Page 38 of Blame It On the Lattes

“You do realize that none of this is a secret if she’s sitting right there?” I asked, feeling even more defeated.

“I went to my room for a few minutes so she didn’t hear me. She’s cuddled with my mom on the couch. I honestly don’t think she even realizes that I’m gone.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I’m just getting frustrated. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“Don’t be. I get it.”

“Thanks for helping with everything. I’ll see what I can get done tonight, and then we’ll plan to attack the rest this weekend.”

“It’ll be alright, Avery. I promise.”

“You say that now, but you haven’t had to shop for a five-year-old who you have no idea what they want.”

“I actually already did my shopping for Kennedy,” she said quietly.

“Are you kidding? How did you know what to get her?”

“I cheated,” Cassidy admitted with a laugh. “I’ve been taking note of what toys she gets excited about when commercials come on, then I go add it to the list on my phone.”

“Did you already buy everything on that list, or are there a few things you weren’t able to get?” I asked, chewing my nails nervously.

“There are five or six things I didn’t get. I’ll take a screenshot and send it over once we hang up.”

“Thanks, Cass. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Not a problem. If you need help with anything else, just let me know.”

“Do you by chance have a similar list of things your brother wants?” I lowered my voice and turned so he couldn’t hear me.

“No, but he’s pretty simple. He likes graphic t-shirts, beanies, and tools that he never bothers to use.”

“Is that it?” I didn’t want to get Sam stuff that wasn’t special, but I couldn’t just come out and tell Cassidy that I spent the afternoon fucking her brother so I needed a more personal gift.

“That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. Why?”

“No reason. I just want to make sure I get him something nice. You know, as a token of my gratitude for everything he’s done for me lately.”

The line was eerily quiet for a few seconds, and I knew she could hear the change in my voice.

“Oh my God.”

“What?” I asked, playing stupid as I stared across the store, hoping she wasn’t going to say what I thought she was.

“You’re hooking up with my brother, aren’t you?”

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