The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) by Megan Nugen Isbell Read Free Book Online Page B

but I noticed Kayla shrugged her shoulders.
    “I haven’t seen her,” she said, and then turned her eyes to me. “Have you had anything to eat yet, Natalie?”
    “No.  We just got here.”
    “Well, come with me then.  It looks like my dad went all out on the catering.  There are these little shrimp numbers you’ve gotta try before they’re all gone.”
    Before I knew what she was doing, she’d linked her arm with mine and was leading me away.  I glanced quickly back at Drew, but he just smiled, obviously pleased his sister was being so nice to me. I was relieved too and decided to follow Kayla’s lead. 
    We were at the buffet table a few moments later.  Kayla handed me a plate and I started filling it with the various appetizers.
    “So,” she began as we moved around the table. “How’d you meet my brother?” Her tone wasn’t accusatory.  It seemed curious.
    “Work,” I said, deciding to keep my answer brief and concise.  She didn’t need to know any of the sordid details. 
    “How long have you been seeing each other?”
    “A few months.”
    “He must really like you,” she said and I glanced over to her. “My brother,” she said pausing for a moment to laugh a little. “He keeps a tight lid on his personal life.  I can’t remember the last time I’ve met one of his girlfriends.  To be honest, I was starting to think he might be gay.” She laughed again and I couldn’t help but joining her.
    “I can assure you, Drew is not gay.” I gave her a knowing grin, wondering if maybe I was overstepping, but Kayla just laughed, harder this time, and I knew she was fine with my insinuation.
    “My mom will be happy to know that.  She’s bursting for one of us to finally give her grandkids,” she said and her comment caused me to stumble.
    “Drew and I…we’ve only been together a little while…I’m only twenty-three,” I stammered and Kayla rested her hand on my arm.
    “I know that.  I didn’t mean to freak you out.  I think having you here will give her a little hope though…that he’s not shutting us out anymore.”
    We continued to work our way around the table in silence, and as we were finishing, I decided I needed to be up front with his sister.  I didn’t want her to think about me the way Christina did and the best way to do that was to be honest with her.
    “Kayla,” I said and she stopped what she was doing and looked at me. “I want you to know I care about your brother.”
    “I can tell you do.”
    “I just want to be clear that I care about him for who he is, not what he can give me.”
    “I don’t think you’re a gold digger if that’s what you’re afraid of.” She was looking at me with kind eyes and then she smiled a supportive grin and I smiled back.
    “I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings or any worry in that department.”
    “I have no worries.  I just met you, Natalie,” she said, resting her hand on my arm. “But, I know my brother.  He looks happy and I can see you’re the reason for that and Drew deserves to be happy.  You have my full support if that’s what you’re asking for.”
    “Thank you, Kayla,” I said softly. “That means a lot.”
    She patted my arm, smiling again and the nerves from earlier were gone.  I’d only just met Kayla, but I liked her already.  I knew I didn’t need it, but her words and acceptance offered me the validation I’d been looking for and as we walked to find Drew, I did so with a confidence that had not been there since we stepped foot in Connecticut.
    I felt that confidence waver though when I spotted Drew and the woman talking to him.  Her black hair was a dead giveaway.  Christina was here and she’d found her brother.  Drew must’ve noticed us because he looked up and made eye contact with me as we got closer.  Christina turned around to see what he was looking at and then her green eyes pierced into mine.  A smile curled up on her face, but it was cold and I knew her