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Bri gave him a familiar look. The one that said “Let’s work together to encourage Cara.”
“You’re only thirty-three, kiddo. It’s not like you’re over the hill.” At Bri’s eye roll, he shrugged. “What?”
“Your diplomatic skills leave something to be desired.”
“I was just stating a fact. Thirty-three isn’t old. You found someone, and you’re thirty-four. The senior among us.” As she liked to point out when it suited her, despite her mere six-month advantage over him.
“But I have issues.” Cara set the casserole on the table and dug a serving spoon from his utensil drawer.
Bri jumped back in without giving him a chance to respond.“I do too. We all do. Comes with the territory if you’re a kid from a rough background. We’re just lucky we got the best foster parents in the world, and that they adopted us. If I met a guy who could look pastmyproblems, you can too.”
“Mine are different than yours. But you may be right. Jack’s older than me and he hasn’t found anyone yet either.”
“Don’t be too sure about that.” Bri relieved him of the last plate and set it on the table.
“What does that mean?” Cara paused, spoon in hand.
“Nothing. Let’s say grace.” He took his seat, bowed his head, and launched into a longer-than-usual blessing, tacking on a silent prayer that his siblings would drop the subject of romance.
“He met someone who interests him.” Bri spoke the instant he finished the blessing.
So much for the plea he’d directed heavenward.
“Yeah? Tell me everything.” Cara picked up her fork and aimed it at him.
“There’s nothing to tell. I’m not dating anyone at the moment.”
“Bri?” Cara turned to their sister for more information.
“I won’t dispute our brother’s statement, since I’ve never known him to lie, but I’ll stick by my claim that he’s met someone who’s caught his eye.”
“Who is she?”
“He’ll have to answer that one. I’m sworn to secrecy because it’s case-related.”
Cara’s head swiveled back toward him. “Okay. Spill it.”
“There’s nothing to spill.”
Bri speared a green bean. “When’s the last time you saw her?”
Shewouldask that question.
“Seeing someone in connection with an investigation doesn’t qualify as a social call.”
“Unless you fabricate a work excuse to contact her.” Briarched her eyebrows as she chewed. “And you didn’t answer my question. Telling.”
His sisters knew him too well.
“I’m not in the market for romance.” He shoveled in an extra-large forkful of lasagna.
“Why not?” Bri pinned him with the penetrating stare she usually reserved for fire scene investigation work.
He pointed to his mouth and continued to chew. Slowly.
“You’re stalling.” Bri angled toward Cara. “As a renowned historical anthropologist with keen insight into human behavior, what’s your take on our brother’s avoidance tactics?”
“I think that question is more the bailiwick of a psychologist.”
