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I pulled my brother’s phone close and brought up her profile.
Yup, that was the same Clara.
I tried to push away the annoying feelings pummeling through my veins.
What was it about that single like? Some sort of vague jealousy? I had no right to be jealous, and it wasn’t like he’d liked something of hers. It had been the other way around.
But it did prove he was on her radar. I stared at the photo and saw the date. It was a photo of him at the beach on the morning of our trip to see the mystery writer. He was at our spot. I had no idea he’d been there that morning. I just assumed he was working until we left for Seattle.
I let out a deep breath and thought about that day. He’d gone to so much trouble to surprise me. Were things changing between us whether I wanted them to or not?
Shoving the phone back to my brother, I stood up and let out a sigh as I brought my eyes to his.
“See what I mean?”
I nodded. “I don’t think he’s busy texting all those women back. He shouldn’t be penalized for being good-looking.”
“Emily, you’re gorgeous. Do you get a hundred men hitting like on each photo?”
I scowled at my brother. “Actually, I do.”
Not true.
All my accounts were private.
Amelia chuckled. “Okay, you two. Break it up. I’m headed upstairs to do inventory on all our broaches.”
When my sister was out of range, I leaned over the cabinet. “Do you think you’d know if you met the girl of your dreams right away or…” I looked up at my brother. “Or would it take a few times before you knew she was the one?”
He smiled. “I’d like to think I’ll see her, and I’ll know.”
“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
“Here’s hoping.” He put a stack of comics on a shelf. “Hey, I’m scheduled to hit a few garage sales and flea markets next week, but the vet just told me she couldn’t watch Oscar.”
A chill settled over me, and I frantically shook my head. “No. Absolutely not, Brad. I’m not watching Oscar. He’s mean. No, he’s more than mean. He wants blood.”
“Oscar’s not that bad. He’s just misunderstood. I can’t put him in boarding,” Brad pleaded.
“Even the vet is scared of him, Brad.” I shook my head. “Until you get him a meeting with a priest, I don’t want anything to do with him. He’ll eat me when I’m sleeping.”
“He would not. He’d wait until you’re awake.” Brad laughed. “He’d enjoy it more.”
I laughed. “Exactly. But did you forget I’m already taking care of Mimi and Grandpa? My plate is full. Go ask someone else to be your mercenary.”
Brad smiled and nodded. “I’ll find someone.”
“I’m sure you will.”
The bell dinged for our door, and I spun around.
It was like the air had been knocked right out of me.
She walked in with her head held up high as she scanned the store. Sunglasses sat propped on her head as her messy blonde hair bounced with each step. She wore a tight pair of jeans and an even tighter red top. A boy in his late teens walked in behind her. He looked like he’d rather be anywhere other than an antique store on some small island.
I glanced at my brother, who looked intrigued, and rolled my eyes at him.
What was Clara doing here?
