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“That’s amazing.” Both Martinez women cooed over his statement.
I sipped my lemonade, unsure of whether I was embarrassed by his praise or pleased he had brought it up.
“It’s a family company, started by my father in the nineties. My niece is an owner too.”
“How interesting! Always in San Francisco?” Terri asked me, sipping her own drink.
“Yes, Dad was always drawn to the city, and after college, there was nothing I wanted to do more than to come back.”
Katie sat in her chair, her familiar gaze warm on my face. “I have to know, because Brady never lets us meet his girlfriends. Did Brady tell you much about us?”
I cringed. “Not much. I know that Terri, you’re a retired teacher, right?”
Terri nodded while looking up at her son with eyes that glowed with pride.
I hid a smile. “And Katie, I’m guessing you are the psychiatrist?”
“I am. Mostly elementary-aged children right now.”
“That must be very hard and very rewarding.”
Katie shrugged. “What can I say? I love it.” She rubbed her hands together. “I have a few questions. Can I get them over with so we can have some fun?”
Oh God.
I took a long drink then set my glass aside. Leaning my elbows on the table, I fixed my gaze on hers. “Do it. I’m ready.”
“Favorite food?”
“Burgers. Cheese. Together or separate.”
“Favorite drink?”
“Free.” My answer was both truthful and a tiny bit embarrassing.
I heard his mother cackle, but Katie pushed onwards, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Have you been married before? Any kids?”
I held up one finger and then the other. “No, and not yet.”
Katie sat back in her chair. “Why do you like my brother?”
I snorted out a short laugh. “That’s easy. He’s kind and genuine and makes me smile.”
Both Martinez women raised their brows. I could tell my answer made them happy. The heavy warmth of Brady’s hand on my shoulder squeezed.
“Well, that and…” I blushed to the roots of my hair. “Have you seen him?”
“I get that.” Katie sucked on her teeth as she looked at me. “What’s your family like?”
“A bit unconventional. I'm a late-in-life oops baby. My sister is twenty years my senior, and I grew up more with my niece than I did my sister.”
“Are you a real blonde?”
“I am,” I said, grinning.
This time it was Katie’s golden cheeks who pinked. “Sorry. That was just me being nosy.”
