“I’m going to say just a little.”
“Just a little?” Tara pouts.
“Okay, maybe a lot.” I smile, stealing a quick kiss.
I glance behind me even quicker to make sure Alec isn’t trying to stab me for the public display of affection.
Waiting for us on the tarmac is a bouncing Ellie and a laid-back Kayne.
Ellie nearly knocks Tara over once her feet hit the pavement. Watching their reunion sort of reminds me of Cara and Camille. I clasp Kayne’s hand as the family says their jubilant hellos.
“How are things?” Kayne asks loud enough for only me to hear as we load the bags while everyone else climbs into the truck.
“Good.” I glance over at him. “Really, good.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he says boastfully as he shuts the trunk.
I throw him an insulted look. “Like I would let it be anyother way.”
“Look, man, nothing personal, but this is my wife’s sister, and she loves her dearly. I just don’t want a reason to cut your nuts off, ya know.”
I stare at Kayne dumbfounded. “Jesus Christ, man. I was your handler for six years. I kept you alive, and I helped you save Ellie. When are you going to cut me some slack?”
“I cut you plenty of slack.” He hits me on the arm. “I didn't kill you in New York after I found out you snuck off to sleep with her.”
I swear I turn red. “You have a lot of balls judging me. After everything you did to Ellie . . .”
“Juice, don’t even fucking go there.” He cuts me off right at the knees. “And I'm not judging you. I’m fucking with you.” He pushes me. “When did you lose your sense of humor? I thought you were the comedian?” He smiles broadly, his mischievous eyes glinting in the morning light.
“Hey, you two!” Ellie yells from the front seat. “Are you coming or are you going to continue your bromance in the trunk? I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen each other!”
“Pipe down, woman. We’re coming.” Kayne winks at me before he walks over to the driver's seat and hops in.
I inhale a deep breath.Have I lost my sense of humor?
“Everything okay?” Tara inquires as I slide in next to her.
“Fine.” I try to convince her, but she sees right through me.
“Maybe this trip wasn’t a good idea,” she whispers.
“Of course, it was. You wanted to see Ellie, and I want to do whatever makes you happy.” I hear Alec grunt behind me, but I ignore him. I lean in closer to Tara. “I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself.” I lay the charm on thick. “Okay?”
“Okay,” she relents. She knows the crap I get from Kayne and her father, and she hates it as much as I do. But if that’s the price I have to pay to be with her, I’ll gladly do it.
“WHO IS READY FOR BREAKFAST?”Kayne claps his hands together and rubs them readily in the gargantuan living room. My parents, CJ, and I have unloaded all of our luggage and virtually taken over Kayne and Ellie’s house. I know they don’t mind. Ellie lives for family visits.
“Sounds good. I’m starved.” My father gets up off the couch, my mother following.
“Um,” I scramble, looking around the room. “Do you care if Ellie and I hang back? I would really love some girl time.” I look at her, trying to plead discreetly. Luckily, my sister isn't stupid and catches on.
“That’s fine with me.” She sinks back down onto the white plushy couch next to me. CJ, Kayne, and my father all eye us, but each for a different reason. CJ and Kayne with understanding, my father with suspicion.
“Is that okay?” I look up at CJ. I sort of feel bad ditching him five minutes after we got here, but I need to talk to Ellie. I have been tearing at the seams trying to keep it all in. Kayne made me swear before he left New York that I would tell her everything. That it should come directly from me. I didn’t want to tell anyone at the time, but I’m ready now. I can talk about it, and it’s time she knew where her husband went all those months ago. Although, I don’t know what that will mean for him once the truth comes out.
“It’s fine.” CJ delivers me his warmest smile.
I return the expression, nervously.
