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“Why haven’t I ever noticed this?”
“Idaho’s not close, and after the accident you had other priorities. Like recovery. I tried to ask a few discreet questions in the beginning, but he always dodged them.”
Bri rested her elbow on the table and propped her chin in her palm. “I think he needs a wife.”
“I don’t disagree, but he’s a big boy. If he wants to get married, he can figure out how to go about finding the right woman. Speaking of dating ... how’s Marc?”
Bri lifted her gaze to the heavens and shook her head. “Let me guess. Jack filled you in on my love life.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but he did mention the two of you were planning to see each other. Why do I always hear everything secondhand?”
“I was going to tell you during our usual weekly call tomorrow.” She picked up her soda can. Shook it. Empty—and shewas nearing her daily limit. “However, this could go nowhere. Don’t get carried away.”
“I was about to offer you the same advice.”
She stood and wandered over to the fridge. One more jolt of caffeine would keep her sharp as she reread the tedious autopsy reports. “Trust me, I’m going into this with my eyes wide open and keeping my expectations in check.”
“You know, it’s kind of sad we’re all in our thirties and none of us have ever had a serious romantic relationship.”
“Understandable though, in light of our backgrounds. Trust doesn’t come easy.”
“True. But you and Jack should have found someone by now who could get past the walls you’ve built. I mean, I understand why it’s more difficult for me. I’m not exactly a perfect specimen.”
Throat constricting, Bri grabbed her soda and shut the fridge. “You’re perfect in all the ways that matter.”
“Spoken like the loyal sister you are—but I do have issues.”
“Any guy who can’t look past those isn’t worth having.”
“I’ll hold that thought. You still going to call me tomorrow morning?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” And she’d return to this topic then, since Cara didn’t seem inclined to discuss it now. If her sister’s old self-esteem issues were rearing their ugly head, she and Jack would have to tag-team a boost-her-spirits campaign. “By the way, I know you were thinking about barbecuing for our next family get-together, but Jack mentioned to me this week how much he likes your omelets. I do too.”
“Good. I was having a few doubts about tackling the grill again anyway. I wouldn’t mind reverting to my old standby.”
Thank you, God!
“That gets my vote. Maybe you could make your cheesy potato casserole too. That would be a treat.”
“Consider it done. I’ll add it to the menu.” A yawn cameover the line. “Sorry. Early class today, and I have a stack of papers to grade. That’s what I’m doing on my Friday date night, such as it is.”
“I’ll let you get back to your red pen. We’ll have a longer chat tomorrow.”
As Bri closed out the conversation and severed the connection, she leaned back in her chair, weighing the cell in her hand.
Brunch menu problem solved.
Jack owed her.
Now she could concentrate on more important matters.
Like solving the Kavanaugh puzzle. Praying Marc’s trip tomorrow would yield answers that helped heal his hurting heart. Psyching herself up for the Tuesday lunch date Alison had suggested during their brief chat after the memorial service.
And on a happier note, breaking the long dry spell in the romance department that had, until a certain ATF agent came into her life, appeared to be the destiny of the Tucker siblings.
In eight days, a new chapter in her life would begin. And with the Travis threat apparently discredited, nothing was going to stop her from turning the page and writing the first scene in her story with Marc.
Nothing.
