Page 57 of Pinch of Love

It was my younger brother, Hunter.

I picked up the phone. “What?”

He laughed. “Good morning to you too.”

“Sorry. I mean, hi,” I grumbled before taking a bite of my sandwich.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your breakfast. What are you having?”

“Turkey sandwich.”

“For breakfast?”

“I ran out of eggs.”

This was what annoyed me about people, relatives included. They were all so nosy.

“Okay. Pardon me for living. So, I’m headed out for a camping trip next weekend, and I was wondering if I could borrow you and the camper.”

“Why me?” I asked.

“I just might have someone I’d like you to meet.”

I nearly coughed on my sandwich. Hunter had been playing the field since sixth grade, and he’d happily continued the tradition down in Madison where he had a successful bar.

“You’re seeing someone?” I choked out.

“God, no. Not for me. For you.”

“No,” I snapped quickly.

“It’s been too long. You’re a relationship kind of guy.” He stopped for a second. “I think I found the one for you.”

“There isn’tthe one,” I growled back.

“Listen, Mom and Dad are worried about you. They said you’ve barely left your house this summer until recently, and you’re just sinking all your time into your properties.”

“What of it? Why aren’t they worried about you and all the flings you’re having down in Madison? That’s not healthy either.”

“But it’s fun.” He chuckled. “Plus, I’m ten years younger than you, and I didn’t have my heart shattered like you did. I haven’t given up on love. I just don’t believe it’s for me, just like Beckett.”

I took another bite of my sandwich. “You can have the camper, but I can’t come.”

“Why?” he challenged.

“No reason.”

“With you, there’s always a reason.”

“I have some guests coming to one of the rentals next weekend for a wedding and another guest that seems to need my help quite frequently,” I explained. “It’s just better if I’m around.”

“You mean chipmunk lady?”

I nearly fell off my chair. “How’d you hear about that?”

“Mom and Dad.”

I rolled my eyes.