The Grizzlies are gonna have to work their asses off.

“Brian,” I called out after a while of silence, thinking of ways to break the news to him. Maybe if he knew, just a bit, then I wouldn’t feel so guilty.

“Yeah?” He raised his eyebrow as he slowly looked away from the screen and his blue eyes stared into mine, waiting patiently for my response.

I gulped as I nodded, smiling a bit.

“That girl and me, it seems to be working out,” I said and he grinned as he clasped my shoulder. He seemed really happy for me.Fuck, I really am the worst.

“Man, I’m glad for you!” He clicked his glass with mine once more. “I can’t wait to meet this girl who’s making you so happy! She must be really great.”

I looked into his eyes as I swallowed, agreeing with him.

She’s your little sister, Brian.

Chapter 17

Nate

Saturdays are truly the best;chilled air, plus my lounger, and garden viewing was the perfect way to close out this week. I sipped my beer and sighed as I crossed my legs on the wooden round table.

I picked up my phone and clicked on Avery’s name, wondering what she was doing right now. As I was about to click on the call icon, my doorbell rang and I mentally groaned as I got up from the perfect sitting position. I was never going to find that again.

I clutched my phone in my right hand as I walked toward the door, wondering who had decided to be my guest. I looked at the camera monitor that was next to my door and all I could see was the top of a head, covered in a hoodie.

Opening my door just a bit, I looked down at the person and my eyes widened as she raised the plastic bags in her hands with a small smile.

“Angel?” I whispered shocked and she tilted her head as she gestured inside.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I brought drinks since we didn’t get to drink together yesterday at the bar.”

I leaned against my door frame and crossed my arms over my chest and it was her turn to widen her eyes.

“I got your address from the work database,” she whispered and I grinned as I opened the door wider and gently pulled her in.

“You’re lucky my nana isn’t here, or else she would think you were some kind of a stalker and I wouldn’t be allowed to chase after you anymore,” I teased as she took off her jacket and I took it from her.

She had on a gray hoodie and black sweatpants, paired with bright pink Crocs. I guess on the weekend she wasn’t really color-coordinated.

“Really? Nana has that much influence?” she asked and I nodded, matching her smile. “Well, we’ll just say you gave me your address then, hmm?”

“Definitely. I’ve been dying to get you in my house.”

Avery giggled as she took off her Crocs, and placed them neatly against the wall.

“Is that so?” she asked and I led her into the living room, moving around the pillows so that she could sit comfortably.

“Yes, now you can never leave me,” I answered. “Do we need glasses?” I asked as I watched her settle down and place the many items she brought on the coffee table. “And plates, and spoons?”

“If you don’t mind, yes please.” She looked up at me and smiled cutely. I chuckled as I quickly dashed into the kitchen andgrabbed the necessary utensils before joining her back on the floor.

“You don’t mind this brand of beer right?” she asked shyly and I shook my head. “I’m not as rich as you are to buy expensive brands.”

“I actually like this brand, it reminds me of college,” I said and she smiled as she opened the can of beer and poured it into our glasses.

“Nothing beats cheap booze, right?”

“Cheap booze and great company.” I raised my glass and clinked it against hers.