Chapter 52
Standing in the entryway, I was still smiling. It was a funny thing, because in a way, I felt like I was exchanging one set of family members for another.
I was definitely trading up. I moved closer to Joel and whispered, "Oh c'mon, let's invite them to stay."
He stiffened, but said nothing.
From near the front door, Jake said, "Forget it."
Oh, crap.Heheardthat? I turned to face him. "But why?"
Jake's gaze shifted to Joel. "Don't worry," Jake said. "As soon as Bishop's back, we're outta here."
I spoke up. "But you can't leave."
"Oh yeah?" Jake said. "Why not?"
I gave him my sunniest smile. "Because we have news."
Jake's gaze strayed to my ring finger, where my new engagement ring sparkled in the foyer light. "It's not news to me," he said. "Good luck with that, by the way."
My smile wavered. "Shouldn't you be saying congratulations?"
"That depends," Jake said. "You really want to put up with him?"
"There's nothing to put up with," I said. "He's perfectly wonderful."
Almost in unison, both guys made a scoffing sound. And then, just as quickly, they both stopped to glower at each other.
I sighed. I would've killed for a brother. And what were they doing? Fighting over little stuff. It was time to end this. I said, "You know what? You guys don't know how lucky you are."
Joel reached out and pulled me close. "Me? I'm the luckiest guy around."
As sweet as that was, I forced myself to pull away. "I'm not talking about that." I looked from Jake to Joel and back again. "Like tonight, you guys backed each other up. Wasn't that nice?"
Joel's gaze shifted to his brother. "He wasn't being nice," Joel said. "Helikesdicking with people."
I looked to Jake. He gave a loose shrug, and didn't deny it. And yet, under the surface, there was something there that I couldn’t quite place. Somehow, I had the distinct impression that he cared more than he wanted to admit.
I looked to Joel and said, "Whether he likes it or not, it doesn't matter."
Joel's mouth tightened. "Is that so?"
"Definitely," I said. "He did me a huge favor, and not just tonight." I looked back to Jake and said, "I know I already thanked Luna, but seriously, thanks for the help with the sewer."
"I wasn't helpingyou," Jake said. "I was helpingme. I had to send themsomewhere." Under his breath, he added, "Better your place than mine."
I shook my head. "Sorry, but I don't believe that."
"Yeah? Why not?"
"Because," I said, "you could've sent them anywhere, like cripes, even on a vacation or something. And just so you know, they were really great." I felt a wistful smile cross my lips. "Luna's really lucky." I looked from Jake to Joel. "And you guys are, too."
Joel and Jake exchanged a look. I couldn’t exactly read it, but it wasn't a look of brotherly love.
Switching gears, I turned back to Jake and said, "And about the sewer, I'll definitely pay you back." My face grew warm as I had to admit, "But it might take a while."
Joel spoke up. "No, it won't." He turned to me and said, "Tomorrow, we'll go to the bank and get that money."
