His First Choice

“It’s just the clothes,” he said and then wished he’d bitten his tongue instead. Literally. “You probably noticed that Tressa puts a lot of emphasis on fashion...”

“She told you I went to visit her?”

Right, because all he’d heard from Lacey after that was that the case had been dismissed. Jem had no idea what all Tressa might have told her, which was why his usual way—to tell the truth—just worked best.

“I was on the phone with her when you pulled up out front of her house.”

“Did you tell her who I was?”

“No.”

She took another bite of sandwich, seemingly unaffected by Levi’s unintentionally hurtful comment.

“Why not?”

He’d just reminded himself that he was a truthful guy. “Because I didn’t want her to freak out on the phone.” He popped a French fry into his mouth. The mushroom burger was good today. Talking to her was better, even if he was having to make up for his son. “The whole drama thing I told you about,” he continued as she chewed.

“And also because I figured that if she had been the one who called you, she’d already know who you were. I kind of wanted to see how she handled you coming to the door.”

“To see if you could figure out if she knew me?”

“Something like that.”

“What was your conclusion?”

“Tressa didn’t call you.”

He watched her carefully—very carefully—and still couldn’t discern if he’d hit on the truth. He was sure he had, but not because of any indication he’d gathered from her.

“So what do you think?” Lacey nodded toward Kacey’s half of the sandwich they’d shared.

“Really good,” Kacey answered. “You?”

It was as though something tangible passed across the table. Jem almost felt as though he was intruding as he sat there.

“Fine. Good. I’d order it again,” Lacey said. And Jem knew they weren’t talking about food.

Which meant what? That Kacey was asking her sister if she was okay?

He hoped so. Because based on Lacey’s answer, she wasn’t as bothered by Levi’s comment as he still was. But he was still rational enough to realize he was stretching things. She’d probably just liked the sandwich.

And really, what woman could take offense at someone saying her sister was beautiful when she was an identical twin?

Kacey and Lacey were still speaking. Silently. But it was palpable.

“So, I was thinking...” Kacey said, swinging her head from Lacey’s direction to his. “You said you’re in construction, right?”

This was in answer to a question she’d asked while they’d been waiting for their waitress to take their orders.

“Right.”

“Is that the bill?” Lacey asked, turning as their waitress approached. “I’ll get this.”

“I’ll get it,” Jem said, already reaching for his wallet. “A gentleman doesn’t invite pretty ladies to eat with him and let them pick up the tab. Even when he’s only four.”

Their waitress passed them by without stopping and Jem looked up from his wallet to see Lacey giving her sister a steely-eyed stare.

He had to admit, he was curious as hell. So he said directly to Kacey, “You were asking about my business...” Just because... Well, he wasn’t sure why.