Love Simmers by Jules Deplume Page A

that Nate couldn't stand being alone with me these past few
days. We hadn’t spent that much time together in the last few
years. Not since that night.
    “ Was I this
irritating at prom?” I taunted.
    “ Probably,”
Ollie answered as he walked out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on
a tea towel before opening the boxes we’d brought in. “Why are we
talking about prom?”
    “ Just
reminiscing,” Nate said casually, giving me a warning look to not
to say more. He didn’t need to worry. I could keep
secrets.
    “ Logan, did you
pick up the tablecloths?”
    “ Yes,” I
answered, rolling my eyes. He’d already texted me twice to remind
me.
    “ The
cutlery?”
    “ Yes.” I hoped
he wasn't about to list everything in the boxes. It was going to be
a long day.
    “ Don’t worry. I
checked already. She hasn’t forgotten anything,” Nate
said.
    My brother smiled with relief
that ‘Nate the great’ was around to save us all. I scoffed. It was
almost offensive that Ollie didn’t trust me to get the job done
without needing Nate’s supervision.
    You would think they’d be
slightly more appreciative of me. After all, I had taken a break
from my successful career as a celebrity chef to fly out and help
them start their restaurant back home in Chester. Instead, all I
had gotten was non-stop flak. That was my brother and Nate for
you.
    Ollie must have seen me roll my
eyes because before I knew his lecturing started.
    “ Don’t act like
we’re being unreasonable for checking up on you. I was there almost
every day when you forgot your keys, your shoes, your books, your
homework…”
    “ Your pants…”
Nate just had to throw his two cents in. It wasn’t helpful or
appreciated.
    “ That was one
time!” I tried to defend myself, “I thought the shirt was long
enough to be a dress.” I paid no attention to their laughter. “I
may have to take this forgetful mind elsewhere.”
    I took the mature route and
stormed off into the kitchen, ignoring their mock apologies and
condescending laughter.
    “ You know I’m
grateful you’re here right?” My brother tried to save himself from
my wrath as he walked into the kitchen sometime later. Ollie knew I
could hold a grudge like nobody’s business. So could he
though.
    “ I know.” I
looked up from stirring the chocolate sauce for the taster dessert
menu to smile at him. I knew he was grateful. Nate, on the other
hand, looked decidedly ungrateful about my presence. He seemed not
to care that this was my home too, and this was my brother’s
success as well.
    “ Nate will come
around. I think he’s still pissed at you for leaving.” Ollie
laughed at the look of shock on my face. I couldn’t believe Nate
had the audacity to hold a grudge over me leaving five years ago.
I’d left after high school like three quarters of our friends did.
My aspirations had taken me away. Nate had chosen to stay. He
couldn’t begrudge me for that.
    “ Does he often
ask about me?” I tried to appear indifferent, unfortunately my twin
always saw right through me. I couldn't hide anything from him. But
it was okay since he couldn’t hide anything from me. There were no
secrets between two people who’d shared a womb for nine
months.
    “ No. But after
you started dating Tommy last year he had a lot to say about you
and none of it was positive.” Ollie stared at me seriously,
“whatever’s gone on or going on between you two, don’t let it
interfere with Sail’s opening. Please, Logan, this is the single
most important moment of my life. I have everything invested in
this dream.”
    I walked around the counter to
wrap my arms around him, my head barely reaching his collarbone.
Funny to imagine we’d started life the same size.
    “ I would never
do anything that would risk damaging or even complicating what
you’re doing here. I’m so proud of you Oliver. I know this place is
going to be a success, how could it not with Nate and you running
it.”
    We hugged for a moment