Finally ready with a few minutes to spare, Olivia walked into the kitchen to find her sister standing at the sink, finishing up rinsing off a glass.
Avery turned, looked Olivia over, and grinned. “You look hot.”
“Thanks. And you look comfortable,” Olivia said of her sister’s baggy gray sweats and a light blue tee shirt. She’d pulled her dark hair into a messy ponytail.
“Well, I think you chose well.” Avery, who loved picking out clothes and makeup, looked Olivia over again, approval in her gaze.
“I just picked out something casual.”
“You mean if I went into your closet, there wouldn’t be a pile of tried-on clothing on the floor?” she asked knowingly.
Olivia ignored her and opened the refrigerator, looking to see what kind of white wine they had chilling. She pulled out a chardonnay.
When she turned around, she found her sister hadn’t disappeared. She still stood there grinning like a fool.
“Okay, out with it. What’s put that goofy smile on your face?”
Avery laughed. “I was just thinking about how you told me Dylan insisted he was coming over for dinner and ran roughshod over you when you said no. Almost makes me want to applaud him for not putting up with your shit.”
“What shit would that be?” Olivia asked. “I mean, really. Name one woman who thinks her man smelling like another female is okay.”
“Aha! You called Dylan your man.”
She rolled her eyes. “That was just a figure of speech. And you didn’t answer the question.”
Avery grew more serious, her smile gone now. “No sane woman would put up with it.”
They both knew their mother’s experience clouded their judgment in all things.
“That’s true,” Avery said. “If the other woman were a threat. He assured you she’s not.”
“Famous last words,” Olivia muttered.
“Maybe not. So what’s he bringing for dinner?” her sister asked.
“Why do you care? You won’t be here, remember?”
Because when she’d come home and explained her evening plans, she’d asked Avery if she’d disappear for a little while. Being a good sister, she’d agreed.
“I know. I just want to be here when he arrives. You know, shake his hand, give him the evil eye, and make sure he brings you home on time. Or in this case, leaves at a decent hour.” She wiggled her eyebrows at her own joke.
“You’re insane.”
She had always been the more lighthearted, easier-going sister. Even after being tapped as a bone marrow transplant for the half sister they’d just learned they had, Avery had never lost her sense of humor. Olivia admired that in her sister. She didn’t let life get to her as much as Olivia did. No, that wasn’t right. Avery didn’t show it as much as Olivia. She hadn’t built her walls as high, even though they both had good reason.
“I want the best for you, and I happen to like Dylan.” Avery looked Olivia over from head to toe. “Can I give you some sisterly advice?”
“On dating? You’re younger than me.”
Avery rolled her eyes. “I’m also wiser. Look, go for it. Have fun for once in your life.”
Had Avery been talking to Riley about her? Both of them seemed to feel the same way. Even though the last time Olivia had let loose and had fun, when she hadn’t over-thought, she’d paid a huge price.
“Don’t go there. Just don’t.” Avery touched her hand, bringing her out of her memories. “Enjoy tonight. Enjoy Dylan. I’m sleeping at Ian and Riley’s. I’m going to babysit my niece so the tired parents can spend time alone. In other words, don’t wait up. Or expect me back. I’ll see you after work tomorrow.”
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door. “Perfect timing!” Avery picked up her packed duffle on her way to the door. “Do you want to make a grand entrance?”
Olivia gritted her teeth. “Go away, little sister.”