Page 88 of The Other Guy

“Yeah, they’re doing good. Hoping for another brother, of course.”

“And you two?” I ask, pouring a glass of water and resting against the kitchen counter.

“Bri wants a girl but won’t admit it. We’re just happy all signs are pointing toward the baby being healthy. At least from what the ultrasound tells us.”

“You didn’t find out the sex of the baby?”

“Nope. We like the surprise.”

“She’s due this summer?”

“Yeah. Before the team comes back for practices. We’ll have a bit of time to get used to being outnumbered before I’m pulled in a million different directions. Did you hear my mom is passing on the interior decorating business to Maggie and Harper? She wants to be around to help with all the grandbabies. Hopes Harper will be needing her help to plan a wedding soon.”

Harper is Grady’s youngest sister and works for my dad at Balance while she finishes getting her degree in interior design. Maggie is his other sister and started working there right out of college. Maggie was just one year younger than me in high school and before my mom got together with her uncle, the man I now call dad, we dated. Turns out, when you’re somewhat related, that crush disappears pretty damn quickly. My dad’s sister is Tess, Grady’s mom. Tess runs an interior design firm while Grady’s dad, Barrett, runs a construction company with his best friend Josh. Grady’s older brother Cole is actually married to Josh’s daughter, Mia.

“That’s cool. Dad mentioned that Harper’s hoping Grayson proposes soon.”

“Yeah, we’re all hoping for that. Grayson’s a good guy. We like him.”

I think back to the conversation I was having with Dad last week about how it’s going to happen soon and smile to myself.

“That’s good. I was wondering if you wanted to get together tonight for dinner? I know that’s asking a lot with Bri home with the kids and being pregnant and all.”

“Actually that works pretty good. Your sister’s coming over tonight to work on a few things with Bri anyway. Okay with you if Drew comes?”

“A night with my brother-in-law? Sounds brutal,” I joke.

“I know, I know. The Flying Goat here in Liberty okay with you? I’m in the mood for a few dozen wings and maybe a couple beers to wash it down.”

“I’ll stop and pick you up. That way I can say hi to my sister and Bri and the boys.”

“Great. See you tonight. Six o’clock?”

“Perfect. And, Jack?”

“Yeah?”

“I expect to get the scoop on this Sierra girl.”

“Freaking small towns, man,” I grumble and he laughs.

“That and you know this family doesn’t keep secrets.”

He’s definitely right about that. His dad is the literal worst. The man should have been a news reporter for how much he enjoys spreading the news. Gossip? No. He waits until there’s truth first. But he loves being the man in the know.

I chuckle. “So true.”

“Be ready. I want to hear all about her.”

“Nothing to really tell,” I say, though I’m not sure I believe it.

“Not what I hear. Your dad likes her. Said she’s sassy and holds her own. He was a little bummed that she was taken, though.”

I drain the last of my water and put my glass in the sink. “That situation has changed.”

“Oh, really? Wow. Yeah, now I’m really looking forward to dinner tonight.”

“You’re as bad as your father.”

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