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“Very funny, considering we’re built the exact same way,” Asher threw back at August as I walked out. “Hey, how soon? I’ll meet you in there.”
“Like a half hour. Do you even know how to lift weights?” I tossed back at him without waiting for his reply.
I took the stairs two at a time, then down the long west wing hallway until I reached Chloe’s room. I didn’t hear any talking on the other side of the bedroom door, so I lightly knocked.
“Come on in,” a faraway voice called out. “Oh hey. What’s up?” Mia said, peeking out of the blankets.
“Rebecca was on her way, but I offered since I had to walk right by anyways.” I looked around for Chloe.
“Who is it, Aunt Mia? It sounds like Easter Bilby but I can’t see him,” Sophie said from under the covers.
“You guys look so comfy. I’m going to go rest too.” I placed the drinks on the nightstand. “See you in a bit.”
I clicked the bedroom light off and found myself whistling as I went down the hall. Murphy passed me going the other direction with a laugh and a slight shove.
“Really, Three? Whistling?”
My call to the hospital to check on my patients went as smoothly as expected when dealing with sick kids and parents who just want to be home for the holidays. Putting patients in the hospital was one of the worst parts of my days. At least the Easter Bunny would be visiting them tomorrow. I knew they’d be treated the best they could with my favorite head nurse on today.
“I’m going to lock the doors on this wing if you show up here tonight,” Elizabeth, the head nurse, threatened. “These kids are doing okay, and you need a break. I know how to find you if we need you.”
“You’re the best, Betty. I’ll be by after the ball with the eggs and baskets.” I ended the call and headed to the gym.
Most days I didn’t know what I would do without Betty. She kept me in check and ran the pediatric floor like it was the White House. No one ever complained with her there. I needed to bid on something nice for her at the charity tonight.
“You’re late.” Asher leaned back on the weight bench. “Come on, spot me.”
“Listen to you sounding like you know your way around a weight room.” I stood at the head of the bench gripping the bar. “Are you bringing a date to the ball tonight?”
“No, there will be plenty of lovely ladies there just waiting to dance with me. Why would I ruin that by bringing a date?” Asher finished his reps. “You’re not bringing a date, are you?”
“No, too much to do at the ball to keep any number of regulars happy.” I sat on the floor, stretching.
“It wouldn’t have something to do with Chloe coming tonight, would it?” Asher teased. “I could keep her busy dancing tonight.”
“It has nothing to do with Chloe, but now that you mention it, I can occupy my time on her.” I nodded for Asher to follow to the rowing machines.
“You could do worse. She’s pretty.” Asher shrugged. “Not my type. Not yours either, but hey, why not?”
“Asher, when are you going to grow up and stop with the flighty women?” I stopped rowing to look at him. “You’ve already been in enough trouble with women recently.”
“I’m behaving. I’m going back to Sawyer’s private island in two months.” Asher smiled. “You come stay too. So many girls in bikinis.”
“I’ll let you handle that, playboy. I’m over it already.” I started rowing again. “You’re just going to get yourself in trouble again. What happened with the ex you just had to have?”
“I thought she was the one, but I was wrong.” Asher stood from the rower. “This is boring, old man. I’ll raise my heart rate enough tonight at the ball.”
“Or Mom’s heart rate.” I stood and tossed my towel at him. “That partying is gonna catch up with you.”
“Like it caught you?” Asher headed for the door. “Did I overhear Murphy correctly, that you asked Mom to get you a bride?”
Chapter 18
Chloe
Iwoke in complete darkness, feeling a little disoriented. I reached across the bed for Sophie, but was startled when I felt two bodies instead of one. I felt around for the remote on the nightstand and started hitting buttons.
Wow, remote blinds and curtains. I guess when you have this money…
