didn’t think Beethoven’s Fifth would wake her right now. Though I did keep my hat and mask on just in case.
“Thanks for the car and for bringing my bike back.”
He made a gesture like I was dumb for thanking him. “Just don’t tell Kelly.”
I made a gesture like he was dumb for having to say that. But yeah, I would definitely tell Kelly at the earliest opportunity if it meant I got to see my brother smacked upside the head by his pint-sized wife. “And you don’t have to whisper. She’s fine. Just tired.”
“That’s good. Still weird that she’s here.”
I sighed pointedly at him. “For the record, her mom followed me here.” And left again at the soonest opportunity. Chagny, too. Every second he was in my company he would subtly undermine me in passive aggressive ways. They guy was smooth. I’d never be able to charm her parents like he did so effortlessly. None of that it mattered as much as her health. Thankfully, Wes had arrived shortly after and could out charm a used car salesman. When Chagny realized he was outmatched, he cleared out. Mrs. Dae seemed eager to return to her party, and Chagny relented as soon as she’d made it obvious she was ready to go.
“I didn’t just whisk her away in the night. They agreed that it would be better if I took her here and called the doctor rather than wait four hours at the ER.”
“Sure, this is all a totally normal thing to do. Nobody will think anything of it. Rumors won’t start.” Wes made his way toward the kitchen and I followed. He helped himself to my fridge and snagged two beers.
“Could you not lay into me? I’m exhausted.” I rubbed my eyes until white spots danced in my vision. I grabbed the beer he nudged me with and leaned back against the counter.
“You’re exhausted?” Wes clinked my beer. “You just made Dr. Thurston drive all the way up here to your creepy mansion by the lake, just to find out she was tired and needed food. That man’s too old for this. What’s this really about? Is she the reason you’re back here?”
“He lives five minutes away. Don’t be so dramatic.” I pulled the gaiter mask down under my chin and swallowed four deep gulps of beer. After wiping my mouth on my sleeve, I said, “I told you why I’m back.”
“Yeah. You did. How will staying through a season at the SOOK prove you’re hirable?”
“The last three symphonies fired me for my temper, right? Just ask anyone.” I glanced to the side. “I need to show I can play well with others.”
“And what’s with this cellist?” He shook his head. “There’s something here I’m not buying.”
I picked at the label on my beer bottle and debated unloading on him.
“It’s gonna break Ma and Dad’s heart if you up and leave again with no warning.” He leaned on the counter next to me and crossed his ankles. “The girls too.”
“That’s dirty. You know I’m defenseless against my nieces’ dimples.”
He smiled and I saw a copy of my own face. Or at least my face when I had smiled. In front of actual people. Mask free. Wes had the same almost-black eyes and matching dark curls, though he kept his hair trimmed short. We shared the same intense glare that our mom said could get us out of anything as kids. The difference was Wes wielded his with an easy smile to charm, and I used mine with a frown to intimidate.
“Can you take off the hat? At least you pulled down the frickin’ mask.” He gestured to my face. “I can’t even remember what you look like.”
“Like your reflection. But better looking.” I cleared my throat. “I can’t. If she comes down—”
“Yeah, yeah. I get it.” He cracked open two new beers against the counter like any good ol’ boy learned to do by the age of fifteen. “You built this beautiful home and you’re hardly ever here. Short visits only. Now, you’re back for at least six months and you’re telling me this has nothing to do with the woman currently sleeping in your guest room?”
I swallowed. It was complicated. She herself didn’t know of our connection in the past and if I brought it up too soon, it might push her away. I would need to talk to her first. Eventually. I set down the beer to wipe my palms on my pants before picking it up again.
“I