Not that there are many cloudy days here. "You promise you're okay?"
"Okay is relative, but I'm not dying anytime soon."
Soon is relative too. But I don't say that. I'd rather believe her. "I have to get ready. There's a party tonight. Emma's brother, you know—"
"Of course I know him. He's fine."
"Him and his friends are buying the tattoo shop."
"Ah."
"What?"
"The timing is interesting."
"Timing of what?"
"You needing guy advice. This guy gonna be at the party?"
I can admit that. "Yeah. But—"
"He have a name?"