Healing Gabe (The Last Hangman MC #3)(20)

Ayden and Charline get together for lunch every Monday and they invited me along, apparently Gabe’s baby sister is going to be there too. I’ve never met her but from what Annie used to tell me, she’s a total sweetheart. I hope she won’t freak out when she sees me. I have no idea about how much Gabe told her about Annie and I.

I get ready and pull on faded black skinny jeans with ripped knees, a simple black tank top and a flannel shirt with my studded combat boots. I keep my make-up light, just putting on some mascara and filling in my eyebrows, before heading out the door.

We decided to meet at Bob’s Burger. I haven’t been there in ages and I miss it, they have the best burgers. I’ve travelled all over the world and no burger has ever compared.

I have to drive around the block a couple of times before eventually finding a parking spot. I make my way inside and smile when I spot them, Ayden almost takes me out when she jumps on me.

“Geez woman! It’s only been two days.” I chuckle and hug her back.

“What can I say? I missed you! It might have been only two days this time, but it was so much longer before that!” She pouts and rests her head on my shoulder. I f*cking love her!

“You’re too cute for your own good.” I grin, kiss her head and sit down.

“Hey, Viv.” Charline smiles, greeting me.

“Hey, Line. How are you? How was your weekend away?”

“It was good thanks, and I’m amazing. Aleck took me to a little cabin in the woods. It was beautiful, very romantic and so sweet of him. I didn’t know he could be this romantic.” She beams.

“Aww, that’s so cute.” I smile, happy for her. “What about you, Ayd? How did Big Ant do this year?” I giggle.

She turns bright red. “Well, uh…It was f*cking perfect,” she whispers loudly. “He took me to my parents’ cabin in Grand Isle and we pretty much spent the entire weekend naked. I’m not going to give any more details so you can suck it.” She snickers, making Line and I burst out laughing.

“I bet you hated every single second of it!” I grin.

“Not one bit, it was perfect really.” She sighs happily. “What about you? What happened with Gabe?” They both grin at me expectantly.

“We had pizza, beer and watched a horror movie.” I shrug and focus on the menu.

“You two f*cked each other’s brain out!” Ayd whispers loudly.

“No, I me-”

“Hey Chick.” A beautiful young lady cuts me off.

“Nicky!!!” Ayd jumps up and hugs the girl. I’m guessing she’s Gabe’s sister. I just hope that she didn’t hear the beginning of our conversation. “Remember Line?” Ayd brings me back to reality before I start thinking about that night.

“Yes, of course. How are you?” She smiles and hugs Line, but keeps an eye on me.

“I'm good, thanks.” She smiles and hugs her back.

“This is Vivian.” Ayd introduces us.

“Nice to meet you, Nicole,” I say rather nervous.

“Nice to meet you too, Vivian.” She’s still looking at me warily. “Are you new around town?”

“No, I just left for a very long time and now I'm back.”

“You seem familiar.”

I sigh. “Your brother used to date my sister.”

“Right.” She looks at me intently and then smiles. “Whatever you do with my brother is none of my business. Don’t hurt him, he’s been through enough shit because of your sister.” I can only nod.

“Woah, what happened that we don’t know about?” Ayd looks between Nicole and I.

“A lot of f*cked up shit. I don’t know what your sister did to Gabe, but it left him broken, he hasn’t dated ever since and has been an even moodier, overprotective f*cker than he used to be. I hope your sister doesn’t find out you screwed my brother because that could get messy. Does he even know you are his only love’s sister?” She looks at me accusingly.

I take in a sharp breath. I wasn’t expecting this kind of welcome. “My sister won’t find out because she’s dead and we were twins so yeah, he knows who I am.” I sigh.

“Shit, I’m sorry, I had no idea,” Nic says honestly.

“It’s alright.” I shrug.

“Well if you care, she's also your brother’s future wife. He just doesn't know it yet.” Line giggles, no doubt trying to lighten up the mood.

“Wait, what?” Nic and I look at Line as if she’s grown a second head.

“What? You two are cute together. Besides, the way he looks at you? Girl, he wants you and not just for one night, nope he wants to keep you. There’s something between the two of you, no one can deny that.” She smiles innocently.

“I have to agree with her. As pissed as he was when you showed up. When you left, he was all lost in his thoughts, I thought he was going to run after you. I don’t know what you guys have been through, but it seems pretty intense. Don’t push him away. He needs someone he can talk to who will listen to him,” Ayd chimes in, making me glare at her

“While I agree with Ayd, you do know my brother doesn't do relationships, Line.”

“Ah, neither did Aleck and look where that got us.” She rubs her tummy with a serene expression on her face.