Page 26 of The Little Black Book

And because of that heartbreak and his work schedule, he’s isolated himself from his old friends. I know they tried to maintain their friendship for a while, but when Zeke refused to nurture those relationships, they eventually faded away.

“Zeke brought some apple fritters and chocolate eclairs for dessert,” I announce, hoping to bring my brother into the conversation.

“Oh, yay!” Sophie exclaims. “Thank you, Zeke.”

Zeke nods in response, then silently takes another bite of his salad.

“I don’t know how someone so grumpy can create things that taste so sweet,” Ava says to no one in particular.

“Ava,” I admonish, watching Zeke as his frown deepens.

“What? Heisgrumpy. Aren’t you, Zeke?”

She nudges him with her elbow, offering him a grin, but he simply leans away from her touch. Ava takes the snub in stride, shrugging and digging back into her lasagna. I know it’s their way. Ava teases Zeke, and Zeke ignores her ribbing. She claims he hates her, but it’s more like…indifference. It’s always like this between them, but tonight, it’s rubbing me the wrong way.

Tonight, I want Zeke to have some fun. To mesh with my friends so that maybe he can call themhisfriends, too.

I look at Sam and give him a pointed nod when he meets my gaze. As if he can read my mind, he clears his throat and addresses Zeke.

“Zeke, Zoey tells me you like to play golf.”

My brother perks up, and I could kiss Sam Simmons.

“I used to,” Zeke says slowly, “but it’s been a while.”

“Well, I’m off on Monday, and I was thinking of hitting the course atBrownstoneif you’d like to join.”

“I have to work,” Zeke replies, his eyes cutting in my direction.

“I can handle it,” I say quickly. “If you prep Sunday night, I can go in early and get everything cooked and displayed.”

“And I’ll go in to help,” Sophie adds.

“You don’t have to work?” I ask, looking at my friend thankfully.

“Nah,” she says. “I set my own schedule, and Waverly is buried in her writing cave right now, so she won’t need me for anything.”

Sophie works as an assistant for a local romance novelist, her dream job since Waverly also happens to be her favorite author. I nod in thanks, then look at Ava.

“Sorry, no can do. It’s just me on Monday, and the cats can’t clean their own litter boxes or feed themselves. Plus, I have three appointments for possible adoptions before noon.”

Ava ownsCurious Cats,a no-kill shelter for felines that services Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. It’s her life’s work, and while she’s the least serious one in our friend group, she doesn’t mess around when it comes to her business.

“Would you look at that? My schedule just cleared, and I’m free Monday morning. Should we make it a threesome?” Jared asks, rubbing his palms together.

“Oh, please do. And please let me take a video,” Ava snarks.

Sam laughs, Jared rolls his eyes, and Zeke doesn’t react at all…as usual. But when he looks from Jared to Sam, I see a spark in his eyes I haven’t seen there in a long, long time.

“I’m in. Do we have a tee time?”

“I’ll schedule one in the morning and let you know,” Sam says, his smile widening.

“Sounds good, man.”

And just like that, Sam has disarmed my loner brother and dragged him a little closer to the land of the living. Swinging my knee out, I bump it against his beneath the table. He returns the nudge, and I can’t hide my smile.

After dinner, Ava gets up to help Sophie and Jared in the kitchen, and Zeke excuses himself to use the restroom. Not wasting a moment, I turn in my seat to face Sam.

---