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Two days. Only two days left with Elara.
The news of that early interview had hit me hard.
Let's be clear—it shouldn't have hit me at all. What business was it of mine? Elara and I weren’t an item, and the sooner she was able to go live out her dreams, the better. It changed nothing in terms of the two of us, yet somehow made everything feel more real. And coming so soon after the girls had essentially asked Elara out on my behalf, it was even tougher to swallow.
I got to Ida's place early. I needed to prepare my sister for Elara's arrival and ensure she wouldn't say anything to amplify the awkwardness. Embracing my sister, I ushered the girls off to play video games on her console.
"Wait, you want them on the PlayStation?" Ida asked, confused.
"Yeah, well, I just need a quick chat."
Ida's home was cozy and spotless. Without kids, keeping things tidy must have been a breeze. Plus, she could decorate however she pleased without worrying about dueling club sessions obliterating fancy lamps or tables.
I admired her taste, wishing I could fill my own space with beautiful things like she did. The vibe was half art-deco, half surf-shack. An antique surfboard, meticulously hand-painted with intricate designs, graced the dining room wall. Ida had loved the ocean since childhood, and I vividly recalled little Ida riding waves far too big for her. She still surfed regularly and even instructed local kids who showed interest.
We moved into her kitchen, the aroma incredible as always.
"Crawfish?" I asked, almost drooling with anticipation.
"Crawfish."
"Need any help?"
"Nope. All I need is for you to fill me in on what's going on"—she lowered her voice— "with Elara." Ida looked way more excited than she had any right to.
"Nothing. We’re just friends."
She gave me a disbelieving look. "You expect me to believe that? Inviting your new 'friend' to meet the family?"
"Look, I only invited her here because she's leaving town soon. I wouldn't have had another chance to see her before she goes."
"Ah yes," she said, stirring the huge pot that bubbled on her stove, "typical friend behavior."
"Well, look, you saw us at the diner. We're friends with, uh, benefits, I guess. Pah. Still can't believe people actually say that."
“You said it. Not me.”
“Ugh.”
"So, she's going back to New York soon? Your friend with benefits?"
I shifted awkwardly in my chair. "It's just for an interview, so she'll be back in a few days, b—"
"Holy shit!” Ida shook her head. “I never thought I'd live to see the day. My brother is smitten!"
"I am not smitten. She's ten years younger than me."
"Oh yeah, men notoriously hate younger women."
"Ida, listen. I need to keep the fact that I'm . . . seeing her . . . a secret from the girls. And from Ethan."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Why from Ethan?"
Definitely not because I didn't want to lose my bet.
I swallowed. “You know what Ethan’s like. He can't keep a secret. He'd tell Ava and then she'd tell my girls."
"No way would he tell Ava."
