Page 57 of Bayside Heat
“Someone’s got a sweet tooth,” Gavin said as he walked into her office.
“I have about twenty-five sweet teeth. The rest are just there to balance things out.” She untied the ribbon and set it aside with the card so she could take them home. “Want one?”
“Absolutely. Why else would I be standing here drooling?” He arched a brow and took a cookie. “Are these from your boyfriend or your sister?”
“How’d you know I have both?” She looked over the selection of delicious treats, itching to text Drake but not wanting to be rude to Gavin.
“You’re spending more time looking at the cookies than looking at me, which tells me you’re not single, and you sort of give off a vibe like you know someone’s got your back.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Could be the boyfriend, but in my experience, that kind of confidence usually comes from a girls’ club.”
She laughed. “What are you, the woman whisperer?”
“Something like that.” He glanced down at the files on her desk and winced. “She’s throwing you feet-first into the fire. Good luck with Muriel.”
“Why? Is she awful?”
“Nope. She’s a typical KHB client.” He pointed toward the left side of her office. “My office is right next door if you need anything. I’m looking forward to our field trip Friday. Plan for lunch. I’ll clue you in on how things work around here.”
The second he left, she whipped out her phone and sent Drake a quick text. Can’t text too much, but thank you!! The cookies are a poor substitute for your kisses, but they’ll do. Miss you like crazy! She added a winking emoji and a kissing emoji. Then she sat down and prepared to research the mysterious Muriel Younger and powerhouse Seth Braden.
“HEY, LONELY BOY,” Rick said as he came through the door of the music store late Monday evening.
Drake hung up the electric guitar he was holding and climbed down from the ladder. “What’s up?”
“Just making sure my brother’s not crying his eyes out or anything.”
Rick and Desiree had gone sailing with them Sunday afternoon, and Drake had told them all about him and Serena. He was pretty sure they would have popped open a bottle of champagne if there’d been one lying around.
Drake scoffed. “Thought I’d get a head start on things.”
“Is that code for keeping your mind off Serena?”
“Pretty much. She’s coming down for the weekend, and the last thing I want to do is spend the whole time getting the store in order.” But they had so much fun when they set up the stores, he felt her absence like a missing limb.
“Makes sense. The grand opening should be fun. Are you still shooting for the twelfth?”
“Yeah. We’ll make it in time. Serena’s on top of the media and advertising.”
“As always.” Rick grabbed another guitar and handed it to Drake. “Climb up. I’ll hand them to you.”
“Thanks.” He moved the ladder to the next group of hangers and climbed up. “Where’s your soon-to-be wife?”
“We’re not joined at the hip.”
Drake gave him a yeah, right look. He wished he could be joined at the hip with Serena like they used to be.
“She’s having dinner with Vi. Sisterly bonding and all that. I figured it was a good time to catch up with you.”
“You just saw me at the office.” He hung up another guitar and waited as Rick unpacked the next one, wondering what his brother really wanted. “Harper did a good job today.”
“She’s great. She got in touch with Daphne and scheduled an interview for Friday. It’s on your calendar.” He handed Drake a guitar with a troubled look in his eyes.
Drake hung up the guitar and climbed down the ladder, meeting his brother’s gaze head-on. “What’s really going on, Rick? You look like something’s on your mind.”
“When we were sailing yesterday, I noticed a look in your eyes, like a fleeting moment of panic. You were there for me when I needed you most. You pushed me to get over my demons, and it helped me to move forward with Desiree. I have never regretted giving up my business or moving back to the Cape. I want to be here for you, too, Drake. So whatever that was, whatever I saw, I want you to know that you can talk to me. I’m not that angry guy who can’t face Dad’s death anymore.”
