Page 11 of Major Love

Casey gives me a sharp look and I tilt my head to the side, smiling affectionately.

“Riley knows that this sucks for me so, like afriend, he advised me to stay off the grid until it passes. He even bought me a new cell phone that no-one else has the number to. The press can’t get to me here, and Riley is going to deflect any questions about me – he’s just going to talk about his music. He gave me his word and…” I shrug. “I trust that.”

Casey grimaces slightly, not looking convinced. “Just stay at my place until theObservergets a new story,” Case says roughly. Then he flashes me a look. “And let me know if you want me to take care of it.”

I laugh and drop my chin into my palm, knowing exactly how my older brother would ‘take care of it’.

“That won’t be necessary,” I smile, “but thank you for the offer.”

He rolls his shoulders. “You’re welcome. Let me know if you change your mind.”

I glance at the envelope on the coffee table, wondering whether or not I should bring up Casey’s accounts right now.

I purse my lips and decide to skirt around the subject.

“How are things with you?” I ask, peeking up at him from under my lashes.

“Confidential,” Case replies immediately, and I have to physically restrain myself from throwing a cushion at his face on my MacBook.

“Anything thatisn’tconfidential?” I ask, hiding my smile at his surly expression.

He thinks for a moment and then mumbles, “…Ate four patties last night.”

“You know what,” I laugh, leaning forward to close the laptop lid on my brother’s stubborn face. “Just forget that I asked. I take it back. You can keep all of your ‘confidential’ secrets to yourself.”

Sensing that he’s about to be hung-up on Casey quickly says, “Got something in the cupboard for you.”

I pause and narrow my eyes on him.

Interest: piqued.

“Which cupboard?” I ask warily.

“Kitchen. Above the stove.”

“Hold on,” I tell him, scampering off the couch and jogging to the kitchen. I look over to the still-open laptop and point toward the cupboard I guess he’s referring to. “This one?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

I pull it open.

And my cheeks dimple with a tiny smile.

I pull out the little tub and cradle it against my chest as I walk back toward the living area.

“For me?” I ask, in my gentle little-sister voice.

Casey shifts around and mumbles, “Know how much you like your cocoa.”

He can be so sweet to me that it physically hurts sometimes.

“Case,” I sigh, “you’re the best brother ever. How did you even know I’d be coming over while you were away?”

“Had a feeling about the bar,” he answers. “And… sometimes I buy a tub for you. Just in case.”

I rub my hand over my heart, so grateful to have Casey in my life.

“Anyway, gotta head,” he says, a knocking sound coming through the screen. I watch him twist in his seat, head turning toward the door situated behind him. “I’ll email you when I’m next free.”

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