Say You're Mine - Layla Hagen Page 0,18

cutting her omelet. “My God, so much testosterone,” she said.

“They’ve toned it down now. It used to be a lot worse when I was in high school,” I explained. Josie was older than us, and she’d moved to New York to a boarding school when she was in high school. Though she’d visited often, she’d missed out on a lot of things, such as Ian and Dylan’s overprotectiveness where I was concerned.

“But I do think we’re entering a new era where these two will channel some of their protective instincts toward Sophie,” I said.

Ian laughed. “Doesn’t mean we can’t annoy you two as well.”

I grinned, helping myself to some eggs Benedict from Ian’s plate.

“Hey, don’t steal my food!”

“Payback for being annoying,” I teased.

Dylan and Josie started laughing, and before long, Ian and I joined them too.

It took me right back to eating breakfast at our parents’ home as kids. We’d had laughing sessions, which I’d insisted upon, because I’d read in a magazine column that laughter had a therapeutic effect. I’d been a bit bossy even as a kid.

“What’s everyone up to?” Josie asked.

“Business as usual,” Ian replied. “We’re successful businessmen by day, Casanovas by night.”

Dylan winced. “Casanova, really?”

Ian rolled his eyes. “Oh, lighten up.”

“I actually have a fun new project,” I announced, “with the band GreenFire. They want me to do some psychological profiling of them and their fans to see what would appeal to their market.”

“Holy shit,” Ian exclaimed. “That’s huge.”

“They’re a great band,” Dylan said.

Both my brothers were huge fans.

Josie batted her eyelashes. “When can you introduce me to them?”

“I don’t think I can. They made me sign an NDA, but I did tell them I needed to tell my family.”

Josie narrowed her eyes, and I knew she was putting two and two together. She was a lawyer, but my sister could have been super successful as a detective too.

“Wait a second. The party you’re going to tonight is connected to them?”

I nodded in excitement. I’d decided to go after all, and after perusing my closet for a suitable outfit, I realized I needed something new. So this morning, I texted my group of girls. Josie had happily agreed to go shopping with me, as did Tess and Skye, her husband’s cousins and Josie’s best friends. Laney, my best friend, was coming too.

“And you’re sure you can’t sneak me in?” Josie was still batting her eyelashes.

I giggled. “You and Sophie?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m a mom now. Supposed to be all serious and a grown-up.” Although she made it sound like a chore, the smile on her face gave her away, and I knew she loved being a mother.

And not for the first time, I wondered if I’d ever be that lucky...

***

After breakfast, Josie and I headed to Soho. We were meeting in front of Tess and Skye’s lingerie shop. They were both already waiting for us outside. Tess was wearing a white tennis dress with her hair styled a boho-chic mix of blonde and brown strands. Skye’s brunette hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She also brought her son, who was sleeping peacefully in his stroller. Laney joined us last, handing everyone scones. My best friend was a surgical resident, and she was married to Tess and Skye’s brother, Cole. She’d been a widow when she’d met him, and I could often see the sadness of her past on her like a shadow.

I was grateful that I hadn’t seen that shadow since Cole entered her life.

“I bought these on the way. Just two at first, but they were so delicious that I went back for more,” Laney exclaimed, tossing a strand of her straight brown hair behind her shoulder.

“Gimme, gimme,” Tess exclaimed, then took a bite. “Wow. Where did you buy this from? It’s delicious.”

Laney pointed to a small pop-up shop right at the end of the street, and Tess nodded excitedly.

The mood was relaxed and happy. I loved seeing my friends and family content with life.

How fortunate we all were — family meant everything to us. Which made me think of my clients. If they were a little bit happier when they left my office, I considered my job well done. I always told them I couldn’t help them solve all their problems or have all their answers, but I could help them focus on the good things in their life.

“So, Isabelle, what’s the occasion we’re shopping for?” Tess asked.

I wiggled my eyebrows. “I’m partying with a rock band, and nothing I own fits the occasion.”

Skye