Finn lifted his free hand. “You remember I told you about Bran’s stepdaughter, Ellie? The one with CF? Laurie was her nanny.”
“For years,” Laurie added, in confirmation. “I love her like she’s my own daughter.”
“Is that so?” Katie’s expression was a bit too smug for Laurie’s comfort. “Next, you’ll be telling me she sings and plays the piano.”
“I do,” Laurie answered, wondering why it mattered.
When she saw both of them staring at her with slack jaws, she quickly clarified. “I have a so-so voice, but I took piano lessons from the time I was six years old. I really miss having a piano—I never get to play anymore.”
Katie was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m sure Finn will let you play his Steinway grand.”
It was Laurie’s turn to stare at Finn. “You have a Steinway??
??
His mouth moved, but his words seemed to be stuck.
Katie answered for him, “He not only has one, but he plays beautifully. He almost majored in music at Julliard, but decided to go the computer route, instead.”
“Wow.” Laurie couldn’t hide her shock. Of all things, she never would’ve imagined him being musical.
“Such an interesting turn of events…” Katie drummed her fingers on the table.
“Don’t read anything into this, Katie. Like I told you, we’re not a thing.”
“Uh-huh,” Katie said, unconvincingly, as she scanned toward the entrance. “Wonder what’s keeping Mum so long? You think she fell in?”
Determined to convince Katie of their true relationship, Laurie tapped on her arm. “Really. Finn and I don’t even like each other.”
“I can totally understand why you don’t like Finnster.”
“Hey!” he objected, with a laugh.
“But…” Katie looked pointedly at her brother. “What’s not to like about Laurie?”
Finn’s face turned the color of Laurie’s dress. “Katie, you promised to help.”
“Yes, I did.” She ran her finger through the moisture on the outside of her water glass. “But that was before I actually met her.”
“What do you mean?” Laurie’s pulse picked up its pace. Was Katie going to blow their cover in front of Finn’s mother?
Katie reached out to pat her hand. “I’m only teasing, Laurie. Believe me, Finn deserves it.”
Before Laurie could respond, the hostess returned with the extra chair. Katie lifted the empty carrier from the floor and settled it on the chair.
“Thank you, Marla.” Laurie tried to make up for having intimidated the young girl, who escaped quickly, giving her a wide berth.
“There she is.” Katie waved toward Susan, who strutted between the tables, draped in a gorgeous dress with a vivid pink and black floral print.
“She loves to make a statement,” Finn commented, clearly amused by her choice of apparel.
Susan waved back and started their direction but stopped to chat with a couple at another table.
“Who’s she’s talking to?” asked Finn.
Katie shrugged. “Beats me. You know how Mum is. She knows everybody.”
Susan gave them each a hug before continuing to their table in the back. “Laurie!”