“I don’t know if I can,” Vi admitted in a small voice. Or if she wanted to. “I’d like to boost my self-confidence, but how?”
“That won’t happen overnight, but with persistence, you can build it up a little at a time. Start by looking in the mirror and loving what everyone but you sees—beauty and warmth and a spirit that shines. Repeat those words out loud with heartfelt sincerity whenever you see your reflection or any time you think about it. Call it your mantra. Always stand tall with your headhigh. Emulating self-confidence helps you look and feel that way.”
“How do you know all that?” Vi asked.
“From a podcast I listen to. I repeat positive, loving words to myself every morning before I leave for work and again before bed.” Carmie glanced at her smart watch. “Speaking of work, I’d better go or I’ll be late. Love you, girl. Whatever you do and whatever happens, I’m here for you.”
Blake hadn’t seenhis sister in too long. Saturday morning, he hopped on his bike and cycled to her place. An easy ride, as she lived only a few miles away. This was another beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds chirped and sang, and the scent of flowers perfumed the air. For no reason, everything reminded him of Vi. Since he’d dropped her at her car the previous evening, she’d been on his mind constantly.
But then lately, that was a given. So much about last night had surprised him. Her about-face and kissing him with so much hunger and enthusiasm had been off-the-charts hot. He wanted more than kisses. He really liked her. Trouble was, he wasn’t sure if his feelings were more about lust than anything else. Like with Sammi. At least Vi knew the truth about him and his doubts about committing.
He didn’t want to hurt her.
No reason to tell Whitney any of that. Nothing to share right now, anyway. He wanted to talk about her and how she was feeling. Also about Grandpop.
Some minutes later, he coasted into the driveway. Her husband James was outside weeding and gardening. As soon as he saw Blake, he laid his tools down and straightened. “Hey,” hegreeted, grinning as Blake braked to a stop and hopped off the bike.
“Good to see you, man.” Blake clapped him on the shoulder. They were about the same height, and he liked the guy.
“Cool bike,” James said, studying the thing. “What is it?”
“It’s called a Bad Boy 3, a new hybrid, which means it can tackle both on-road and off-road riding. I test-rode it the other day and like it so much I’m keeping it. Why don’t you try it out.”
“Okay, but just for a few minutes.” James cycled down the driveway, rode a block or two, then circled back. “Sweet bike. I covet it.”
“If you decide you want one, let me know. Shouldn’t take more than a few days to get it.”
“Better hold off. I don’t know when I’ll find the time to ride, not with Whitney stuck in bed and the twins coming soon.”
A software analyst, he worked at home. “She probably wouldn’t mind,” Blake said.
“I know for a fact she’d enjoy the space, but what if something happened and I wasn’t there? She’s looking forward to visiting with you.”
“I want to see her, too.” Blake pulled a bag from the bike carrier. “A little something for her. If you want to go out while I’m here…”
“I think I will. I need to pick up a few things for the yard.”
Blake headed inside the house, which had plenty of space for twins. He found his sister on the sofa in the living room, propped up on pillows and reading a paperback.
“Hi.” She set the book aside and gave him a warm smile.
“Hey. Look at you, about to burst.”
“That’s how I feel. Depending on the development of the babies and what my doctor says, I could be lying around for up to four more weeks.” She made a face. “I vote for sooner, not later. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”
“And I apologize. Between getting ready to open the store and dealing with Grandpop, life has been a little hectic. Brought you something.”
Her eyes widened. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.”
“A sudoku book.” Beaming as if she’d won a prize, she paged through it. “Lots of challenger puzzles, too. How did you know I needed a new one?”
“Just a hunch. Have you talked to Grandpop recently?”
“He called this morning to check on me.”
“Lucky you. I haven’t heard from him in a week. I’ve left messages but he seems to be avoiding me.”
