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She isn’t wrong, and I’ve told myself the same thing over and over. I’ve just never felt ready to act on it. I eye Nina behind my wineglass, a slight smirk pulling at my lips. “Okay, it’s official. I like you.”
At first, I felt a little jealous that this woman came home with my brother tonight. As if bringing her here to meet us was the only reason he came at all. But now that I’ve met her, sat here and devoured half a bottle of wine with her, I’d be lying if I said she wasn’t super cool. It’s like catching up with an old friend. And the fact she’s invited me out for my birthday tomorrow. I don’t understand why she would want to. Why she’d even offer?
It isn’t until Mason comes looking for her a little while later, the way he looks at her—at me, that I see how much Nina already means to him. How maybe he did only come to the house tonight because of her, but only because she made him believe he could.
SEVEN
Scarlet
“Happy birthday, Scarlet!”
I tear open the brown paper and smile down at the books in my lap. “Thank you, Dad.”
“What time are you off today?” he asks, looking at me with the widest smile I’ve seen on his face in maybe years.
My brother came to dinner last night. Not only did he show up at the estate and stay for longer than five minutes, but he actually sat at our dinner table and ate with us.
He also brought home a woman.
It’s groundbreaking.
“Vinny’s picking me up at twelve, and I think Nina finishes at one.”
“And you have no idea where you’re going?”
I shake my head and place the books on the worktop. “Not a clue. I guess we’ll go out?”
“No plan. I like it.” He grins, giving me a glimpse of a youthful man I know isn’t truly there anymore.
I chuckle to myself as he walks slowly to the sink. “Could be worse.”
“Could be better,” he replies, and I know he’s smiling too.
“Mason will be here to pick you up for the hospital when I leave, and then Vinny will be here later this evening. I won’t be out late.”
“Don’t rush back for me. It’s your—”
“Birthday, Scarlet. Go out and let your hair down.”
He gives me a look over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing on me. “Have fun, okay.”
“I will. I promise. And make sure you listen to what Dr Sarnmer says, please. I know what you’re like, and Mason will likely zone out the second you get in the car.”
“Why, thank you, sweet child. Kick a man while he’s down.”
“I’m kidding, Dad. Mason came to dinner, brought a woman home, andthenoffered to take you to your appointment. The Iceman is clearly melting.”
“Iceman, I like it.”
“Suits him, right?” I slip into the pantry and grab my gardening gloves. “Just make sure you take notes or have Dr Sarnmer email me the info after. I don’t want to be left in the dark about anything, and if you need any prescriptions picked up—”
“I could ask the Iceman to get them?”
I step out of the pantry, a smirk lifting the corner of my mouth as I pull on my gloves. “Could be pushing it.” I lean in and kiss his cheek. “Thanks for the books, Dad. Are you coming outside this morning? It’s glorious.”
“Maybe in a little while.” He smiles.
“I’ll hold you to it,” I tell him, walking out of the kitchen and through the entrance to the front door.
