Page 18 of Never and Always
“Yep. I wanted to see you.” He glanced over my shoulder.
I noted Murray was watching us, a scowl on his face. I cleared my throat. “Um, Everett, this is my brother, Chance. Chance, Everett Murray.”
“Brother?” Everett seemed to relax and held out a hand. “Hi.”
“Everett is our head of maintenance here at the hotel,” I said.
“Hey, man.” Chance shook Everett’s hand, then looked around the lobby. “Nice place, Pipe.”
“Thank you.”
“God, you must hate this town, though. No shoe shops, and too much snow.”
I cleared my throat. “How long are you staying?”
“Not sure, not sure. Just wanted to spend some quality time with my big sis.”
Some part of me wanted to believe that. Chance was always charming, and he could be fun. Suddenly, a memory hit me, of asweet little boy sneaking into my bed. One who was afraid of the dark and needed his big sister to sing to him.
“Where are you staying?” I asked.
At his hesitation, my heart dropped. He didn’t have accommodation. Which probably meant he had no money.
“Actually, I’m staying with a friend.” He shot me a wide smile. “I’m all good. I have a place to stay.”
I swallowed. I wasn’t offering him a room. The last time I’d done that at the Langston Chicago, he’d invited some friends for a party. They’d nearly destroyed the room.
“Let’s do dinner tonight,” I told him. “My treat.”
His smile hit full wattage. “Awesome. I’ll let you get back to work.” He turned and nodded. “Nice to meet you, Everett.”
With a two-fingered wave, he strolled back toward the front entrance.
I stared after him. My brother always brought chaos, but I loved him. It still didn’t mean that he didn’t give me a headache when I had to deal with him.
“Piper?”
I jolted. Everett was standing close by, watching me carefully. “You okay?”
I straightened, flicking imaginary lint of my shirt. The last thing I needed was for Everett to see any chink in my armor. “Yes. I’m fine.”
“Even when you brother turns up unannounced?”
“I’m used to it. Do you have siblings?”
“No. My parents wanted more kids but it didn’t work out. They just had me to lavish their love on.”
“That explains so much.”
He looked amused.
“I’ll get those pool and spa plans adjusted with the architect, then we can coordinate with the building contractor.”
“Roger that.”
“I have work to do.” I pivoted on my heels and hurried off.
Meanwhile, inside, I was praying that Chance wouldn’t cause any drama while he was in Windward.
