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“Still hot,” he said.
The conversation stalled again, and Blake could see how awkward this was. She could ask about his children, but she didn’t. He could ask her about literally anything in her life, but he didn’t.
She swallowed, and Blake pressed in close to her. She leaned into his body heat, and Blake felt her taking something from him. Strength, warmth, whatever she needed, and he’d gladly give it to her.
“Tell him,” he whispered.
“I’m seeing someone new,” Lauren said. “Well, it’s not really new anymore. We’ve been dating since July.”
“That’s only a couple of months, Lauren.” Jess laughed, but Lauren didn’t even smile.
“His name is Blake Williams,” she said, and she held the phone further from him. “Blake, this is my older brother, Jess. It looks like he’s at work.”
“Great to meet you,” Blake said. “Lauren’s told me a lot about you.”
“Has she?” His eyebrows went up, as if Blake had said something truly shocking. “I can’t imagine what that would be.”
“I know what you do, Jess,” she said. “Anyone can look you up online. I can’t believe you worked on the latest Sandra Bullock romcom and didn’t tell me.” There was no playfulness in her tone, though Blake knew she loved Sandra Bullock and any romcom with or without her.
“I’m pretty busy with all sorts of projects,” he said.
Lauren sighed and nodded. “How’s Rena?”
“Good,” Jess said. “Are you going to marry my sister?” He switched his eyes to Blake.
“Jess,” Lauren said. “Don’t ask him that.” She turned to Blake. “Don’t answer that.” She wasn’t happy, and Blake wondered if this call had been a good idea. He had no clue what the conversation would be without him there, he knew that much.
“How’s Bella?” Lauren asked, obviously trying to get the topic off Blake.
“Oh, she died,” Jess said with a sigh. “Louisa and Eliza cried and cried.” He shook his head. “Now Rena’s talking about getting another dog.”
Lauren pulled in a breath. “Bella died? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Jess gazed evenly into the camera on his phone. “Because, Lauren, she wasn’t your dog.”
“I loved that dog,” Lauren said.
Blake put his hand on her lower back, out of sight, hoping to infuse her with strength.
“Sorry,” Jess said without much apology in his tone. “I was dealing with a lot at that time.” He let a beat of silence go by. “Have you heard? Hillary had a baby, so we have a new baby niece.”
“Sort of,” Lauren said. Blake had no idea who Hillary was, as that wasn’t a name he’d heard Lauren say.
“She’s Mom’s granddaughter,” Jess said. “That makes her our niece.”
“Sort of,” Lauren said again.
“I’m not arguing about it again,” Jess said with a sigh. “Did you need anything? I’ve got a contract to finish up before the day ends.”
Lauren shook her head, her jaw set tight. “No, I just wanted to let Blake meet you.”
“Great to meet you, brother,” Jess said.
“You too,” Blake murmured, and Lauren said she’d talk to him later.
The call ended, and Blake saw that it hadn’t even lasted five minutes. Lauren set her phone on the counter and walked away from it.
“It’s okay,” he said after her, but she clearly wasn’t. He could physically feel her withdrawing, and Blake knew then that Lauren would never have the familial relationship with her brother that he had with his.
