Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)

“I’m happy to help.” Isabel told herself she needed to spend more time with her sister, to be there when she could.

Maeve wiped her face and took a drink of the water. “I love my life. Really I do. Leonard is the best man in the world and my kids are great, but sometimes I get so envious of you.”

“Of me? Why? I’m a disaster.”

“You’re not. You’re single and don’t have many responsibilities.”

“Or ties. I’m divorced and I don’t even have a cat to keep me company.”

“But you have a career.”

“I work in our parents’ business. That’s not going to put me on the cover of Fortune magazine.”

“No, but your new business will. You have it all.”

“No, you do.”

They stared at each other and started to laugh.

“Better?” Isabel asked gently.

Her sister nodded.

“Good.” Isabel walked over to the counter and put two slices of bread on a plate.

“I talked to Mom earlier,” Maeve told her. “They’re having a great time. She says they should have done this years ago.”

“She’s probably right.”

Maeve sighed. “I hope Leonard and I are like them. Always in love.”

“You’ve survived four kids so far. I’m pretty sure you’re going to make it.”

Her sister winced. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive.”

It took Isabel a second to realize what she meant. “My relationship with Eric was doomed from the start. The mistake was not recognizing the problem to begin with.” She paused, then turned so she was facing Maeve. “I’m going to tell you something, but first you have to promise not to tell Mom and Dad. I don’t want them to have to deal with this until they’re home.”

Maeve’s blue eyes widened as she nodded. “Sure.”

Isabel turned back to the sandwich. “Eric was g*y.”

After her sister was done sputtering and calling him names, Isabel explained what had happened.

“I don’t believe he didn’t know,” Maeve fumed. “He had to have had an inkling. That doesn’t just happen. It’s not a lightning strike. I can’t believe he betrayed you like that.”

“I’m getting over it.”

“With Ford?”

Isabel finished with the sandwich and carefully sliced it in two, then carried the plate over to the table. “I guess it’s too late to ask if you’re okay with that,” she said quietly.

Maeve reached for the food. With her other hand, she waved the comment away. “Oh, please. We were done over a decade ago. Have at him.”

Isabel put the supplies back in the refrigerator, then joined her sister at the table. “He’s a pretty great guy.”

“I remember.” Maeve grinned. “Don’t tell him but the sex wasn’t all that. I wasn’t his first time, but he was mine and all I remember thinking is ‘I thought it would take longer than this.’”

Isabel grinned. “We’re not really dating.”

Maeve finished chewing and swallowed. “What? Sure you are. I’ve seen you two together. You are definitely dating.”

“We’re fake-dating.” She explained about Denise and how Ford had begged.

“Not that I don’t approve of a man begging,” her sister began, “but, Isabel, be careful. I’ve seen the way you look at him, and you’re not in a fake relationship.”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking, too. I didn’t want to fall for him, but he’s so funny and easy to be with. He’s thoughtful in little ways that are so unexpected.”

“All perfect if this was a regular relationship, but trouble when it’s not. Are you sure you’re leaving? Maybe Ford is worth sticking around for.”

“I’m not changing my plans for him,” Isabel said firmly. In part because she really did want to open a business with Sonia, but also because she had a feeling Ford meant what he said. That he wasn’t interested in love. Which meant sticking around would only lead to heartache.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“YOU CAN’T AVOID my mother forever,” Kent said.

Consuelo studied the display in the window of Morgan’s Books. “I can and I will.”

Kent grabbed her hand and gently twisted it behind her back, bringing her up against him. She had to tilt her head to continue to stare into his eyes.

She could have broken the hold a dozen different ways, could have had him in any number of holds that would cut off air or blood flow. She wondered if the knowledge of how to do that would ever fade. If she would ever be like the other women who walked through town on this perfect fall day. Or if she would always feel different.

“She’s interested in the woman I’m seeing,” he said.

“Then I can send her regular email updates.”

He smiled.