“I mean a career, smart-ass.”
“I’m happy where I am. You know I don’t want to spend my time and money studying for a career I don’t want. I just haven’t found it yet.”
“I’m not here to judge.” Sarah held up her hands. “I only want you to be happy.”
“I am happy.”
Though, this was starting to feel untrue. And yet, this was not something Sarah needed to know.
“Then I’m happy.” We were quiet for a minute, until she turned her head toward me again. “Soooo, any girls in the picture?”
I glanced at my watch. “You made it a whole five minutes. It might be a record.”
“Come on. Look at you! Look at your hair! I bet you have girls offering themselves to you right and left.”
I mean, she wasn’t wrong. There was a lot of interest. But none of the women felt right. I was waiting for a woman who wanted the real me. I was waiting for a woman who felt necessary—essential to my survival. Because that’s what I wanted. It’s just like with a career. Once I found what I wanted, whether it be a career or a woman, there would be no going back for me. Once I’m in, I’m in, one hundred percent.
But again, Sarah didn’t need to know that.
“No one that’s caught my interest enough to date seriously.” As I said it, I recognized the lie for what it was. There was a woman who’d caught my interest, more than caught if I was being truthful. A sexy blonde with long legs, a sharp tongue, and an ass I’d like to?—
“Sure, Romeo. Tell that to your eyes that just went all hazy.” Sarah rubbed her hands together. “Please? I won’t say anything to Momma, I swear.”
“Tell you what, Sarah. I promise to text you the minute I like a woman, and she likes me back. That enough to calm your britches?”
“Deal.”
* * *
The Front Porch’s steak was good. The grilling of my sister was even better. I loved my sister, but seeing the shock on my momma’s face when she and Pop arrived warmed my heart.
They were in a standoff now, sitting across from one another at our table, identical stubborn looks on their faces.
“Did you have to go with bright pink?” Momma asked, lips pursed.
I swallowed a chuckle by taking a pull from my beer. Maybe I’d even order a whiskey next. After all, the heat was off me for one evening, the medium rare steak I’d ordered was melting in my mouth, and my brother, was late.
“Momma. I’m thirty-four years old. I am financially independent, live in a fabulous condo, and am thoroughly happy in my career.”
“But, your law partners. What must they think?”
Sarah leaned forward, not giving an inch, staring Momma down. “They think I’m a talented lawyer who doesn’t do trial work and makes them a lot of money. It doesn’t make one bit of difference what color my hair is.”
“Nick, say something.”
Pop, who was clearly avoiding the conversation, jerked at the mention of his name. Turning to my sister, he cleared his throat. “I think you look lovely, sugar, as always.”
I couldn’t hold back my guffaw.
“Thank you, Daddy.” Sarah fluttered her eyelashes as Momma looked up to the ceiling in exasperation.
“The prodigal son has arrived!” My stomach sank as Kent came in, announcing himself with arms stretched wide.
I wanted to say,It’s returned, but cut off a large piece of steak instead.
“Kent!” Momma stood, eyes beaming as Kent gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Kent and I weren’t close on account of him being fourteen years older than me and a complete horse’s ass. Kent and Sarah were also like oil and water. They had an intense sibling rivalry growing up.
