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“I’d have done the same thing,” I offered with a shrug.
Aside from flying tourists, we ferried local residents from the various villages nearby to and from Diamond Creek and sometimes farther distances. On occasion, the weather could throw a wrench into timing and plans.
“The staff house must feel pretty spacious these days,” Diego commented, glancing back and forth between Harley and me.
“It’s three of us with Cat there now,” I offered. “Don't even know what to do with all that space.”
“Well, I'm not going to suggest that Harley fall in love because she's my little sister, so I guess it's your turn next,” he teased.
I held a hand up. “I'mnotfalling in love.”
I might have a serious case of lust for Harley, but love with anyone was out of the question. I couldn't imagine it for myself. My parents had been a terrible example of a relationship. My father had been the human equivalent of a ping pong ball, bouncing in and out of our lives while having affairs, doing his own thing, and barely contributing financially to the family. My mom had scraped by year after year. We'd all loved her. She'd been solid as a rock emotionally in many ways, but she seemed to have made the choice to ignore our father’s treatment of her. As a kid, I learned nobody was there for you when it came to relationships. I figured I would just live the single life. It was easier that way. I had a good place to live, a sweet job that I loved, and friends and family who mattered.
This lust for Harley would pass. It had to. She had been here for over a year now. At first, I’d just thought she was cute. Since then, the tension I felt trying to ignore my desire for her only ratcheted up. I still wasn't sure what she thought of me, but I knew it was a bad plan for us to be involved.
Diego would probably kick my ass if he even knew my train of thought, so it was pointless to contemplate.
“We should turn the extra bedrooms into guest rooms,” Diego commented.
“Nah, man. I like having somewhere I can just relax,” I offered.
Harley shook her head. “No. We can use the extra bedrooms for family and friends who want to visit. Maybe we should move our weekly staff dinners out there.”
“I'm not cooking in that kitchen,” Daphne called over.
Flynn chuckled. “And we would never make you do that.”
“What's wrong with that kitchen?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“Nothing. I’m comfortable here, and I have all my things in this kitchen,” she explained.
“We have the basics,” I replied.
“Enough for you to handle basic meals,” she replied.
“Hey, I can do more than that,” I protested.
Just then, another voice called out, “No, you can't.”
I glanced over to see my youngest sister, Cat, coming into the kitchen.
I grinned. “Fair enough.”
Cat had moved into the staff house recently. Fortunately, she didn't drive me crazy anymore. We needled each other here and there because we were siblings, and that was what we did. Daphne had taught Cat how to cook, and now she was aseriouslygood cook.
“It’s actually kind of nice having Cat at the house,” I commented, glancing over at Flynn.
“Yeah?”
“She makes us extra snacks.”
He grinned. “Are you keeping an eye on her?”
“Oh my God,” Cat groaned. She narrowed her eyes at Flynn when she stopped beside Daphne as she tied an apron around her waist. “Waffles?” she asked.
Daphne nodded. “I'm cooking down the syrup.”
“I'll mix up some more batter,” Cat replied.
