Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“Eew. Don’t give me that visual of my brother.” Jade wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Hadley choked on her water, laughing.
“Just you wait, Hadley,” Aurora said to her. “One day you’ll have kids and know exactly what I mean.” Her sweet grin was infectious.
Hadley shook her head. “I’m busy enough with a nosey teenage sister and my high school students.”
“You never know. I didn’t think I would have kids,” Jade said, sobering. “I thought my mom’s health issues would be mine, as well.”
Hadley knew all about their mom Audrey’s mental health issues, but she wasn’t sure how it had affected Jade. Nor did she think it was her place to ask.
“Anyway,” Jade continued. “Then Knox and his potent sperm came along and voila! I got pregnant, which forced me to face my feelings.” She picked up a popover and broke it in half, the steam billowing from the delicious-looking pastry.
“You two are so… open!” Hadley envied their closeness. She hoped that when Dani grew up, they’d share a similarly tight relationship.
Jade lifted a shoulder. “We’re family. And the women in this family are close. Which brings me to you and Zach.”
Aurora winced. “Not smooth.”
“Fine, I’ll get to the point. We hope you and Zach can rekindle your relationship. I know things were awkward at first but I saw glimpses of my old brother that night at dinner.” She leaned closer to Hadley. “And I know we have you and your return to thank. He missed you so much.”
Hadley wrapped her hands around the glass and tried to figure out how to explain things to these well-meaning women who only wanted the best for their brother. “I realize my leaving was painful and the lack of communication was even worse for him. It was awful for me too and I was in a new state and school where I didn’t know a soul.”
“That must have been so hard,” Aurora whispered.
“It was, but not as rough as you had it.” Hadley wouldn’t begin to compare.
Aurora had grown up in foster care, aged out and gotten pregnant after a no-names exchanged, one-night stand with Nick. Unfortunately, she’d found out she was having his baby after he’d left, and they’d coincidentally and fortunately, reunited five years later. Her early life hadn’t been easy and if anyone could understand a scary, unfamiliar situation, it was Aurora.
“Don’t do that,” Aurora said, shaking her head. “Everyone’s hard time is theirs. No need to minimize your own.”
Hadley nodded in understanding. “Anyway, I’ve explained to Zach all about my past and why I didn’t keep in touch and I think he’s coming to terms with what happened.”
She wouldn’t mention their kiss or the fact that he’d definitely seemed to have come around. Either that or he was in deep denial, and he’d eventually explode with anger. Who knew?
“He seems lighter,” Aurora murmured.
“Not to mention my brother hasn’t had a real relationship since you.”
Hadley jerked in her seat and her breath left her in a rush. “That’s not possible.”
“But it is. Don’t get me wrong, there have been women in his life, but there has never been anyone he’s brought to a family dinner.” Jade lifted her napkin and placed the linen square on her lap. “Hand to God,” she said, raising her palm forward. “Hookups have been more his thing.”
Something she had no desire to hear about.
Hadley shook out her napkin and placed it on her thighs. “Just another way I messed up his life.”
“Or he knew he already found the one and nobody else would do,” Aurora said.
These women were relentless. Hadley couldn’t deny she was shocked to hear Zach hadn’t had a relationship since they’d been together. Neither had she. As much as her heart liked the romantic idea of a second chance, she had obligations, both to the school and with the loan agreement tying her to another state.
Hadley glanced at them. “Listen, don’t get your hopes up. Zach and I really don’t know each other anymore, and when my problems are resolved, I have to go back to Illinois.” She repeated what she’d told Zach because she didn’t want them to be disappointed.
Aurora and Jade met each other’s gazes. “We’ll see,” Jade said, just as the waiter made his way to their table.
The rest of the meal was light and filled with girl talk Hadley didn’t often get to enjoy. Another thing she’d miss when it was time to go home. But for right now, both she and her sister were safe and that was what mattered.
* * *
Zach glanced at Maddox. “You’re telling me more liquor bottles are missing?” Zach asked.
Maddox shook his head. “I don’t understand it. The counts are right when everything comes in.”
Running a hand through his hair, Zach studied the bar and the short hall leading to the storage room and offices. Before he could think on it further, the door opened and Hadley walked in, shopping bags in her hands. The sight of her distracted him, his gaze falling on her navy leggings and form-fitting lavender tank top that accentuated her curves.