Page 19 of Fourteen of a Kind

After unpacking my bags and putting everything away, I heard a knock from downstairs. Running down the stairs, I saw Willow standing at the sliding door.

“Hey, you.” I hugged her.

“Why was the door locked?” she asked.

“I didn’t have a chance to unlock it. I just got home.”

“I know. I saw you pull up.” She walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of sparkling water.

“What are you doing home? Aren’t you supposed to be at school?”

“No school today, and I told Mom I needed a day off from training. How was your trip to New York?”

“It was good.” I smiled. “I met a handsome man.”

“Do tell, sister.” She grinned.

“His name is Dr. Graham Malone. He’s a pediatrician. I ran into him at the hospital and then again in Central Park when I went for a run.”

“And?” Her brow arched.

“That’s it.”

“What do you mean that’s it? You didn’t go out with him?”

“No. And I may have lied to him about what I do.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him I was an NYU student studying art.”

“Why would you do that?” Her brows furrowed.

“Because.” I sat on the couch, slumping my shoulders. “I didn’t want to have to explain who I was and what I did. You know how guys get around me.”

“Genius problems.” She rolled her eyes. “The guys you’ve dated were all assholes. They’re little boys threatened by a highly intelligent woman. You’ll meet someone who will love you for you and not your brain.”

“Thanks, I think.” I furrowed my brows.

“You know what I mean.” She laughed. “Go upstairs, change into your bathing suit, and let’s go catch some waves.”

“Where’s Nicholas?” I asked.

“He’s still sleeping. I have an idea. Let’s go get his ass up and make him go with us.”

“Good idea.” I grinned. “I’ll be right back.”

After changing into my bathing suit, we walked over to the house, went to his room, and jumped on his bed.

“Wake up, sleepy head. It’s time to catch some waves,” Willow shouted.

“Wake up, loser!” I shouted. “It’s the afternoon!”

He grabbed the pillow and placed it over his face. “Get out of here.”

“No can do, little brother,” I said. “It’s family time.”

“How are the waves looking?” He removed the pillow and stared at us.

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