Lettie realised she had said the wrong thing and wondered if there was a right thing to say that might not set these siblings off against each other.
Brodie held the two paint tins towards his sister. ‘If I choose one of these colours will you leave us in peace?’
‘Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?’
‘You’re driving.’
Lettie could tell by the muscle working in his jaw that he was annoyed.
‘I meant a tea, or coffee. Surely you must have those in your cupboards.’ Maddie sighed. ‘I can tell you’re trying to get rid of me, little brother, but I’ve taken time out to see you and you could at least be hospitable. You’re not the only person I’m trying to help with their home you know.’
Lettie saw Brodie’s embarrassment at his sister’s argument and didn’t think she should be there while the two siblings were squabbling. The earlier romantic mood broken, she thought it might be a good idea to go home and try to get some much-needed sleep. She was anxious about her parents’ return and decided it wouldn’t hurt to go over her spreadsheet one more time, just in case she had forgotten something. She moved her table away from her and rose to her feet.
‘Maybe I should leave you both in peace.’
Brodie turned to her anguish on his sweet face. ‘Please don’t go yet.’
She couldn’t miss his disappointment but had made up her mind. ‘I’ll catch up with you tomorrow sometime,’ she said and kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned to Maddie. ‘It was nice meeting you.’
‘Please don’t go on my account,’ Maddie said. ‘I didn’t mean to interrupt your evening. Look, I’m only going to be a couple of minutes, then I’ll leave you both in peace.’
‘I don’t mind.’ She did really but thought it the right thing to do.
‘I do.’ Brodie’s voice was firm. ‘Please. Stay.’ His voice softened. ‘We haven’t finished our meal yet and you wouldn’t want all my cheffing efforts to go to waste now would you?’
Lettie saw surprise in his sister’s face and relented. ‘No, I wouldn’t want that to happen. Fine, I’ll stay then.’
43
BRODIE
Brodie’s irritation with his sister shot up. Maddie knew better than most how hurt he’d been after his previous relationship ended and that he wouldn’t want anything to disrupt his growing closeness to Lettie. Not caring which paint was on his walls, he held one towards his sister. ‘You can return this one to the supplier. I’ll keep this tin here so you know which one to use on the walls.’
Maddie rolled her eyes and took the tin from his hands. ‘Fine. Personally though I would have chosen the other colour, but it’s your cottage and you the one having to live with it.’
Brodie clenched his teeth together to stop from snapping at her. Not wishing to give her any excuse to stay for a moment longer than necessary, he refrained from arguing and began leading her towards the front door.
‘What are you playing at?’ he whispered as soon as they were out of earshot from Lettie.
Her expression changed and she seemed a little shame-faced. ‘I feel a bit mean now,’ she admitted. ‘But sometimes I can’t help myself.’
‘Didn’t you see her car outside?’
‘Yes, which is why I was tempted to come in.’
‘Really?’
Maddie stared at him thoughtfully for a second. ‘You’re so secretive when it comes to relationships, and I just wanted to meet her properly.’ She lowered her voice further. ‘You were so hurt by Tiffany and I was concerned about you. Is that so bad of me?’
He could tell she was feeling guilty but wasn’t ready to let her off the hook. ‘You embarrassed me and I imagine Lettie too.’ Seeing her amusement vanish, he relented. ‘I’m sure Lettie and I will laugh over it once we’ve had a chance to talk.’ He stepped back. ‘Now, if you’ll bugger off I’d like to get back to my food.’
‘And your girlfriend,’ she teased.
‘Goodnight, Maddie,’ he said determined not to be riled by her. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow if you need to ask me anything else about the decorations.’
‘Spoilsport.’
He went inside and closed the door behind him.
