Page 29 of Choose Me

In what I assume is an attempt to switch the attention from himself, Bjorn turns the questioning on me. “So, what about you? What’s happening with the new job?”

Astrid knows all about Cascadia Tours since she was the first one I told. I’d mentioned the basics to Bjorn and Gunnar when I announced I was moving back to Seattle, but not much else, so the question isn’t unwarranted. “Well, over the next few weeks, I’ll focus on getting settled in Seattle, and by then it’ll almost be Christmas, so I’ll start actively working at the beginning of the new year. But I’m excited about it. John, my partner, seems like a great guy, and he’ll still be working part time. But once I learn the business, I’ll basically be running the place. It’s half the risk of owning my own company with no boss breathing down my neck. I call that a win-win situation.”

Bjorn raises his beer to me. “That’s great! I’m not sure how I could help, but if you need anything, let me know.”

I’m incredibly touched by the offer, and Bjorn looks genuinely happy for me. Maybe moving home was the right choice for more than business reasons. I nudge Astrid’s arm. “So what’s happening in the fine world of book publishing?”

“Not much.” She picks up her wine and takes a sip. “Oh, Gary Atkinson is coming out with a new book.”

I narrow my eyes at her. Something in her tone is off, and she’s paying way too much attention to her food. “Oh, yeah?” I glance at Gunnar, who’s smirking but avoiding eye contact. “What’s this one about?” The best way to figure out what’s up will be to keep her talking. She’s bound to let something slip and give me a clue.

“Jackson Steele has to infiltrate an international art theft ring and locate paintings originally stolen by the nazis during World War Two. It’s set in Algeria, Spain, Italy, and Greece.” She sips her wine and still won’t look at any of us. “It’s really good. Probably his best so far.”

“Just ask him. He’ll tell you so.” Gunnar grins at Astrid, trying to get a rise out of her.

She laughs and throws her napkin at him. “Shut up.”

Bjorn leans in, brows raised. “Wait, so you got an advanced copy?”

She rolls her eyes and points to herself. “Editor. OfcourseI’ve seen an advanced copy.”

“Can I read it?” Gunnar’s smirk says he knows that’s going to set her off.

“Absolutely not. You can pay for your own copy like everyone else.” She sticks her tongue out at him and he laughs.

To ward off any more regression to elementary school behavior, I cut in. “So, you were the copy editor for the book?”

Her blush deepens. “Um, no?”

We’re all intrigued, because after so many years of hearing about her job, we know this isn’t typical. I figure it’s my turn to wade into the fray. “So how’d you get a copy?”

My incredibly put together sister fidgets in her chair like she has ants in her pants and shoots daggers at Gunnar, who is holding up his hands in an ‘it wasn’t me’ gesture. They do this silent conversation thing all the time and I forgot how annoying it is. “He gave it to me.” She shoves the last of her dinner into her mouth temporarily cutting off her ability to answer any more questions. That doesn’t mean we stop asking, though.

Gunnar throws her napkin back at her. “Astrid, why are you blushing?” She flips him off, but he just grins.

Bjorn chimes in. “You are blushing quite a bit, Bean.”

“I am not.”

I poke her in her cheek. “But you are.”

She bats my hand away but smiles and rolls her eyes again. “He’s just being nice. He’s a nice guy.”

I’m still not sure what’s brought us to this moment, but I’m enjoying this moment with my family where no one’s arguing or throwing punches. It reminds me of how we were before my dad died, and it’s bittersweet.

Gunnar’s eyes go wide and his mouth drops open. “Wait a minute. Is he who you had a date with on Friday?” I snap my gaze back to Astrid who is now glaring at Gunnar, but she doesn’t deny it. “Holy shit, you’re dating Gary Atkinson?”

“Adate. One.” She takes a huge gulp of her wine.

It’s really odd to see her this flustered, and my protective older brother instincts kick in. “It didn’t go well?” If she had a bad time, or he was a jerk, teasing her about it isn’t okay.

She hesitates. “It was good. We talked about books,not his, and about TV shows and movies. Stuff like that.“ She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I like him. I just don’t want to read too much into it.”

“Well, he’s an idiot if he doesn’t ask you out again. You’re amazing, and if he can’t see that, then he doesn’t deserve you.” Gunnar reaches over and squeezes her hand.

She grins at him. “Thanks, sweetie.”

By the time dinner’s done, I’m surprised to see we’ve gone through several bottles of wine. We’re all pretty big, and can usually handle our alcohol, but it never hurts to check. Maybe it’s a big brother thing, but I’d feel awful if something happened to Gunnar or Astrid and I hadn’t said anything. “Hey Bean, are you going to be okay to drive home? Do you need me to call a ride service?”

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