Page 56 of Better Watch Out
“I think I can handle that. I hope I’m not calling too late?”
“Nope. I just settled into bed with a glass of wine and was about to watch a biography.”
Frannie wrinkled her nose. “Sounds fun.”
“Mock me now, but you just wait until you’re married and have a kid. The highlight of your weekends will be cancelled games, cereal dinners, and early bedtimes.”
“Well, I already love cereal for dinner and I’m currently staring at the most comfortable bed in all of New York City, so I’m two-thirds of the way to boring adulthood.”
“Hey now,” Vivian teased before her voice grew serious. “So why are you back in your hotel room before ten? Wait.” Her voice rose. “Please tell me you haven’t been stuck in your hotel room this whole weekend?”
“No, actually, I’ve been crossing off things on my bucket list and just got back to my hotel room a half hour ago.”
“By yourself?”
“Of course, by myself.” And then she remembered Andrew sitting on this very couch with her the night before. She was sort of hoping for a repeat but she held back asking him after their uneasy ride back to the hotel. “It’s just me, a box of chocolates, and a comfy bed tonight.”
“I’m jealous about the chocolate but I wasn’t referring to you being by yourself in your hotel room. I was asking if you’d been out in the city by yourself.”
Frannie made a face. She was so tired of having to prove she was capable of being an adult. “Would it surprise you if I said yes?”
“Not really, but then again I married your brother and can’t leave the house without him checking my tire pressure and making sure my cell phone is fully charged.”
“Doesn’t that get annoying?”
“Absolutely, but it’s his love language. Protecting the ones he loves until it drives them nuts.”
Frannie sighed. “Or keeps them from taking risks.”
“What’s wrong, Francis?”
Hearing Vivian call her by her full name never felt patronizing, unlike when Ryan did it. Still, she was worried whatever she said might get back to her brother. “First, you have to promise me that what I’m about to say stays within the confines of sisterhood. You cannot, under any circumstances, repeat anything I say to my brother, no matter what kind of FBI tactics he tries on you.”
“Does what you’re about to tell me put anyone’s life in danger, potential danger, or is in any way illegal? I love you and your brother too much to disregard marriage vows, laws, or risk breaking your mom’s heart.”
“Sheesh, Vivian.” Frannie chuckled. “It’s not that deep. You didn’t have to bring Mom into it.”
Vivian laughed. “Okay, sister, spill it. What’s going on?”
Frannie worked her lip, trying to find the right words until she finally gave up and blurted out, “I think I’m falling for someone.”
“What?”
There were at least three emotions in that single word.
Confusion—check.
Concern—check.
Curiosity—check.
“I know, I know.” Frannie closed her eyes. “I sound like one of those obnoxious bachelorettes who confess their undying love one second and then drool over a new bachelor that walks into the house.”
“You do not sound like that but tell me, who are you falling for?”
Eyes closed, Frannie wrinkled her nose. “Andrew Bishop,” she whispered.
“Who?”
