Without a Hitch(74)

“Why’s that?” I try to keep my tone neutral, but like everything else where Tilly is concerned, I have zero self-control.

“He described her as kind of a wallflower, a huge heart, but someone who helps everyone else shine.”

I jerk at the hem of this godforsaken shirt. “She’s not a wallflower,” I grunt in displeasure. Do they know her at all?

“That’s what I thought, but Halton’s wife agreed. They had the nicest things to say about her, but none of it seemed to fit. Not how she is with you anyway, from the small glimpse I had of you guys together.”

“What else did they say?” My neck itches, and my palms prickle. Why didn’t I change back into my suit?

“Just that she’s a good girl. So are her sisters and friends. But they also said that Tilly is the one they know the least. She’s always moving around in the background, getting things done. Making sure everyone is happy.”

“She does,” I mutter. “But how can they not see she’s so much more than that?”

“You know, even in families, we have a role to play, and what’s expected of us isn’t always who we’re meant to be. I think sometimes the best parts of ourselves only blossom when the right person is nurturing them.”

“What does that mean?”

Nova tilts her head to study me. “It means, big brother, that sometimes we only become who we’re meant to be when we feel safe enough to let the big, scary parts out. Maybe you give her something no one else can. If every other person in her life views her as a wallflower, it must be you giving her the courage to embrace the hidden parts of herself.”

“That’s ridiculous. I was drawn to her because she was this fiery little thing that didn’t take anyone’s shit. She didn’t become that way because of me.”

“Maybe not,” she agrees. “But how many people in her real life get to see that side of her?”

Who sees you the way I do, Till?

“It’s only temporary,” I finally admit.

“I’m not going to get into a war with you over this, Loch. Your view of marriage is skewed. I think it’s time to reevaluate your stance on a few things before it ruins your future. Just because you thought something once, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Stop being so rigid in your thinking.”

“Stiff,” I grumble.

“What?”

“Tilly said I was…that I was stiff.” I pluck at the baby trackies. “She’s trying to get me to relax and have fun. She wants to pretend this is a real vacation.”

“Well, you are stiff. But you weren’t always so stiff, and you are kind of on vacation already. Did you tell her that Kitty is covering the office so you can learn all about the winery over the next few weeks?”

“She knows I’m here for the winery, but not about Mum.”

“So, you’re holding back from her.”

“No.” She raises her brows. “I’m not. You interrupted us before I could agree to her terms.”

“You’re compromising?” Nova asks in shock.

“I am capable of compromise. I’m wearing bloody fucket baby trackies.”

“Baby trackies?” Nova’s laughter makes me smile. “You’re wearing sweatpants, Lochness.

Everyone wears them.”

“They’re hideous.”

“And yet, here you are.”

I shrug as I weigh my words. “It seemed important to her.”

“And that’s important to you. Why?”

“I—I think she genuinely wants me to be happy.”

She nods thoughtfully. “And what she wanted seemed more important than staying in your comfort zone.”

I grunt because I don’t like where she’s leading me. She should have been a damn lawyer, not a fashion designer. “She messed up all my Skittles on the plane.” I don’t mean to say it, but it slips past my lips anyway.

“I knew I liked her. Did you yell at her? Fix them? Throw them away?”

A wide grin shows off all my teeth. “No.”

“Hmm. I think you like her, Loch.”

Leaning forward, I place my forearms on my thighs so I can drop my head into my palms. “What if she’s trying to change me?”

I don’t have to turn my head to know my sister is staring at me. I can feel her contemplating her words, so I wait her out.

“What if she’s trying to help you find yourself again?” she finally asks softly. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but Christine changed you long before she deceived you. That entire relationship was never about you. It was always about her, what she wanted, and what she could get, but you trusted her. You couldn’t see past that blinding love. Has Tilly asked you for anything?”

Pulling at my hair until it almost hurts, I think about Nova’s question. “I bought her some shoes, and she tried to return them.”

“What else? Has she dropped hints about what she wants or needs? Is there anything about her that screams manipulative?”

“No, not Tilly,” I say defensively. “She…” Bloody hell. “She’s only asked for my time and keeps trying to take care of me.”

“Mm-hm. Who takes care of her?”