Gage tilts his head at her. “Don’t be mad. I’m your older brother. It’s my job to look out for you.”
Becca rests a hand on his arm. He looks at her and his expression softens instantly.
“I get that, Gage. I really do,” Maya says. “And I appreciate it. But I’m twenty-seven years old. I can take care of myself.”
“Could have fooled me,” Tyler mutters under his breath.
“What was that?” Maya says sharply.
I notice both Tori and Becca’s eyes go wide as they look between Maya and Tyler.
“Look, all I’m saying is that maybe you should have a little more focus when it comes to your career,” Tyler says.
“Here’s the thing, big brother: I didn’t ask for you to give me career advice. Besides, you’ve had a slew of random jobs before you started working for Dad’s business. Don’t act like you’re some white-collar hero.”
I let a laugh slip at Maya’s quip right as Gage speaks up to mediate his sister and brother.
“We’re just trying to help you, Maya,” Tyler says. “You’re right, I was aimless too when I was younger. But now I’m trying to get serious about my career. You should too.”
The siblings start up with their bickering, but Austin cuts in.
“Okay, okay.” He holds up a hand. “Guys, I know you care about your sister and you mean well, but she’s right. She can take care of herself. She’s managed to make it this far into her life on her own. She doesn’t need your unsolicited advice.”
Maya aims a grateful look at her cousin as she loops her arm around his and side-hugs him. Tyler grumbles but nods his understanding.
“You’re right. We’re sorry, Maya,” Gage says to her.
She nods.
Tyler clears his throat. “Speaking of Dad, I’m pretty sure he and Mom are seeing each other.”
He raises an eyebrow and looks like he’s trying not to smirk as he makes pointed eye contact with his brother and sister. I take in their different reactions. Gage, who has the sternest resting face I’ve ever seen, actually seems kinda happy. He’s not smiling, but the look in his eyes is bright.
I notice how Maya’s angelic face is the exact opposite. She almost looks irritated.
Huh. Not sure the story behind that.
Austin turns to me. “Their parents have been divorced since they were kids. They seem to be reconnecting now.”
“Ah. Interesting,” I say.
“Especially when you know that their dad is famous TV chef Andre Thomas Grant,” Austin says.
It takes a second for that name to register. The famous chef and restaurant owner.
“Seriously? That’s your dad?” I say to Maya.
“Yup. The one and only.”
“Damn, that’s pretty cool.”
“Yeah, kinda,” Gage says. “He wasn’t around much when we were kids, but he’s trying to make up for it now.”
“With Mom, especially,” Tyler says. When he wags his eyebrows, Gage tosses a pillow at him.
“Try being mature. Just for one day, see how it feels,” Gage says.
Tyler chuckles as Gage rolls his eyes. Maya shakes her head at her brothers before looking at me. “It’s kinda weird, right? Hearing that your divorced parents are dating again and maybe getting back together?”
