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“Whatever. Those boys are adorable, and you know it,” I tell her.
“Oh, I know it all right, and they’re already taking after their father and using their cuteness to get what they want.” Her amused eyes slide to me. “Them at your table eating your favorite ice cream is proof of that.”
I lift a shoulder. “What can I say? They’re my favorite nephews.”
“They’re your only nephews.”
“Eh. You got me there.” Smiling at our banter, I put the ice cream back in the freezer and pull out a package of steaks to grill later.
Ginger and I grew up as close as two sisters could be. We were each other’s best friends before we started to make friends of our own. I still consider her my best friend, she’s just not my only best friend anymore.
“Have you talked to Mom today?” She takes a seat on one of the stools at the bar.
I pull out the one next to her and sit. “No. She called earlier, but I was in the middle of finishing up my manuscript. I haven’t had time to call her back.”
“Her and Dad are talking about buying a yacht and living on it part of the year. They want to sail up and down the east coast.”
“Wow, really?” This news surprises me. My parents have never expressed an interest in living on a boat. “That’s out of the blue. What made them come up with that idea?”
“Not sure how she met her, but I guess she’s been talking to this woman online for a while. She and her husband have been living on a boat full time for the last ten years. I guess all the stories she’s told Mom have piqued their interest. Her and Dad are planning a trip down to Florida this summer to meet the couple in person. They’re going to stay with them on the boat for a week.”
My brows jump up. “Wait. Are you serious? How well does Mom really know these people? They could be serial killers who lure people out on their boat and they’re never seen again.”
Ginger laughs as she picks at the label on her water bottle. “You really ought to lay off the thrillers for a while, Cat. Your imagination is a bit scary at times.”
“Oh come on,” I huff, turning in my seat to face Ginger. “You can’t tell me you’re really okay with this. What does Max think about it?”
Her eyes come to me and her lips twist. “He has the same concerns as you. But neither of you are giving our parents credit. They aren’t stupid, you know. Dad is an excellent judge of character, and you know he won’t risk Mom’s safety if he felt an inkling of doubt. He’s already having the couple checked out.”
“Well, that makes me feel somewhat better,” I grumble, still not totally appeased.
Ginger’s hand lands on mine, squeezing my fingers. “Don’t worry. They’ll be safe.”
I nod and decide to change the subject. I’ll talk to Mom later and hear from her what precautions she and Dad are taking.
“Did Mason make partner?”
Ginger grins, letting my hand go to continue picking at the label. “He did,” she answers happily. “In two weeks, the name Hart will be alongside Spencer, Mullens, and Thatcher.”
“Oh my God! That’s wonderful!” I reach over and hug Ginger. “I’m so excited for you both!”
Mason started at the bottom of Spencer, Mullens, and Thatcher, one of the top corporate law firms in the country. He’s been with the firm for five years. Although it’s not common, it’s not unheard of to become a partner after only five years. Mason has worked his ass off and is a damn competent lawyer.
“Let me know if you want Hunter and me to watch the kids so you can go out and celebrate,” I offer.
“I may take you up on that. Our lives are going to be hectic for a while. He’s expected to put in some hellacious hours, not that he hasn’t already.”
“Well, we’re here when you need us,” I say.
“Thanks, sis.”
Ginger and the boys hang out for a while longer before she takes her crew and heads out. I make a mental note to order a bottle of wine this week and have it delivered to my sister and Mason.
After locking and setting the alarm after they leave, I return to the kitchen and grab the bottle of pain pills from the cabinet above the stove. I’ve been getting migraines for years, and I feel one coming on. I want to head it off before the worst of it comes. The sooner I take the prescribed medicine, the less it will cripple me.
After swallowing the pill with some water, I go upstairs and wet a rag with cold water. Besides taking the medicine, the best thing I can do during a migraine is to lay down and sleep.
After crawling between the cool sheets, I lay the rag over my forehead and eyes.
