The Hawthorne Sister

Chapter 6

I looked out one of Hawthorne House's many windows. Nash was supposed to be here by now. Where was he? 

I also hadn't been able to find Jamie since I'd gotten back. He was going to show up drunk to the will reading, and I was going to murder him for it.

Fine, not murder. Slightly maim. Beat his ass. You know, friendly sibling stuff.

I heard the slight rumble of an engine. Looking up excitedly through the window, I saw Nash's beat up motorcycle come through the gates. 

I raced down the stairs to the foyer. I hadn't seen Nash in a week. Way too long, in my opinion.

Throwing open the door, I screamed, "Nash!"

Yes, I'm excited to see my brother. 

Sue me.

This time, you can actually sue me. Grandfather isn't around to be mad at me for another lawsuit.

I half jumped, half tackled Nash into a hug.

"Hey there, Lili. Nice to see you too." He said, ruffling my hair.

I pulled back, pretending to be mad.

"Don't ruffle my hair. Do you know how long it took me to brush it?"

The answer was thirty seconds, but he didn't need to know that.

Nash simply chuckled. He walked inside, looking around.

"Every time I come back, I remember exactly how big this place is." He sighed.

"You're staying this time, right? For at least a week?" I asked hopefully. Hey, he's my big brother.

Grayson doesn't count.

Nash seemed sad as he looked at me. "We'll see." 

Not the answer I hoped for, but it wasn't a no.

"Aren't you going to come inside?" He asked. I was standing outside, gazing at the gates.

"Nope. I want to see how awestruck Avery looks." I'd bet a solid thousand with Jameson that she'd be absolutely staring. Well, if I could find Jameson.

I stood, hoping Avery would arrive soon. I get bored pretty quickly. 

As if I had summoned her with my thoughts, a black sedan pulled through the gates. Alisa stepped out, followed by Libby, then Avery. 

Awe was obvious on the sister's faces as they stared.

I would have won that bet.

"Looks like Nash made it home." I heard Alisa say. They hadn't seen me yet.

"Nash?" Libby asked. Her confusion was valid, I forgot Grayson's name sometimes.

"The oldest Hawthorne grandson," Alisa replied. "There are five of them, total."

I should probably make my presence known. 

"Take it from someone who's both been there and done that - never lose your heart to a Hawthorne." 

Oof.

"Don't worry," Avery replied, seeming annoyed. "I keep mine under lock and key."

Taking that as my cue, I walked towards them. 

"It's a good thing I can pick locks then." I smirked. The opportunity was just too good to not take it. I watched as Avery flushed, either from the comment, or the knowledge that I'd heard their conversation.

Probably both.

"Alisa! How are you?" I asked joyfully. I could feel Avery and Libby staring. I wouldn't blame them, how I was acting right now was a stark contrast to Altman's office.