Page 94 of Secrets on Ice

My brother glares at me as he takes a sip of his shake. “What have you two been up to?” he asks.

Cassidy and I exchange a quick look. It’s show-time as I clear my throat. “We got our first client today.”

“Oh my god, that is awesome,” Sully says, coming over and hugging us both.

“Good work, girls,” Emmett adds.

“Thanks, it’s Nelly,” I tell them.

“That’s right, he was talking about wanting to redecorate,” Sully adds.

“It’s a small job, but still, it’s a start.”

“You guys did such a great job on my home. I’m sure Nelly will be happy,” Emmett says.

“Thanks, your apartment was his inspiration, he really likes it,” I tell him.

“Also, we have some more news,” Cassidy says excitedly. “Em and I want to design our own homewares products.”

“Homewares products?” Sully asks.

“Yeah, like rugs, cushions and things,” she explains.

“Oh wow, that sounds really cool,” he says excitedly.

“Wait, you think it’s a good idea?” she asks him.

“Of course, it makes sense. You can design the homes and use your products to decorate them.”

“Yes, exactly that,” Cassidy exclaims.

“Kevin and Trevor hated the idea every time we broached it with them,” I confess to them.

The boys look at us.

“Seems like the boys used to say a lot of mean things to you girls. Why did you never say anything to us?” Sully asks.

“Probably because we didn’t realize how bad it was till we got out,” Cassidy tells him.

“I’m sorry,” Emmett says to me. “I feel like I dropped the ball with you regarding Kevin.”

I shake my head. “Honestly, I thought it was normal.”

“A partner should always support their partner’s dreams,” Sully adds.

“Look, it was going to be a big investment, and at the time, we didn’t have the extra cash for our dreams,” Cassidy explains.

“How much do you need?” Sully asks her.

“Huh?”

“To get this homewares thing off the ground. How much do you need?”

“No, I am not taking your money,” Cassidy tells him.

“I’m with Sully. How much do you need to get this going? I don’t like that you didn’t come to us before and ask, you know we would have helped,” Emmett tells me.

“We’re not borrowing money from you,” I tell him.