“Thank you,” he says once he’s lying down.
Though he doesn’t offer more than that, I know it’s sincere. Whatever is going on between him and Cooper, it’s enough that turning to me for help was the more attractive option. I take it as a step in the right direction that Evan trusts me this much. Baby steps.
I pat him gently on the head, as if he’s a child with a slight fever. “You’re welcome.”
The next morning, I’m getting ready for class when Evan bursts out of Bonnie’s room with his phone to his ear.
“Yeah, I know, I know. I’m on my way. I said I heard you, fuck.” He’s stumbling around trying to pull his jeans up while rummaging through Bonnie’s room for something. “Ten minutes.”
When I question him with a look, he holds up his fingers to mime dangling keys. Keys! I still have his Jeep keys in my room. I dash off and grab them, then toss them at him. He snatches them easily from the air.
“No,” he says into the phone. “Dude, I’m leaving right now, chill the fuck out.”
Cooper? I mouth at him, to which Evan nods his head. I hold my hand out for the phone. He’s skeptical at first, then relents.
“Here, the princess wants to talk to you.” This time, instead of a sarcastic sneer, there’s a smile in his eyes. Maybe a plea.
“Hey,” I say, not giving Cooper a chance to cut me off. “I invited Evan out for breakfast but the place was slammed and I lost track of time. I just had to order the soufflé, you know.”
“Breakfast, huh?” He’s wary, of course. As he should be.
But I stick to the story. “Yeah, I thought it’d be a chance for us to chat, you know? A little family time.”
I can practically feel Cooper’s eyes rolling through the phone.
“Whatever. Tell him to get his ass to work.”
“K, smooches, bye,” I sing sweetly, because the more I throw Cooper off balance, the more he’ll accept this completely preposterous premise. Ending the call, I hand the phone back to Evan. “I think he bought it.”
He gives me a look of confused amusement. “You’re a life-saver.”
“I know. Now can I ask why I’m lying to your brother?”
Running his hands through his hair, Evan sighs. He’s the type who hates explaining himself. I get that. But fair’s fair.
“Coop’s already on my case,” he says reluctantly. “If he finds out about last night, he’ll force an intervention on me or some dumb shit.”
“Do you need one?” I know Cooper’s been concerned that Evan is spiraling, but he hasn’t told me any specifics. Judging by last night, I suspect booze and fighting are possible culprits.
“Definitely not,” Evan assures me.
I’m not sure who he’s trying to convince, but it doesn’t work on either of us.
I let out a breath. “Make me a promise.”
He rolls his eyes. It’s these times I forget he and Cooper are two different people.
“I’ll cover for you as long as you’re honest with me. If you won’t talk to Cooper, I’ll feel better if you at least let me keep an eye on you.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.” He punctuates that with a dark scowl.
Yup. I get why they fight so much. Cooper’s overbearing and Evan is an obstinate ass. Together they create a perfect storm.
“I don’t want to be one,” I tell him. “So how about we settle for friends. Deal?”
He licks his lips to smother a grin. It’s almost charming. “Alright, princess. Deal.”
We shake hands. I give it about a fifty-fifty chance that he holds up his end of the bargain. Still, it’s miles from where we started, and I’m smart enough to take what I can get.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
COOPER
Mac’s got yet another inspection at the hotel today, so I take the afternoon off to go there with her. She says it’s so I can translate for her, but I think she’s nervous about what she’s gotten herself into. Can’t blame her. Even if I had boatloads of family money, jumping into something as complex as renovating a hotel—not to mention running the damn thing—would make me a whole lot of anxious too. So as the inspector does his thing, Mac and I hang out on the boardwalk waiting for the verdict.
“I’m starting to think one does not simply buy a condemned hotel,” she says glumly.
I can’t help a smile. “That so?”
“Yup.” She bends to pet Daisy, who’s sitting at her feet. That dog doesn’t leave me alone for a second when we’re home, and then as soon as Mac comes around, she doesn’t know me.
“You can walk away.” From what I understand, the final sale of the property is still pending the completion of this last inspection. Crossing t’s and all that.
“No, I’m committed. It’s just overwhelming, you know? Thinking about everything there is to do. How much I don’t know.”