“There’s going to be a send-off celebration for the inaugural flight. Everyone’s coming to watch the takeoff.”
“I see.” Jannie could guess what was next.
“You know it would mean everything to him if you were there.”
A stab of guilt made her press her lips together. She missed Ian’s wedding, not because she’d been physically unable to attend, but because, mentally, she’d been such a mess that she hadn’t even told him why until much later.
Ian’s face took on the expression it always did when the roles were reversed, and he forgot he was the younger brother. “Are you OK, Freak?” His voice was gentle. “We’ve all been giving you time, and it’s OK if you need more, but we really miss you.”
She raised her chin. “I’m fine.”
Ian frowned. “That’s what you always say.”
She didn’t reply.
A few long moments passed.
“I saw Blake today,” Ian finally said.
Her stomach turned. “Oh, did you?”
“Yeah. He’s super pissed and told everyone who would listen that you kicked him out of his own house.”
“It’s not his house.”
“Oh, I know that.Hedoesn’t seem to know. At least, not yet.” He grinned. “Good for you, Freak. He said he found Kent there when he walked in. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall to watch Blake’s head explode. It’s about time you sent him packing.”
Nick appeared on the patio, handsome in full uniform, apparently ready to leave. He started to head toward her, then halted, realizing she was still on the phone. He raised a hand in parting, and she gave him a smile and waved, her gaze lingering on his broad back as he turned and went inside, closing the sliding door behind him.
Ian noticed. “Was that ginormous smile for Kent? Damn, Freak, you really like the guy, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “He’s OK.”
“Riiight. You don’t smile like that at people you think are just OK. You’re into him.” Her brother’s eyes narrowed. “He’d better be good to you, or he’ll have the whole family to deal with, including Grandma.”
Jannie seized the chance to change the subject. “Grandma? How is she?”
“She’s good. She’s flying out from Norway for the launch party.”
“And Erik?” Her youngest brother traveled the world and seldom attended family gatherings.
“Same.”
Good grief, the whole family. Jannie wasn’t sure she was ready to face everyone but knew it was impossible to keep avoiding them; they’d smother her with love and hugs, their eyes filled with compassion, and now that her secret was out, they’d ask questions about Nick.
“Not to put added pressure on you,” Ian said, “but Adam planned the event to coincide with Grandma’s birthday.”
“Sure, Buck. No pressure whatsoever.”
“None.” His face stretched into a grin, and for a moment, he looked exactly as he did when they were kids and he had one-upped her. “So, should I email you the details?”
She knew defeat when she saw it. “Yeah.”
Ian’s smile could have lit up the Vegas skyline. “Great! And bring Pustule. We can grill him while they grill the steaks.”
She tried to stop herself from glaring at her younger brother but apparently failed, because his hearty laughter brought Rolf bounding from all the way across the yard.
“Bye, Buck.” With a hard tap on the screen, Jannie ended the call.
