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“Speaking of that. I quit my job at the diner. I offered to give them two weeks, but they’ve got a waiting list of college kids here for the summer who want a job. Tomorrow’s my last shift.”
I lean back in my seat and take a breath, certain I’m going to say the wrong thing. “That seems like a pretty big step.”
She rolls her eyes. “It sounds batty. I am aware of that, Mac. But this isn’t about whether we actually find the treasure, it’s about bringing my sisters together. We need to create the right kind of adventure for them, and I need more time for that before they move out for good.” Her words are calm, but her expression is anything but. Her eyes are glassy and her chin trembles.
“Have you thought about telling your sisters what you want?”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “I know what I’m doing, Mac. My sisters love a challenge. This is going to work.”
I hold up my hands. “I’m all in. You know your sisters better than I do and you’re the boss.”
She lifts her chin, her brown eyes flashing. “That’s right. I’m the boss. We’ll head back out tomorrow morning.”
She hops off the stool and heads for the door. I’m on my feet and after her in an instant. “Wait. Don’t you want to stay? I’m making falafel for dinner. I’ve even got homemade vegan Naan. We can have a rematch of Connect Four.”
She pauses, hand on the doorknob. Am I imagining the wistfulness in her eyes? The way she takes a step toward me before she stops herself? “I can’t stay. My sisters should all be home tonight and, if I’m lucky, I can convince them to have a band practice.” She looks up at me. “You should come. We could use a singer.”
I have to press my lips shut hard to keep from agreeing to whatever she asks. “I’ve got bread in the oven.”
She lowers her lashes and nods, hiding whatever expression is in her eyes. “Of course. Have a good night, Mac.”
I stand in the doorway and watch her walk to her car, waving as she drives away.
Can she handle the truth about me? Maybe she won’t look at me any differently, and I can meet her sisters and hang out with her in that big house of theirs.
I could be a part of her life, maybe even convince her I’m boyfriend material. It could be amazing.
Until I go back to LA and break my own heart.
Since the cell service here is terrible, I hurry over to the landline and punch in Clover’s number. It’s not like I remember it. I have to use the contacts from my cell.
She answers on the second ring. “Hey, Ava. How’s Dubai?”
“Hot this time of year. I assume you’re with your sisters?”
“I sure am,” she says, way too cheerfully.
“Tone it down or they’re going to think you’re up to something.”
“Too late.”
“Can you take the call to another room? I need a favor.”
“Top secret, did ya say? Right-o. I’ll take this call in another room.”
“Is that your attempt at an Irish accent?”
Something slams, and she lets out a huff. “I’m no good at subterfuge, Jaxon. Why are you doing this to me? Couldn’t you have sent a text like a normal Gen Z?”
“This is too sensitive for a text. I need you to bring a vet named Jared Reynolds in on my secret.”
She gasps. “What happened to Barley? Did you forget to lock the gate? I told you—”
“I didn’t forget to lock the gate. I adopted a friend for Barley and I need to have him neutered so we don’t have any babies.”
She’s silent for long enough that I get nervous. “Does this new friend happen to be named Begonia?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
