Page 77 of A Shore Fling
“It would be easy to say Reed since we’re closest in age, but I have different relationships with each of them, and one isn’t better than the others.”
Her lips curve into a hint of a smile over the rim of her coffee mug. “That’s nice.”
“Sometimes. Each one is also a pain in my ass in their own way.”
“That’s siblings for you. Although Irene’s never a pain, but Jonathon definitely is. Maybe it’s a brother thing?” she suggests.
“Could be, but I’ll never know for sure since I don’t have a sister.”
“Your poor mom. It must’ve been a lot of work to deal with four young boys.”
“Five boys, if you count my dad,” I point out, smiling.
Nina laughs. “Fair point. Was your mom expecting boys, or did she keep trying to get a daughter?”
“She claims she knew I was a boy because I kicked like a soccer player.” I take another bite of eggs and bacon. “By thetime Drew came along, she was used to being surrounded by males.”
“Your house must’ve been chaotic,” she says.
“It was, and loud too.”
“Sounds like your mom deserves sainthood.”
I nod. “She does, for sure. We’re still a lot to deal with when we’re all together. I think that’s why my parents like to travel more now. They need a break from the chaos.”
“I bet they love the type of chaos you guys bring.”
“Oh, they do. I’m blessed to have them as parents.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“It’s true. When we were growing up, they always put the four of us first.”
Lost in thought, she looks down at the table for a minute. When she glances up, she finds me studying her.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask.
“If my parents put me and my siblings first.”
“Did they?”
“I guess it depends on how you define that. Did we grow up with silver spoons in our mouths? Yes. Did we have the best of everything? Yes. But I think the family business was always the main focus; it’s their fourth child. Everything has always revolved around that. I’m not complaining, I just know I’d do things differently.”
“Do you want kids?” I ask.
“Maybe.”
“You’re not sure?”
“I want one or two, but I’m thirty-five. By the time I find someone to marry, it may be too late.”
The thought of her marrying some random guy gets my blood pumping.
“I’m in a similar situation. I thought I’d have kids by now.”
“It’s different for men, though.”
“You’re right, it is. But I don’t want to have young kids when I’m older.”
