Page 14 of The Last Goodbye

“Bass,” she groaned. “You know that I haven’t decided if I’m staying here yet. I’m considering all my options.”

I knew what she was saying. She’d mentioned the idea of coming back to Blue Sky Bay this past summer when she was home, and I was dead set against it. Our mother knew she couldn’t pull me back into her web, but Jovi was a different story. It wasn’t lost on me that she would probably move back here just as my sister was graduating from college.

“You’ve got great offers already out there. I can’t imagine there’s anything more for you here.”

“Listen, I’m going to spend the next six months abroad, enjoying Italy and all the pasta my stomach can hold, and then I’ll make a decision.”

Jovi had always wanted to travel to Italy, and she’d managed to get herself a paid internship through her university.

My sister was a very resourceful girl when she wanted something.

“Fine. But Blue Sky Bay is not the place for someone starting a career in business, just remember that.”

“I may fall in love with a beautiful Italian man and never return to the States,” she said with a laugh.

I’d actually prefer that over her being near our mother. Jenna Bennett was a bottomless pit, and I didn’t want her to derail Jovi’s life by preying on her kindness.

But I wouldn’t say that, because my sister was stubborn and she’d be determined to prove me wrong.

“All right. I’ve got to get back to work. Love you,” I said.

“Love you, too. Ciao, brother.”

We ended the call, and I got back to work.

The knock on my door had me looking up. “It’s open.”

Winona strolled in with a wicked grin on her face.

“Hey, boss,” she said. “You’ve got a visitor.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, already tired because I knew this wasn’t going to be good.

“Who is it?”

She paused just long enough to make it deliberate, and something in my chest tightened. I was already in no mood for problems, especially not after the call I’d just had with my sister.

“Briar Sinclair,” she said finally, clearly enjoying herself. “And she’s very eager to speak to you. Should I send her back?”

For a second, I didn’t say anything, because of course it was her. Apparently today wasn’t done fucking with me yet.

I leaned back in my chair slowly, exhaling through my nose as I stared at the door like it had personally offended me.

Briar Sinclair.

Perfect timing.

“Should I tell her to come on in?” Winona prompted again, far too pleased with herself.

I gave a slow shake of my head.

“Absolutely not. Tell her I’m busy. No visitors today. I’ve got work to do.”

“You’re no fun,” she said as she pulled the door closed.

And that was the damn truth. I didn’t have time for fucking fun.

I had a business to run.