“Bingo! Pasta for every meal. I swear, there’s bound to be Italian somewhere in our bloodline,” Everleigh says, but then changes the subject, considering we don’t know much about our father.
I take out the ingredients and place them on the counter, ready to get to work. I boil the noodles while I chop the chicken and whip up the homemade sauce. It doesn’t take long before the aroma from the spices and garlic bread in the oven fills the kitchen. My mouth waters in anticipation as I fill our bowls full of chicken Alfredo.
“Second dinner is served,” I call out, then place the dishes in front of them. We sit and wait for the steam to clear before digging in.
Gemma moans, and that sweet sound has me adjusting myself as memories of our time together resurface. I meet her eyes, and she blushes before quickly looking away.
“How’s business going?” I ask my sister.
Everleigh immediately perks up and gets super excited to chat about the boutique. “The mystery sale today went amazing. Next week, I think I’m gonna try an online pre-order campaign. Drum up excitement for a few of the new summer items and give everyone a chance to buy what they want. Some of my customers were pissed today that I sold out of the skirt Gemma had on for the shoot.”
She continues chatting about her ideas, and Gemma throws in different suggestions, but I can’t seem to pay attention to either of them. My mind wanders too much as I think about Robert grabbing Gemma. I glance down at her wrist and notice a small bruise has formed where he dug his fingers into her skin. I suck in a deep breath and try to pay attention to Everleigh, adding something to the conversation so she doesn’t notice I was lost in my head again.
“It would be smart to order fall stuff now, too. You know all these women are gonna be dressing like Hans Solo with their leggings and boots as soon as the temp drops to sixty-five.”
Gemma snorts. “You’re right, and I’m totally guilty of it.”
Her laughter causes my lips to turn up.
“Oh my God. I wear the same thing, so that’s an amazing idea. Get ahead of the rush. First cold front that comes, my regulars beg for cardigans and buffalo plaid, too.”
“Now, you’re thinking like a business owner. Don’t forget the pumpkin spice candles.” I flash a wink at Gemma, who nearly chokes on her pasta from laughing so hard.
“I love fall candles!” Gemma gushes. I know she does. She talked about stocking up on them in one of her letters.
“Ready to come work with me on the weekends now?” Everleigh mocks.
Gemma tilts her head at Everleigh. “You offered Tyler a job?”
A roar of laughter fills the room. “I’ve been trying to talk him into it. Might be able to find him a girlfriend or something. Plus, I think he’d help me sell more clothes being Mr. Eye Candy.”
I shake my head. “You’re relentless with this. It’s not happening.”
Gemma’s grin falters. I narrow my eyes at my sister, knowing she’s trying to gauge Gemma’s reaction. I’m not stupid and can see straight through it. Plus, after the way Gemma acted about Katie and me, I know it makes her uncomfortable.
“I don’t need a girlfriend,” I say around a mouthful.
“Why not?” Everleigh questions. “I’m sure you don’t want to be single for the rest of your life. Plus, I want to be an auntie someday.”
I fill my mouth full of garlic bread, giving myself time to think about my next words.
“I won’t be. I’ll eventually find someone, but that doesn’t mean I’m searching. I’m a firm believer that you find the right person for you when you least expect it. In layman's terms, I’m not searching for love.”
Everleigh lifts her almost empty glass. “Cheers to being alone forever.”
Gemma doesn’t join her toast, so I do, just to appease Everleigh. I can’t leave her hanging. The room grows silent as we eat, but Everleigh speaks up, keeping the conversation moving.
“When are you available to model again?” she asks Gemma.
“Whenever you want,” she tells her. “It was a lot of fun.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that. I’ll need to get with Katie too, and we can make it a night. It’ll be a blast when the fall clothes come in.”
Once our bowls are empty, I stand to clean the kitchen. Everleigh and Gemma continue chatting as I rinse the dishes, then load the dishwasher. A moment later, Everleigh returns with a spare blanket and pillows for Gemma.
Everleigh yawns and tells Gemma good night. Before walking to her room, Everleigh flashes me a smirk, and I know she’s up to something. Once she’s gone, it’s just Gemma and me, and the awkward tension nearly chokes me.
“Will you watch a movie with me?” she asks, and I look at the clock and see it’s past ten.