get back too. The weekend had been an interesting one, but I was ready to get back to our bubble in the city.
After taking a shower and getting dressed, I went downstairs where Drew and his father were standing by the counter, looking as if they were about to start making breakfast. I stopped on the bottom step and smiled for a moment, watching him. He must’ve heard me because he turned around, grinning when he saw me.
“We’re about to make waffles? You want one?” he asked.
“Actually,” a voice interrupted and I turned to see Kayla walking in, followed by Janice. “I was hoping I could steal Natalie away and take her to breakfast.”
She walked up beside me, putting a friendly arm around my shoulder. Drew’s eyebrow rose curiously as he looked at his sister.
“Am I invited?”
“Actually, you’re not. I thought Mom and Dad would like to have you to themselves for a bit while I get to know Natalie a little better.”
“Well, that’s up to Natalie.” He turned his gaze to me and I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. Kayla had been nothing but sweet since I’d met her, but why she wanted to take me and only me to breakfast piqued my interest, but I had to agree. I couldn’t offend her.
“What do you say, Natalie? Care to join me?” Kayla’s hand left my shoulder and she smiled over to me.
“I’d like that.”
“Don’t be too long though. We want to get back at a decent hour.”
“Of course, my dear brother. I won’t keep your darling Natalie away from you for too long and then you can escape back to New York until another family obligation drags you back home.”
“Your sarcasm is noted. Now, go and have fun.” Drew walked over, kissing me on the cheek before Kayla led me outside.
It was cold out, but we didn’t have to go far. It was only a few minutes before Kayla was pulling her sporty Mercedes into the parking lot of a little café.
“I hope you don’t mind that we skipped out on breakfast, but I’ve had my dad’s waffles and they’re actually pretty terrible,” Kayla laughed as we settled into a booth.
“No, it’s fine. I’m glad Drew can spend time with your parents.”
“And we can have some time before you guys disappear into the city again.”
The way she smiled at me was warm and sincere. The difference between her and Christina was startling. I didn’t have the chance to say anything before the waitress appeared. Kayla ordered a coffee, while I settled for a cup of hot tea with lemon.
“You’re not a coffee drinker?” she asked as we browsed through the menu.
“I’ve tried. I never could force myself to like it.”
“You’re smart. You never have to worry about coffee breath,” she said and I had to laugh. Kayla was so laid back, it was easy to relax around her. She was nothing like I’d imagined her to be and it was a pleasant surprise.
It was quiet then as we continued browsing the menus. When the waitress returned with our coffee and tea, I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and Kayla settled on the French toast. I stirred some honey into my tea and then took a sip as I eyed Drew’s sister across from me. Even though she was easy to be around, I was still nervous, especially since she swooped in and pulled me away to breakfast so unexpectedly. She poured some creamer into her coffee and after a sip of it, she set her cup down and smiled over to me.
“You’re probably wondering why I dragged you away this morning.”
“I have to admit I am curious.”
“I had a long talk with my brother last night. Long after you’d gone to bed and after he’d kicked all of our asses in poker.”
“I’m glad you and Drew had some time to catch up.”
“Natalie,” she said, taking another drink and then setting it down. “I can’t recall a time I’ve seen my brother so happy and I know that happiness comes from you.” I felt a smile, both timid and proud, creeping up on my face. “He
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