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“Yeah.” Both our names are on the deed. Our parents left it to us.
“Refinance the loan. Get the cash that way. It’s what I want.”
“That’s what you want, me buying Inked Hearts?”
“I think about things besides myself.”
“I’m not—”
“Yeah, you are. You’re annoying, Brendon, but I do love you. You’re my only brother.” She pushes herself to her feet. “If we’re a team, I want to be part of your decisions. Like Kay staying here. Or you becoming a small business owner. I want that. You know how I dream about owning my own boutique.”
She does. She’d be great at it. But not until she finishes school. “You need to focus on college.”
She rolls her eyes. “You didn’t go to college and you’re doing fine.”
“Even so.”
“I thought about it. You don’t have to refinance. Not if I loan you the money.”
We inherited equal parts of Mom and Dad’s life insurance. Most of mine went to keeping shit together the first few years, while I was still training. But I made sure she never had to touch hers. “No way, Em.”
“I won’t ask for interest. I just… I want to be able to see the whole process. To see the day-to-day.”
“I’ve offered a million times.” Ryan and I basically run the shop now.
“And I’m finally saying yes. You don’t need that much. I’ll still have plenty for college. Even if I do my last two years at some expensive private school.” Her expression is fierce.
This is what she wants.
My sister, the future small business owner.
Usually her stubbornness is a thorn in my side. Right now, it’s filling me with pride. What the hell did I do to get Emma to grow into such a confident young woman?
That’s one thing I can do right.
Taking care of Em, looking out for her—that fills me with a pride that nothing else can match. Not even finishing a perfect tattoo.
“You want to be a part of this?” I ask.
She nods. “Of course.”
“Come to our meeting today. It’s at two.”
“I don’t get off work until two. But okay. I’ll figure it out.” She smiles. “Thanks, Brendon. You… You aren’t always the worst.”
“High praise.”
She nods. “I know.” She pulls me into a quick hug. “I have to go. But, um, make sure Kay is all right. She’s been quiet the last few days.”
“Yeah. I will.”
“You have any idea what’s going on with her?”
No, but I want to. “A lot’s changing in her life. And then there’s school.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. You’re free tonight, right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Her party. Well, Ryan and I agreed to combine it. We’ll tell her we’re celebrating you guys buying the shop. But it’s for her too. To say welcome to the family.”
“That’s sweet.”
“I told you. I think about more than myself.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious.” She moves to the couch to slide into her black wedges. “You think this is nice enough for the lawyer?”
Her black dress is way too tight and low cut for an office. It’s perfect for her job shilling lingerie, but it’s not formal. “Wear a blazer.”
“Could you get it from my closet? Bring it?”
“Yeah. Sure.”
She grabs her purse from the table and waves goodbye. “I love you.”
After Mom and Dad, we always close with an I love you. Even if we want to kill each other. “I love you too.”
She runs out the door.
I’m focusing on this sale. On the shop. And even on how I’ll really fuck things up with my sister—my only family, the most important person in my life—if I give into all the thoughts running through my head.
The meeting is quick. Seamless.
We’ve all got our finances figured out.
We’re going to make everything official next week.
And Emma is sitting there with a serious, studious look on her face. It’s a side of her I never see. It makes me so fucking proud.
I’m over the fucking moon.
Until we’re walking back to the parking lot.
And Dean is nudging me and leaning in to whisper. “What do you think Kay’s going to wear tonight?”
I say nothing.
“What do you think she’ll say if I offer to take her to the back room? You think she’ll be into it.”
“Go fuck yourself.”
“Nah. I’d rather save myself for her.”
I know he’s saying it to fuck with me.
I know Dean has no intentions of touching Kay.
But, fuck, I still want to punch the smugness from his smile.
Chapter Sixteen
Kaylee
“Kay-bear, you’re going to have to be more specific if you want my help.” Grandma’s voice is irritated. It’s the fourth time she’s pressed for details, and the fourth time I’ve denied them.
Not that she can talk. She’s being just as secretive about how she’s doing. She’s still towing the party line. I need more help, but, really, I’ll be fine. Focus on school. Don’t worry about me.
“It’s not like I’m gonna know the guy,” she says. “Aren’t you too old to keep your crushes a secret?”
