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“Are places crowded here often?” Rhys asked as we all stood.
“Willow Brook is like Fireweed Harbor,” Archer relayed. “Small, but we've got good restaurants. Even in the off-season, there are tourists.”
Roughly half an hour later, I found myself relaxing at dinner with my half brother and cousin. As Archer had promised, Rhys was a good guy. I could imagine spending time with him. He was easy to talk to and laid-back even though he was filthy rich. Rhys had a subtle sense of humor, a quick smile, and it was obvious family meant a lot to him.
Jasmine paused by our table, smiling amongst us before focusing on me. “Have you had a chance to talk to Hallie yet?”
“Well, we talk almost every day,” I teased. “If you mean about the gallery, I think it's awesome.”
Jasmine's hand landed on my shoulder, squeezing slightly. “I'm so happy for you two.”
Just then, a server paused beside Jasmine. “Sorry, I have to hurry off. Duty calls,” she added.
“So you have a baby on the way?” Rhys prompted after she walked off with the server.
“I do. It wasn't planned, but we're looking forward to it.”
“I'd love to meet your girlfriend,” he commented.
“She’s not here this weekend, but maybe another time,” I replied.
I’d thought about bringing Hallie to Fireweed Harbor, but I hadn’t gotten far in planning. I startled myself with my next comment. “Maybe when I come to Fireweed Harbor, I can bring her.”
I realized that might smooth things out. We'd have something else to focus on. Just then, Tiffany came in. She immediately aimed for our table when she saw me.
I glanced at Rhys. “My sister is headed this way,” I warned dryly.
Tiffany was there in another second. “Rhys?” She threw her arms around him as he stood to greet her. “It is so good to meet you. I inherited a brother!”
Rhys grinned as he stepped back. “And I inherited a sister. I could use an extra since I only have one.”
My sister loved that and burst out laughing. “Well, I'll leave you guys to dinner. I’m meeting a friend here,” she explained. Glancing at me, she added, “I swear I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Phoebe laughed. “We know that because we decided at the last minute.”
Just then, one of my high school teachers came walking in. Tiffany looked his way, and I immediately sensed her tension. He’d been her teacher as well, and she'd loved him. Uncharacteristically, he simply lifted his hand in a wave, his expression guarded but polite. I made a mental note to ask my sister what was going on.
The rest of dinner was uneventful, and I headed back to my place that night with a promise to see Rhys tomorrow for coffee in town. When I got home, I texted Tiffany.
Me:What was up with Mr. Green tonight?
Her reply was swift.Nothing.
I decided to call. “That wasn't nothing,” I said as soon as she answered. “He was your favorite teacher, and you always chat with him.”
Tiffany hesitated and then sighed. “You don't know?”
“Obviously, I don't know, or I wouldn't be asking you.”
“Mom had an affair with him.”
“What? No way.”
“Yes, way.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Who else did she have an affair with?” I muttered.
“Him and that other guy. That’s all I know of. I asked Dad and he doesn’t know of any others either.”
