“Realist.” There was no humor in her sister’s demeanor. “I don’t like this.”

“Chill. I trust Brent. If he says I don’t have too much to worry about at the moment, I believe him.”

“Let’s talk about Brent.” A glint of amusement sparked in Grace’s hazel irises.

“Let’s not.” Eve went back to eating.

“Why not?” This from Cate.

“There’s nothing to talk about. He’s not in the market for a relationship.”

“How do you know?” Grace leaned toward her.

“He told me.”

“Why did that subject come up?” Cate leaned in too.

Eve stopped eating. “What is this, the third degree?”

“We’re just asking a few questions.”

“A rose by any other name . . .” Eve waved her spoon at them.

Grace glanced at Cate. “If they were discussing such a personal subject, I’m betting he kissed her.”

Eve almost choked on a piece of shrimp.

“I told you.” Grace raised her arms in triumph, palms up.

Eve guzzled water as Cate pinned her with a laser look.

“For the record”—Eve paused again to cough—“he did not kiss me.”

It had been the other way around—not a detail her sisters had to know.

“I should hope not. That would be totally unprofessional.” Cate folded her arms, lips compressed into a thin line.

“Well, poop.” Grace sank back in her chair. “You should spread some of that passion you generate for your professional life to a more personal . . . outlet.”

“That could happen one of these days.” Maybe soon, if Brent got with the program.

“You’re not getting any younger, you know.”

Eve snorted. “Neither are you . . . or Cate.”

Her older sibling held up her hands. “Hey . . . leave me out of this discussion. I have no time for romance.”

“Who does?” Grace exhaled. “But don’t you both . . . I mean, once in a while when you’re alone at night . . . or you see a couple walking arm in arm in the park . . . or you hear a great tune and get in the mood to dance . . . don’t you ever wish the right guy would come along?”

“I do.” Eve scraped the last of the gumbo from the bottom of the bowl. There was no harm admitting that—especially since she had a suspicion her right guy had already put in an appearance.

“Not me. I’m happy with the status quo.” Cate slipped on her sunglasses, even though the golden orb had dropped below the tree line. “After work, I can go home, shut the door on the world, and leave my responsibilities on the other side. I don’t have to worry about anyone else.”

“But there’s nobody to worry about you, either—except us and Dad.” Grace drained her iced tea. “I’m kind of tired of the solo act.”