“Yeah, sure. I’ll just sit down and give my ex the chance to tell me all the reasons why I wasn’t enough for her to leave her home and family behind. That sounds like a really good time.”

Summer sent me a look of almost maternal disapproval. Damn, Mum had taught her well. “Would you prefer never to get closure?”

“I’d prefer to never discuss this with you again.”

She sighed. “You never got over it properly. Maybe if you hear her out, you’ll be able to move on with your life. Date someone else and actually give them a fair chance.”

Discomfort wormed up my spine. “It’s not your problem.”

“You’re my brother.” She sounded exasperated. “I care about you. That makes it my problem.”

“Do you think you could care a little less?”

She pushed off from the car and stalked back around to the driver’s seat. “Think about it. If you don’t change something, you’re going to end up sad and alone.”

She pulled away dramatically, no doubt pleased to have had the last word. I was just relieved she’d let it drop for now.

Chapter Seven

KENNEDY

Hi Liam,

You’re not going to believe this, but I’m actually learning how to cook. Nothing fancy, just things from some of Mom’s recipe books, because the kids deserve better than takeout every night. The other day, Joel was begging for Mom’s macaroni and cheese, so I had to go digging through the cupboards until I found the recipe. I didn’t do a great job of it, but at least it was edible. Tonight, it’s pizza with a homemade crust. It wasn’t half bad.

Maybe I can do this thing after all.

Love,

K xx

After Liam’s Ute vanished around the corner, I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and marched into the fire station. Thankfully, luck was on my side and Asher wasn’t there. I didn’t think I could handle arguing with him after my encounter with Liam.

Igor and Zane were playing cards at the table with a kid who must have been around twenty. I felt a pang. With his floppy blond hair and infectious grin, the younger firefighter reminded me of Liam when we’d first met.

“Holy shit.” The kid’s eyes landed on me. They were mossy green and full of surprise. He glanced at the others. “You guys were serious? Liam actually used to date a celebrity?” He tripped over his feet on his way to greet me, but stabilized himself with a goofy grin. He stuck out a hand. “I’m Darcy.”

I shook his hand. He had a firmer grip than I expected, and he pumped it enthusiastically. “Hi, Darcy. Nice to meet you.”

“Darce,” Igor warned, his French accent less pronounced than it once was.

“Hi, Igor.” I released Darcy’s hand and waved. “Zane.”