“I’d also like to invite Jillian and Leo and my sisters.” Gwen turns to Caden. “Jillian is my best friend in the entire world, and Leo is her husband.”
“Gotcha,” Caden says.
Gwen flutters her lashes at me. “Do you mind if they stay in the house? We can make a weekend of it.”
Oh, the joys of living with your siblings. The last thing I want is houseguests, but I can’t say no. Not only is it not my place, it’s too important to Jackson and Gwen.
I shake my head. “No, of course not!”
It’s not that I mind, exactly. It’s just that it’s already crazy, and Wyatt, Jackson, and Gwen have a million important things to do—which means I’ll have to work with Mrs. Potts and take care of getting ready for everyone’s arrival and stay.
“Are you sure?” Gwen asks, shifting in her seat. “I know it’s a lot, but you guys are the only ones I trust.”
“It’s not a problem at all. I’m sure it will be fun.” I tilt my head. “Don’t you want to invite your parents?”
Clearly, I’m insane.
She shakes her head. “They’re coming in for the opening. Besides, they’ll just tell me I’m wonderful.” She grins at Caden. “It’s my curse.”
He laughs and laces his fingers over his stomach. “I’m sure it’s real hard for you.”
“You have no idea.” Gwen leans forward. “Will you work with Cat on all the different herbs we have ready to harvest? I never know what Amy will come up with, and I want to give her maximum room to play and be creative.”
“Will do.” Caden nods.
“Perfect. I’ll send you both an email with everything we need,” Gwen says.
The headache behind my eyes grows. “We’ll take care of it.”
“Whew.” Gwen stands. “I know it’s a lot, but Jackson and I were talking last night, and we think it’s best if we have a core group critiquing everything instead of laying it all at your feet.”
“Makes sense.”
“It will still be totally casual. I swear!” She grins at me. “We’ll make it a party.”
“Great. I’m sure it will be fun.” I feel like I’m smiling too hard, trying not to panic. I remind myself that it’s my job—doing all the things the talent doesn’t have time to do.
“Fantastic. Let me know if you need anything,” Gwen says, making her way out of my office.
“Will do.” I unclench my jaw as she walks out the door, leaving me alone with Caden.
I grab my notebook and start yet another list. Maybe I should keep it on the computer, or my phone, but nothing organizes my brain like old-fashioned pen to paper.
My mind is already spinning. At least I have a distraction from Caden. I glance at him. “All right, you’re up. What do you need?”
His gaze narrows, and he stares at me for so long I shift in my seat under his scrutiny.
I furrow my brow. “What?”
He shakes his head. “Why did you agree to that?”
“Agree to what?” I wave. “That’s my job. We’re opening a restaurant, or hadn’t you heard?”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
I don’t like where he’s going. It’s too close to the truth I don’t want to think about. “Consider me confused then.”
“Why did you agree to have all those people in your house when it’s clear that’s not what you want?” His tone isn’t sharp, but it lands like a rebuke.
“What exactly am I supposed to do?” My fingers tighten on my pen. “It’s not my house.”
“No? Your name isn’t on the deed along with your brothers’?”
It is, and until right this second it didn’t occur to me that I don’t consider it mine. Another thing I don’t want to think about.
I shrug. “It will be fine.”
“You’ll handle it. You always do, but that’s not really the question on the table.”
My irritation rises. He’s adding to my stress, and I’m already anxious enough with all the things I’ve got to do. “These are the kinds of things that happen when you share a house with people. It’s not a big deal.”
He studies me in that judging, watchful way he has. “I’m just suggesting you should have a say.”
“This is a big deal for Jackson and Gwen. I’ll adjust, and it’s only for a few days.” I blow out a hard breath. “So, what did you need?”
He frowns. “Nothing.”
“Well, if you don’t mind.” I point at the door. “As you heard, I have a lot to take care of.”
He stands and walks to the door, but instead of continuing through it,