Page 27 of Making the Call
Me: My brothers just arrived. Gotta go.
Luke: Have fun. I’ll text you after the auction, if it’s not too late.
Before I have a chance to respond, my front door bursts open. We’ve always just walked into this home, when my grandparents lived here. I smile when I realize some things will never change.
I quickly push my phone into my back pocket as I stand to greet my baby brother, Davis. Sure, he’d flip a gasket if he knew I called him my baby brother, but to me, that’s how he’ll always be. Being nine years older, even when he grows up and becomes a doctor, I’ll always think of him as the baby.
“Hey, Dani.” He reaches out to hug me. “Good to see you.”
“How was the drive from Spokane?” I ask as he releases me, then turn to my brother Damien to give him some love as well. God, I’ve missed these guys. With my schedule and their classes, we don’t see each other nearly enough.
“I made good time and can’t wait to have two weeks without classes.”
“Only our future doctor would take this many summer courses,” Damien states dryly as he releases me from our hug.
“Don’t be too hard on him, Dame,” I chastise like any older sister would, but both of my brothers just chuckle at my poor attempt to be like Mom. “Did you hit much traffic from Seattle?” I ask.
As my eyes flit from one to the other, waiting for a response, I can’t believe how much they resemble one another as they’ve gotten older. They could almost be twins, they look so much alike. Of course, each are in their typical summer wear—cargo shorts, sporting their college t-shirt logos, and Vans. Both have sandy-brown hair, dark-brown eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Davis’s hair is cut shorter than usual, while Damien’s is long on top and, while shaved on the sides, is nearly to his ears.
“Nah.” Davis shrugs dismissively. “Traffic was light. The longest we stood still was waiting to board the ferry.” Giving the timing of everything, I’m sure they must have crossed paths with Luke. Thank God, they didn’t get the chance to meet him. I’d never hear the end of it. Both may be younger than me, but they’ve learned from my dad and Derek how to interrogate any guy I bring home.
“So… what have you been keeping yourself busy with?” Damien asks as he walks to the fridge and pulls it open to inspect the contents. “Obviously, it wasn’t shopping. What the hell have you been eating? Ketchup on pickles?”
Shit. I’d forgotten to shop before they arrived, and I’ll have to make a trip off the island to get enough to feed these two. The small mom and pop shop on the island has a few staples but not enough to cover what I will need for the week or so they’re staying.
“If you’re hungry, we can go to the cafe. They serve the best lunches.” To sweeten the offer, I add, “My treat.”
Both being full-time college students, I wouldn’t dream of letting them pay, but I threw it out there to get their minds off the dilapidated state of my fridge. I really need to remember to shop when I write. But this week, I had an excuse. Eating nearly every meal with Luke kept me from needing to go off the island and stock up. Not all of us have a personal shopper like Luke. Evelyn was such a sweetheart when I met her. It is kind of Luke to employ her, so she can stay on the island to help her daughter.
“It beats the condiment special you have going on here,” Damien mutters as he shuts the fridge. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fridge in our family look so clean or bare.”
“Oh, hush.” I swat my hand in the air to dismiss his sarcasm. “Go unload your things then we’ll grab a bite to eat. I’ll stock up the fridge this afternoon.”
By the time we finish eating, I realize the next ferry’s due soon. Not wanting to venture out later, I convince my brothers to take a shopping trip to Tacoma. We stock up on all the things they will need during their short break from school.
The plan is for my parents and older brother Derek to come out next weekend and spend a few days together before they’re forced to return to their real lives. For me, I plan to use every spare moment I can to stay on track with my editor. Three weeks will fly by and get out of hand if I don’t make use of my downtime when I’m not spending time with my family.
Instead of staying in the car and working like I usually do on the commute back to the island, my brothers encourage me to get out and enjoy the hot July evening. The breeze feels refreshing, and I can’t help but think of my trips with Luke out on his boat this week. Just as we get to the top of the ferry and find a place we can take in the view, I get a text notification.
I pull my phone from my pocket and can’t help but smile.
Luke: Wish you were here. There’s even a romance package with one of your books in the basket.
Me: Seriously???
I can’t believe one of my books is at a charity auction. It’s an honor to be represented. I wish I’d known. I would’ve created a basket and signed my entire series. I wonder who donated it?
An image comes through with an entire basket full of books. There must be at least twenty books in there. The basket includes a blanket, coffee, and gourmet chocolates. If I’d been there, I’d bid on that basket in a heartbeat. Most of my favorite authors are included. That’s a real treat. Someone will be a hell of a lucky winner.
Luke: If I bid on it and win, will you sign it?
Me: You don’t need to bid on that to get a signed copy. Rumor has it I know the author.
Luke: Hmmm… she’s sexy as hell. Maybe I’ll figure out a way to get a signed copy some other way.
This man…I roll my eyes as a light chuckle escapes.Like he’d have to do much to get a simple autograph.
Me: Do I need to be worried?
