“Yeah, well, you can thank me in labour next door.”
“I will as soon as I finish up at the resort.” Crumbs fall from his mouth as he speaks, and I roll my eyes.
“You’re disgusting.”
He just grins and keeps on devouring the scone until there’s nothing left. When he’s done, Ethan settles back in his chair with his coffee in hand.
“Do we need to talk about Jackson Holt?” he asks casually.
“Nope. Definitely not. And I heard about you and Reid interrogating him the other day.”
He has the decency to look at least a little chagrined. “It wasn’t really an interrogation, Mills. Just a guy asking his little sister’s new boyfriend a few questions.”
“How is that not an interrogation, Ethan?” I fold my arms across my chest and glare at him. I’m not actually that upset, seeing as Jackson assured me it was no big deal, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to pass up the opportunity to give my brother a hard time.
“Look. It’s my job as your big brother to look out for you. And that means making sure the man you’re seeing is good enough for you and has the right intentions.”
“What is this, the dark ages? Pretty sure I can judge for myself if he’s good enough. And what exactly would be the right intentions? We’re dating. Not getting married.”
Ethan throws his hands up in defeat and I fight back a smile of triumph. “Hey, woah, settle down there, Miss Defensive. I’m sorry for being an involved sibling.”
“It’s okay, Ethan. Thanks for looking out for me.”
Ethan’s face softens. “I love you, Mills.”
“Love you, too.”
He leans forward slightly. “For what it’s worth, he passed interrogation with flying colours.”
Before I can ask Ethan exactly what he means by that statement, he stands up to leave. “I gotta go meet Summer at the resort; see you for dinner Saturday? You could bring Jackson if you want.”
Pretending to be together in front of Ethan and Summer feels daunting right now, so I just make a noncommittal sound of agreement and watch as he heads out the door. I know we will be in front of them, and many more on Monday at the celebrations, but that seems like a lot less pressure than dinner with just the four of us. I’ll have to talk to Jackson about coming up with a good reason for his absence. I pull out my phone to text him, and find a message already waiting from him.
JACKSON: I just had Mrs. Svenson tell me I need to treat you well or she’ll sic her son on me. Apparently he’s some kind of military sniper? Please tell me she’s joking…
MILA: LOL nope, she isn’t. He really is. But he’s stationed in Ontario, so you’re safe.
JACKSON: This town is very protective of you…
MILA: What can I say, I’m a popular person. I’ve won them over with muffins.
JACKSON: Everyone does seem to love your muffins.
JACKSON: That sounds dirty. Sorry.
MILA: It’s okay, I get it *winking emoji*
MILA: Hey, if my brother asks you about coming to dinner on Saturday can you pretend that you’re busy?
JACKSON: Sure, but why?
MILA: I’ll explain later.
I bite the end of my thumb, hoping he won’t push for a better explanation. It’s weird trying to figure out how to tell him over text that I’m worried I won’t be able to pretend very well in front of Ethan and Summer. The truth is, being around Jackson is easy. Heck, being affectionate with Jackson is easy. I think I’m more worried about lying in front of my brother. The less of that I have to deal with, the better.
JACKSON: Okay. Want to grab some pizza tonight and hang out at my place? Wow. I have a place. Thanks again for hooking me up with the house. I moved everything in today.
MILA: Sounds good. And you’re welcome – I’m glad it worked out.
