Page 71 of Wishing for Love

“That is such a sweet thing to say,” she said. “It just feels as if it comes naturally to me. Maybe not having the stress of it being my child or my income or my house helps. I’m not sure. I just do what I do daily because I want to, not because it’s expected. I mean, it’s my job but isn’t at the same time.”

“I understand,” he said. “Surprisingly, I do. You’re taking pride in it. Just like when you were in the daycare, yourinteractions with the kids were sincere because it wasn’t an obligation but something you enjoyed.”

“That’s it,” she said. “Just like I enjoy it when you ask me some fashion questions. Not that I’m some fashionista, but I know what I like.”

“And you’ve got good taste and suggestions. Back to my cousin tomorrow. Three cousins actually. I need to tell you who they are. You are going to recognize one of them. At least by name, is my guess, if not by sight.”

“Do you have a celebrity cousin?” she asked. “That’s so exciting. I mean if I did I wouldn’t tell anyone either. I wouldn’t want anyone asking me questions about them. Celebrity status aside, everyone is entitled to their privacy.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that,” he said. “That is part of it. The other is I’ve never wanted those comparisons. Even if a deal goes through, I won’t be letting anyone know West and I are related.”

She frowned. “West?”

“Remember how I said my father has a sister with eight kids?”

“Yes,” she said.

“My aunt’s name is Aileen Carlisle. West Carlisle’s mother. My first cousin. He’s coming tomorrow with his brother, Braylon, who is an attorney, and his sister, Laken, who is Vice President of Acquisitions.”

“The billionaire, West Carlisle? That’s your cousin?”

“Yeah,” he said, going back to his sandwich.

“Wow, talk about exciting. I can understand why you wouldn’t want anyone to know.”

“Yes,” he said. “We’re meeting here at the house.”

“I’ll stay out of the way,” she said. “No worries.”

“It’s not that. I thought you might recognize them and wanted you to know. I’m not keeping it from you. I mean, not onpurpose. But if things go well, then you’ll be hearing the name more. I can trust you not to say anything, right?”

“Of course,” she said, getting up and giving him a hug and kiss. “I’d never say a word and I find the whole thing so exciting for you. I can feel how great it’s going to be. Not that I understand much of it, but I do get it.”

“I don’t want to get my hopes up. I know he’s going to want to change things.”

“And change is hard, but change isn’t bad either. Remember that. I’m learning it,” she said.

“You’re right,” he said. “It’s not bad at all.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “After lunch maybe we can get that nooner too.”

“Now that is what I’m talking about.”

25

THE REALITY CHECK

“Come in,” Phoenix said, opening his door the next day a little before ten. “Hope the flight was good.”

“It’s always good in West’s jet,” Laken said. She moved in to hug him. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

“You too,” he said, returning the hug. He shook West and Braylon’s hands. He had to remind himself these were his first cousins and not just here for a professional business trip.

“This is a nice area,” Laken said. “Quiet. We don’t know the meaning of quiet in Manhattan. Not unless we go to the Hamptons and stay with West.”

He knew his cousin had multiple houses in the US. “It is nice and quiet here. A good place to raise a family.”

“How is that going?” Braylon asked. “Adjusting well?”

“As well as can be,” he said. “With the help of Crystal.”