I lit up, so happy about the excuse. So, so happy. “I’m in. You know what they say about parties. The more, the merrier.”
“Now... tell me all about that client who keeps stealing you away on weekends.”
I stared at a piece of half-eaten dim sum. Uh-oh. My secret-keeping abilities were just about to get tested.
“Hm?”
“I know you. You don’t work on weekends anymore. For you to be with a client on a Saturday means... he’s rather special. Which is weird considering you referred to him as a first-class asshole after the first time you met him.”
My sister’s memory always amazed me. No one remembered details more than she did. No one. I’d just said it as a throwaway comment, but that was enough for my sister. I picked up the dim sum carefully, shoving it in my mouth, buying myself time.
Val propped her chin in one palm, scrutinizing me. “You know, I liked it more back when you couldn’t keep a secret .”
Well, as a PR pro, I’d had to hone that skill. I’d succeeded when it came to my professional life.
My personal life was a different story. As usual, I couldn’t do anything halfway. I could either say nothing at all or share every last bit of detail.
And under Val’s intense scrutiny, I caved. Or maybe it was the fact that I wanted my sister’s opinion, her advice.
“He might be more than a client.”
Her eyes widened. “Wait. Let me guess. Hmm... satisfied smile, light blush. You, sister, have been kissed. By someone who’s very good at it.”
“So good,” I admitted, letting myself slip into a daydream for a moment.
“Ooh, wait. Now I want all the details. Sexy times?”
“Not yet.”
“So you’re planning to?”
“Holy shit, I’m actually not.”
“But your subconscious has other plans for you. Got it. Can happen. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
She watched me silently for a few seconds, then we both started to laugh.
I proceeded to give Val every single detail I’d been withholding. I forgot all about the food while I brought her up to date.
“Breathe, Hailey,” Val said on a chuckle, interrupting my monologue. I did just that, smiling at my sister. “I can’t believe I didn’t see any signs.”
“Told you I’m honing my secrecy skills. Did I mention he’s hot?”
“Several times. Always a plus. But you say he’s a bit of a recluse and likes to keep to himself, right?”
“Yep.”
“Sounds like just the opposite of you.” Even Val thought that. “But opposites do attract.”
“You’re no help,” I complained.
Val laughed. “Sorry. Just thinking out loud. But you’ve always had great instincts, Hailey. Trust them. In the meantime, what do you think about ordering dessert?”
“Already had pancakes this morning.”
“That’s never stopped you before. Come on, cheesecake. We’ll share it. The serving size isn’t even that large. You’ll have an extra boost of energy from the sugar.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s our excuse, really?”