Page 66 of Fate In Fiction

“Oh, please. I know about it,” she states, matter-of-fact. “You think all the kids around my age are innocent? Nope.” My heart pangs at how some children lose their innocence too young.

“Fine. I’ll show you my place. How was your day?”

“We took the horses up the mountain today.” That explains the smell. “It was so pretty. Lucas and I stood at the very top, and it would have been the perfect time for him to kiss me.”

“No, honey. Your crush is cute, but I hope you don’t tell him you like him.”

“I’d never.” Her head shakes as red paints her cheeks. “He should make the first move. If we are fated, he will know exactly what I am thinking anyway.” So, it seems to play out that way.

“Very true.” I pull into the parking lot, and we head up to my suite.

“Huh,” Julianne states as we enter the suite. “It’s not super small, but it’s kind of normal…”

“It was originally just Emmett here, and he works long hours. I like the size of this place. Our house is too big. We always have to go searching to find someone.”

“True, but I don’t mind hiding from everyone.” She walks to the fridge and pulls out some grapes. “I’ve missed you.”

“I miss you too, but I also enjoy being on my own. I’ve been learning to cook.” I feel the smile take over my face as her jaw drops.

“Emmett lets you instead of the staff?” Julianne’s eyes light up as she glances around the kitchen. “Teach me something! Please.”

“Sweet or savory?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Sweet. Duh.”

EMMETT

Giggles fill the other side of the door as my hand reaches the handle. Does Josie have someone over? Should I knock? No, this is your place, Emmett. Still, I feel as if I’m intruding. Josie’s jam of an old Taylor Swift song rings through my ears as I open the door. Two heads of red hair swing about as the girls dance around the living room singing. This feels too intrusive, but it’s too late to sneak back out as Julianne spots me. What I expect is a mortified look, similar to the one Josie is wearing, but instead, she reaches her hand out in an invitation.

“Come on, Emmett!” The youngest sister giggles. “If you don’t know the words to this, I’ll have to disown you as a cool person.”

“I don’t know the words.” I shrug, but when she raises her eyebrows, I give in. “Don’t you worry your pretty little mind.” It’s freeing in a mortifying way I never knew possible.

“I knew you were cool.” Julianne laughs as the song ends.

“I have an older sister who wore out this CD back when she was in high school.” My voice is light and the stress of today melts away. “Sorry to intrude.”

“Nah, you’re fine.” Josie cuts in as her shoulder gently bumps mine. “She needs to get back home anyway. There’s another fun day at camp tomorrow.”

“It’s boring at home, Jo. Can I stay here?” Julianne’s pouty face is hard to say no to, but it’s not my call. “Please.”

“Sorry, kiddo. There’s only one bed, and I have work in the morning.” Josie shakes her head.

“Oh, please. Even you could fit on that cool chair couch thing.” Julianne rolls her eyes as Josie walks forward, ushering her sister to the door. “Can you come with us, Emmett?”

“He just got home from work. Don’t bug him.” Josie looks up with apologetic eyes.

“I didn’t ask you to answer for him.” Julianne slips on her shoes.

“I’d love to take you home. We can take my car with the butterfly doors.”

“And listen to Taylor,” Julianne pries.

“Only because you remind me of my favorite niece.” We head out the door, and I put up with the cringy pop music the entire drive.

“I’m excited for Miami.” Josie breaks the silence on the drive back. “I could use an entire day of sunshine and warmth.” She clears her throat. “We should go yachting. I’ve never partied on one.” There’s an off implication in her tone I can’t pinpoint.

“You’re not missing anything.” Is she fishing?