“Nice!” Annika high-fived her brother. “Did he do the ‘squirrel’ thing?”

Nilay shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Every chance he got.”

“Something smells amazing!” Daniel tapped his phone off and came and sat in her section, near Nilay.

Nilay just stared at him, before turning to Annika, with a Who is this guy? look on his face.

“Daniel Bliant.” Daniel extended his hand to Nilay. Nilay just stared at it.

“Nilay, Daniel’s a...friend of mine.” She widened her eyes at him to prompt some manners.

Nilay smiled as he got the hint and shook Daniel’s hand. “Nilay Mehta. I’m her brother.”

Annika moved the bag to her side of the bar, and the aroma of garlic, onions and garam masala wafted by. “My mom sent food from home.” Annika indicated the bag.

“Takes me back.” Daniel raised his eyebrows at her. He turned to Nilay. “What’s the squirrel thing?”

Nilay and Annika stared at him. Annika pursed her lips as Daniel flushed. “What?” He looked from one sibling to the other as if he’d been caught doing something wrong. “You weren’t whispering.”

“Uh-huh.” Annika nodded at him, though she knew she was just as guilty of listening to his conversations.

He leaned toward her, and Annika’s stomach did a flip at the intimate tease in his voice. “I know you listen when I talk to Emma.”

She froze. Busted.

Daniel grinned and sat back from her, triumph all over his face.

Nilay narrowed his eyes at his sister. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing.” Annika was quick to answer but did not look at Daniel. “Nothing at all. Why don’t you explain the squirrel thing to Daniel, and I’ll go get you both some food.”

“Ooh! Did Mrs. P. make that soup?” Nilay called as she walked to the kitchen. She heard him start the explanation, just as she entered the kitchen.

The soup was hot and fresh, and Nilay dived into it as soon as she placed it in front of him.

Daniel thanked her, letting his gaze rest on her a moment longer than necessary, making her wonder if their earlier conversation was still on his mind. She turned away from him and watched her brother eat as if he hadn’t eaten in days, throwing her a cursory “Thanks, Didi.”

“Little brothers.” Annika mumbled under her breath as she rolled her eyes at Nilay again.

“Guess I’ll have to remember to be nicer to my older sister.” Daniel smiled all the way out to both dimples, and Annika found her knees were suddenly made of jelly.

She filed away the knowledge that Daniel’s sister was older. “See that you do,” she somehow managed, before leaving to tend to other customers.