Page 54 of Rough Fantasy

“You really think that would help?”

“I think it would at least get her back to sleeping at nights. I’m not sure she does much sleeping from the bags under her eyes.”

“She never slept much as a kid to begin with.” Conner sat back in his chair and studied him for a second. “How did you get so smart about women?”

Zeke shook his head. “I’m not that smart about women. I just know Maura well.”

“Because you love her.”

He had never really admitted it out loud to Conner. He was never sure exactly how Conner had felt about Zeke and Maura together.

“Yes, and even if I didn’t, I care about her and you. It’s been a tough few months for you and whether you like it or not, it has an effect on Maura.”

“You love her but you can’t be with her?”

He wanted to strangle the man. He was Zeke’s best friend but there were times he just wanted to slap him silly. He was making this about Zeke and not about Maura. He wasn’t even sure if Conner knew he did that.

“I couldn’t give her what she wanted.” Conner opened his mouth. “And I want you to leave it at that. It’s private and it’s between us. But that isn’t the point I was trying to make.”

Irritation was stamped all over Conner’s face. “What?”

“Your sister is stressed and you aren’t helping. You’re making it worse. I want you to back off.”

“And just what authority do you have to do that?”

“I’m your business partner and this does have to do with work. You never question anyone like you question her. You need to show some faith in her and her abilities. It’s causing problems at the office. And worse, it’s hurting her Conner. She doesn’t realize it, but it is.”

He sighed. “Jillian says I’m obtuse.”

“You are. You’re also an ass.”

Conner chuckled. “I’ll take her to lunch tomorrow, show her the offices.”

Zeke nodded. “I think that would be a great idea.”

“Now, do you have anything else you want to bitch about?”

“I hope not, because I’m ready to get back to work,” Jillian said from the doorway. “Did y’all make up?”

“Yeah. I’m going to take Maura to lunch tomorrow. Wanna come?”

She easily plopped down on Conner’s lap. It was good to see his friend so happy and relaxed. Well, relaxed for Conner.

“Naw. I think it should be a brother sister day.”

Their happiness was something he wanted. At one time, he had always thought it would be with one person…but now he wanted that fantasy to be real. He wanted Maura and he wanted Rory. Forever.

He pushed that thought aside and gathered up his work and shut down his computer. After slipping it in his briefcase, he looked at Conner. “I think we’re done here, then? I thought I would goof off a little bit since I am on Oahu.”

“Enjoy it while you can,” Jillian said, the double meaning not lost on him.

“I plan on it. Hell, I might find a way to enjoy it for much longer.”

She laughed.

“What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing, just joking. See ya’ later, Zeke.”