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Like their father and uncles before them, they had inherited the nickname of the Heartbreak Brothers.
Grace had even heard her own brother being referred to as an honorary heartbreak brother, and ew, she really didn’t need that.
“Of course it is. Nothing goes on around here,” Sabrina complained.
“Maybe that’s how some of us like it.” Grace winked at her.
There was a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Ethan standing there. And though it had been at least four years since they’d both been in town, he automatically hugged her and she hugged him back.
“Your mom told me you were here,” he said. “I didn’t know you’d come back.”
“Over a year ago.” She nodded, smiling because it wasn’t his fault her mom was interfering. And really, he was a good-looking guy. He’d filled out a little during his years since high school. His hair was shorter and darker, but his smile was the same. “How about you? Got used to being back home yet?”
He shook his head. “It’s good to spend some time with dad. He’s not doing so well.”
Her smile melted. “I’m so sorry.” Ethan’s dad was a vet. He ran the only practice in town, having bought it out from the previous owner. Ethan had followed in his father’s footsteps, but for the last few years had been working out west, mostly with ranches and horses. “I didn’t know.”
“Not your fault,” he said softly. “And it’s nice to know at least one other person here in town.”
“Give it five minutes and everybody will remember you.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed that. At least ten of my parents’ friends have been trying to match make me with their daughters.
Her face heated. Please god, let her mom have not have been one. “If my Mom said anything…”
He laughed. “Oh no, she didn’t.”
She widened her eyes. “Good.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek. “I gotta go. Just wanted to say hi though.”
“I’m glad you did.” It was true. It was really nice to see him. To know that at least she wasn’t the only loser back in town.
He lifted a hand in a wave and went to go, but then something changed his mind. He turned back to her, his brows lifted. “Can I get your number?” he asked. “Maybe we could get together and catch up some time? You could fill me in on what’s happened since I’ve been away.”
Grace swallowed. It wasn’t flirting. And it might be nice to have a friend in town that she wasn’t related to. “Sure.” She reeled off her number, and he put it in his phone.
“See you around, Grace.”
“Yeah,” she said, nodding. “See you around.”
* * *
“I hear you went out on a date last night,” Sabrina said two Fridays later when Grace joined her group of cousins by the creek.
“I went out for a drink with a friend,” Grace told her, pulling out her chair. “It wasn’t exactly a date.” And it hadn’t exactly lit her world on fire, either. Ethan was nice, but that was it.
She hadn’t had to pick Aunt Gina up this week – it was Marley’s turn – so she’d gotten here even later than usual, getting hung up at work. The sun was almost under the horizon and most of the families with kids were packing up their things to leave.
There were still a few younger kids around, their shouts from beside the creek wafting over in the breeze. The leaves in the trees were dancing with the wind, but it was still humid out here, enough for them all to be wearing shorts and t-shirts or tank tops.
Presley was strumming his guitar softly. He had the sweetest singing voice, and the dirtiest laugh. It was a lethal combination for most women. At least the ones who weren’t related to him.
He and Marley had inherited their dad’s musical talent. Gray Hartson was a rock singer, adored in his day, though long since retired. He’d spent most of the last thirty years producing records for other groups and raising his kids, Presley, Marley and their little brother, Hendrix.
And now there was Presley’s daughter to keep them busy, too.
“And?” Sabrina prompted, pulling Grace out of her thoughts.
