“A cat doesn’t count.”
Avery’s jaw dropped. “Gus doestocount. He’s a sweetheart.”
“He’s a cat, Avery. Sweetie, I love you to bits. You know this. But I swear one of these days, you’re going to wake up and realize you’ve become the quintessential crazy cat lady. And it would be one thing if you spent your weekend cuddled up to him, but even those are filled with extra programming jobs on the side. Which I don’t understand at all. It’s not like you need the money.”
It was true. Software design was an extremely lucrative career. Especially for a single woman living alone.
Avery managed her money wisely and never went overboard with any expenditures. In fact, she had everything she needed.
Well, almost everything.
“I take those jobs because I enjoy what I do.” She didn’t add that she also took them because she had nothing better to do.
Alex’s expression softened. “It’s great that you love your work, Aves. It truly is. Not many people can say that and mean it. But don’t you want more out of life?”
No. Yes. Maybe.“I’ll get more. Just not right now.”
“If not now, then when?”
“Well, I don’t have an exact date marked on my calendar.” Avery’s smart mouth flared to life.
“Maybe it should be.”
“Ha, ha.” She rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”
“No, I think you’re on to something.” Alex leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. A few seconds passed before her face lit up with a Cheshire grin. “Pick a date. Or better yet, a week.”
“A week?” Avery couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone an entire week without working. “To do what exactly?”
Confusion sent her sister’s brows inward. “Uh…havefun.”
“Alex—”
“No, this is perfect, actually. It’s so obvious; I don’t know why I didn’t think about this before.”
The excitement in the woman’s voice made Avery nervous.
“Think about what?” She stared at her sister, wondering just how strong their drinks had been.
Playful arrogance lit Alex’s face as she declared, “I dare you to take an entire week off from work and do something adventurous.”
Avery started to laugh but stopped short when she caught her sister’s expression. “You’re serious.”
“You said you read those books for the adventure, so…I want you to go have one of your own.”
“You’redaringme to have fun? What are we, twelve?”
“Nope. You’re almost thirty, and I’m already there plus a couple of years. Which proves my point even more. It’s high time you crawled out of your shell and started living. And to make sure you know just how serious I am…” Alex leaned in closer. “I’m not just daring you to do this. Idouble-stuffdare you.”
Flashes of childhood memories entered Avery’s mind. She and Alex used to do what they coined as double-stuff dares; whoever lost the bet had to use their allowance money to buy the other a package of double-stuffed Oreos.
And no matter what the task was, neither sister had ever backed down from a double-stuff dare. Ever.
There’s a first time for everything.
“This is ridiculous.” Avery shook her head. “We’re adults, Al. Not a couple of kids vying for a package of cookies.”
Disappointment filtered through Alex’s dark eyes. “You’re right.” She settled back into her chair. “I should’ve known better. Forget I ever brought it up.”