Barbara Gentry greeted them with a big smile. Brenna watched as she hugged her son. She felt a sensation behind her eyes. Their greeting reminded her their love went beyond a regular mother and son. The minute Barbara let go of Noah she grabbed Brenna.

"I'm so glad you came."

When the older woman released her, she took her tote off her shoulder. "Thanks for having me. I brought some guacamole."

She followed her into the kitchen and lifted the bowl out before reaching for the bag of chips.

"Homemade! I've never tried to make it."

"Noah helped too." She winked at him.

He put his hands up. "Only because she was still making it when I came to get her."

"Well, you arrived on time. The others aren't due for another half an hour. I wanted to get to know your girl first." The older woman smiled.

"Ma! I told you we're just friends!"

"It's okay, Noah. Our friendship is unusual."

Barbara smiled, as if she knew a secret and Brenna felt jittery. His mother had better not send Noah skittering away.

She looked at the kitchen. It was dated with old painted cabinets and worn linoleum, but it was clean and cheery. She imagined it looked the same as it had when the family of four shared meals together.

"Let's sit down, you can tell me all about yourself."

Brenna looked at Noah, silently pleading for help. She was uncomfortable talking about her family fearing it would highlight what they had lost.

"I work at a bank downtown in the financial district. I like numbers. What else? I live close to Noah and um..."

"Do you have family nearby, dear?"

She looked at Noah who appeared to be lost in thought.

"Noah, Sweetie, are you tired?"

"I guess I am, Ma. What were you saying?"

"I was asking about Brenna's family. Such a pretty name, in all my years of teaching I don't think I've ever had a Brenna."

Brenna smiled politely and once again looked toward Noah to rescue her. "Brenna's father is a surgeon on staff at the hospital."

"Is that how you met?" Brenna shook her head. "How did you then?"

"Which time?" Noah frowned at her. "The first was when I had eaten from a bad salad bar."

Noah relaxed. "She was dehydrated and spent the night on fluids and then we met again when Derek tried to fix me up with Brenna's friend."

"And my friend tried to fix me up with Derek."

"But you two ended up together! How marvelous!"

"We're not together." Noah was growing impatient.

His mother just shook her head and suggested she show Brenna her flower beds. Brenna agreed to be polite, although flowers didn't interest her.

"Sweetheart, let the others in when they arrive."

Brenna turned back toward Noah who looked tense. She would like to rub his shoulders.

Once outside, Barbara wasted no time. "You can tell me. Do you like my Noah?"

"As a friend."

"You need to be patient with him. His grief runs deep. Just being in this house upsets him. We were all each other had for a long time."

"He doesn't want a relationship. He has to decide it's worth the risk."

"If he decides you're worth it, what will you do?"

"I think that's a lot of ifs. Maybe it's your son you should talk to, not me."

From behind them they heard a voice. "Oh Barb! There you are and with Noah's friend."

Bill walked toward them. "Hello again." Brenna smiled warmly. She liked him.

"Come in and meet the others." Bill smiled at Barbara the way Noah smiled at her when they were alone.

Brenna met the others and went to stand by Noah. "What did she say to you?" His mouth was by her ear sending a pulse down her spine.

She stood on her toes to respond. "You should know she's hoping for more between us."

"Brenna isn't little Olivia precious." Barbara walked over to them holding the baby girl.

"She's adorable." She smiled at the little face with a button nose and blue eyes. Without warning, Barb thrust the baby into Brenna's arms. The little one made a face but didn't cry. Brenna bounced slightly hoping to keep her happy.

"Ma!" Noah wasn't happy with his mother's antics.

"Did you want a turn?" Barbara smiled at him.

"I see my share of babies, although they're usually crying."

Bill's son, Greg teased. "You make babies cry!"

"They're already sick or hurt." Olivia looked at Noah wide-eyed as he spoke. He said, "Hi there." When he smiled at the baby, Brenna felt a longing in her chest.

"You sure you don't want to hold her?" Brenna smiled at him. He shook his head, and Barbara snatched her back. Brenna's arms felt empty.

Noah began talking to Greg about his job. Greg was handsome with long hair he put in a man bun. He smiled at Brenna. "You two are just friends, so you're single?"

Brenna was forced to nod. Noah practically sprung forward. "Don't encourage him," Brenna said. Noah's reaction fascinated her.

"What are you two whispering about?" Greg looked at them.

"Nothing." They answered in unison.

Barbara smiled and Brenna wasn't sure they were doing a good job fooling the others.

As the afternoon progressed, Noah relaxed. Every time he laughed, Barbara smiled. Brenna loved his laugh and was glad no one spoke about his brother and father. Maybe Bill warned his kids, or they knew better.

She had spent a few minutes in the living room while everyone was in the yard. There were pictures everywhere. No wonder Noah didn't like to come home. She smiled at a young happy Noah. Patrick and Declan were everywhere. Noah looked a lot like his father. Did he see it when he looked in the mirror? Declan had the same smile, but his mother's eyes. The pictures with the brothers together showed they loved each other. Hearing someone in the kitchen, she jumped and rushed back toward the door.

Driving back to Boston, Noah complained about Bill. "Did you see the way he knew his way around our kitchen?" Brenna didn't respond. "Did you see the way he kept touching her?"

"Maybe they failed the experiment too."

"Seriously! Do you want to walk home?"

"Sorry, sorry." She laughed.

"Did you see the sad look Maria had when she looked at me?"

"She looked sad because she realized how handsome you are and she's stuck with her very nice, but okay looking husband."

"So he's not your type?"

She shook her head. "He should take Derek's lead and just shave it all off. He's one step from a comb over."

"You're harsh, Ms. Reilly."

She chuckled. "So Greg is kind of hot. I wonder how he would do with the experiment."

"You know we may be just friends with benefits, but as long as we are having benefits your body is mine. It's, um, not safe to have multiple partners."

Brenna turned to look at him. He was serious. She put her hand on his thigh. "It's okay. You're the only friend I want." Ever. "So you own my body? Huh? What exactly do you want to do with it?"

"Not own and not tonight. Truthfully I need some sleep."

"You better not kiss me then. You know you can't control yourself."

He shifted in his seat. She smiled because he was jealous, and he wanted her.

She was disappointed, because he didn't come in when he dropped her off.

"See you tomorrow." She waved.

"Maybe. I'll text you."

Brenna smiled. Noah had a pattern. He'd pull away when he felt too close. Someday he'd figure it out, and she'd be waiting for him. Noah stayed away for three nights. On Wednesday evening he was at her door.

"I was just about to call Greg to see if he was free." When Noah kissed her, he left her weak. "Slow down Sailor, we have all night."

"You're not calling Greg."

"I was teasing. I don't even like long hair. I mean it's kind of sexy, but wouldn't it get in the way?"

He stroked her hair. "I like long hair."

"Really, what else do you like?" She tried to sound suggestive.

"I like being your friend."

She smiled two days away helped. Later, he didn't get up to leave. As she fell asleep, she hoped he'd still be there in the morning.

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