She began to defend her sister and will, in a slow low voice "You ought to see them together. They're a perfect match. Faith is a wildlife photographer. She's an extraordinary person, honestly. She's beautiful, talented, absolutely charming, she rhapsodized about her sister. "But I honestly thought she'd never find anyone to really suit her, she confessed.
She's always been just so...unconventional. Then along came Will. You know what they say, There's a lid for every pot. Even the bent one," she added with a laugh.
"I never heard that one, I said in a hard tight voice. "Must be a local tidbit of wisdom.
She ignored my tone and kept right on going"Well, they met on some bird migration study, I believe. Faith was hired by the university to take photos. It was love at first sight to hear them tell it. They'd be perfectly happy to live out in the woods, tracking down yellow-bellied sapsuckers for the rest of their Iiving days......."
When I finally looked up, my dark glance chilled her. "There's only one sucker in this fairy tale and that's my brother. Love at first sight, I echoed with disgust. "The first sight of his bank statement, I have no doubt." The coloured of eyes change as she look at me with temper rising furiously , hitting the nile on the head. I thought.
"I won't hear you speak about my sister that way. One more word in that direction and you are out of here, pal," Olivia warned. I don't care if you drown out there," she said, glancing out the window.
I stared down briefly and shook my head. Was I finally giving up? I certainly hoped not "So, they're married by now, you say? I asked.
"That was their plan."
"And you have absolutely no idea of where they were headed? You couldn't even venture a guess?"
If I asked her one more time I knew she would scream. She bit down on her lip and shook her head in the universal signal for an emphatic negative reply.
"Not a single, solitary, minuscule clue!" she managed through gritted teeth.
My caught hers gaze and held it for what seemed to an incredibly long time. Her eyes were shiny, her mouth was full and soft, I remembered how last night that same mouth felt so warm and soft against my own. I remembered too well. And just as quickly, stopped myself.
"Why did he have to be so infernally stubborn-and just as appealing all at the same time?
"Maybe the university where Will teaches would know," I murmured, finally looking away.
"I doubt it. Your brother seemed determined to keep their plans a secret."
"A secret from me, you mean", I added.
She did not reply. She crossed her arms over her chest and glanced sideways at me. Never say die, that had to be my motto. I was so intense-the most intense, emotional. Now that I knew the truth, I either trying to track down the newlyweds like a bloodhound on a fresh scent, or high luxurious life in New York City tailing it back to me. It might be years until they we again, despite the family connection I bent my dark head in dejection while I sat and considered my next move.
"Brian? Noah's thin voice called down to them. "Are you coming? I' ve cleaned up all the cages."
I lifted my head. And reply "I'll be right up, Noah." He rose and combed my thick hair back with his fingers "I'm going up to see Noah' s pets, I said without looking at her.
"You really don't have to right now. I mean, if you don't feel like it, Noah will understand, she replied.
"I promised him," I replied evenly as I walked past her. Besides, I never met a three legged hamster named Harry before. I was rather looking forward to it.'
She suppressed a smile. "Would you like me to make any calls for you?"
"I'Il take care of it later, thank you."
I strode out of the room, still planning my next step, I chin lifted at a defiant angle. I'd been beaten, but not dishonored.