Worth the Trouble(47)
“It’s been a while,” Hank admitted. “But I’m not interested in drinking or chasing skirt. My mom’s health has been in a free fall the past six months. It’s getting more risky to leave Jenny in charge.”
“Sorry, buddy. The situation with your mom sucks, but all the more reason you need a woman to help take the edge off.” Jackson flashed a devilish smile. “Come on. Come out with me this weekend.”
“I’ve got plans this weekend.” Hank tilted his head. “Have to start working on your sister’s project.”
“I wish I hadn’t needed that favor, but I worry about her. You get that—right—you’ve got sisters. Still, thanks for helping. I owe you big time.”
“Don’t worry, it’s fine.” When he recalled how Cat had looked at him in his garage, he couldn’t stop a grin from forming. “More than fine.”
That last comment slipped out before Hank remembered Jackson wasn’t just a friend, he was also Cat’s brother.
“Oh?” Jackson’s newly alert eyes bored into Hank’s. “Are you interested in my sister?”
“Is that really a surprise?” Hank’s neck grew hot.
“You’d think after David fell for Vivi, nothing could surprise me. Seems I was wrong.” Jackson rubbed his chin, offering no particular encouragement.
“You think I’m not good enough for her?” If Jackson objected, it would crush him.
“Hell, Hank, you’re the best guy I know. She couldn’t do better.” Jackson crossed his arms in front of his chest and sighed. “That, however, might be the problem. How can I put this? Her past boyfriends all took as long as she does to get dressed, and spent a lot of money jetting her to exciting places—you know, assholes like Justin.”
“Maybe she’s learned her lesson.”
“Maybe, but are you two compatible? Her life’s full of pseudo-friends and parties, and all that Instagram and Twitter bullshit. I can’t picture her hanging out with you in Norwalk every weekend.”
“You’re talking about her like she’s shallow.”
“No, she’s not shallow. She’s got a big heart, even though she hides it from most people.” Jackson rubbed the back of his neck. “Fuck it. What the hell do I know? If she’s interested, then take her at her word.”
“I never said she was interested.” Hank’s muscles tightened in defense of the onslaught of unwelcome, if well-intentioned, advice.
Jackson grinned. “Oh boy, I’ve been down this road with friends before—many times. Shit, Hank, something tells me you’re heading for trouble.” Jackson chuckled. “I’ve got no advice for you, either. She’s my sister and I love her to death, but she’s no cakewalk. Cat’s like a hedgehog, you need to handle her the right way or she’s damn prickly.”
“Doesn’t matter. Chances are nothing will come of it anyway.”
“Stranger things have happened. Look at David.” Jackson slapped Hank’s shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve got places to be.”
When Hank finally arrived at Cat’s on Monday after a hellish commute to Manhattan, he double-parked to quickly unload his truck, leaving Cat’s doorman to guard his supplies while he went to find parking. Once he returned, he loaded the tools and planks of wood onto a dolly, which he rolled into the service elevator. He parked the squeaky cart at her door and knocked.
No answer. He knocked again and listened for footsteps. Still no answer.
What the hell? He checked his watch. Eight o’clock. She’d known he was coming today.
Behind him, Esther opened her door. “When I heard someone in the hall, I looked through my peephole. What a nice surprise to find you outside my door.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Morganstein.” He smiled at her blatant perusal of his person. “You wouldn’t happen to know where Catalina is, would you?”
“She usually runs in the morning, but I’m sure she’ll be right back if she knows you’re coming. She’s very excited for you to begin.”
“Desperate for storage space.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s the only reason she’s in a good mood lately.” Esther winked.
Another matchmaker in the mix. Could everyone be conspiring?
Before he could respond, Cat strode off the elevator, humming whatever song was playing on her iPhone.
Short, black spandex shorts and a neon-pink jog bra barely covered her body. A thick white headband kept her hair off her face. The rest of her silky hair was pulled high into a ponytail.