Page 55 of The Love Operation

“Wait. Why did you come?”

“You said you wanted to talk,” Maggie says, and I vaguely remember sending that text before everything with Isaac spun sideways.

Everett, of course, is unfazed. “Why isn’t it a good time? We came all this way.”

“Everett, your practicality is showing,” I say, already turning toward the living room. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

There’s an eye roll in Everett’s tone when he says, “It’s probably just more boring research about spinal implants.”

I don’t even look back. “And what are you reading, Everett? Another Cosmo deep dive into color theory for tarantula enclosures?”

Before he can quip back, I gesture toward Isaac, who’s now sitting upright on the couch like he’s an exhibit in a crime scene. I feel slightly bad for ambushing him like this, but the unhinged-scientist part of me is curious. What will he do? What will they?

“Everett, Maggie—this is Isaac Thompson. Isaac, these are my siblings.”

Isaac is on his feet in an instant, extending a hand.

Maggie takes it first. “Lovely to meet you, Isaac.”

I can already tell he’s falling under her spell. One look from Maggie, and he’ll feel seen and heard, even though he’s only said Nice to meet you as well.

“Are you two on a date?” Everett asks, shaking Isaac’s hand after Maggie lets go.

I start to snap None of your business, but the truth is, I’m exhausted. Lying would take effort, and they’d both see through it anyway. And honestly? It might feel nice to say something real to the only people I can tell the truth to.

“This is an interview,” I say.

Everett’s brow scrunches, then settles into suspicion as he looks from me to Isaac, then to Isaac’s socked feet. “What kind of interview?”

I huff, because Everett probably thinks Isaac is an escort. “It’s an interview to see if he’s worthy of taking a massive personal risk on.”

I half expect Isaac to bolt—or at least shoot me a glare—but all he does is blink. Twice.

I smile. I like being unpredictable. I love my siblings, but I don’t always like them. Even so, we were brought up loyal to each other. I trust them without question. Telling them is safe.

So, I continue. “We’re thinking about dating, something we probably shouldn’t do. To help determine whether it’s worth the risk, we’re interviewing each other. Life and compatibility stuff.”

I focus on Isaac, gauging his reaction, especially after all my concern about keeping this under wraps.

Instead of looking rattled, Isaac’s lips twitch like he’s weighing whether he should be amused or deeply concerned. “And I thought negotiating million-dollar hospital contracts was high stakes.”

This reaction earns him points.

I toss him a glance, like, This is a wild ride, baby, are you sure you can handle it?

Everett closes his eyes and exhales through his nose, like he’s regretting every decision that led him to this moment. Then, adopting the tone of a Zen master, he says, “Cord, this kind of thing is why you don’t date.”

I grin. “Oh? How should I do it, then?”

“Slowly, over dinner . . . and pleasantries,” he says. “Not a hardcore interview like he’s your employee.”

Maggie, ever the peacekeeper, puts her hand on Everett’s arm. “If this is a date, then we should go.”

“No, it’s fine,” I say breezily. “We were pretty much done, weren’t we, Isaac?” I don’t give him space to answer. “My brother and sister came to talk to me about our parents. I’ll walk you out.”

Maggie gives Isaac another fresh-from-the-oven smile, one that would smooth out a hostage negotiation. “It was nice to meet you, Isaac. I’m so sorry we interrupted your evening.”

Out of habit, I roll my eyes.