Page 12 of The Overdue Kiss

I guess it’s just me and Holt again.

My phone buzzes, and I brace myself for Holt’s cancellation message, but it’s a text from my sister.

Reese

Your mystery girl will be here for a few days. I had to order the part she needed from a supplier in Texas.

Maya is not “my” anything. Also, why are you telling me this? I don’t have her contact info.

You want her phone number? She put it on her paperwork. You can hook me up with a free grocery run on Friday as a thank you.

Oh, now you want to be helpful. I think giving up customers’ private info is against the law.

But for a moment I’m tempted.

Reese

I think the judge will understand when he hears how lame your dating life is.

I send an emoji that I specifically save for when I’m talking to her.

Reese

C’mon! That was funny.

Des?

I’m reminding myself that I can’t block you since you’re my only family left. Let me repeat this slowly since apparently I inherited all the brains in our family: I don’t want to date anyone.

Pfft. If you got the brains, then I got the beauty... and the personality too.

Goodnight, Reese.

Well, fine, you old stick-in-the-mud. Maya and I are having dinner tomorrow and I was going to invite you like a good little sister, but now you get nothing. Goodnight to you too.

Wait. Dinner? Where are you taking her?

I could swing by after school. She could probably use some friends while she’s in town.

Or maybe I’m just lonely.

Reese?

Hello?

Reese

Cliffys at 6:30 p.m. I might be running a little late, so just be your charming self until I get there.

I pause for a moment when I see the meeting spot, my protective brother mode demanding to be activated. Isn’t it too soon for Reese to be back in a bar? My thumb twitches over my keypad, wanting to demand a different location. Yet she’s always begging me to trust her about her recovery process. Agh. I’m torn. After only a moment of hesitation, I settle on a joke instead of starting another argument.

I’m always charming.

Reese

I’m too tired to dive into all the jokes you set me up with. I’ll compile them via email to roast you with tomorrow. Night, Des.

I shake my head, laughing.

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