Re: lakeside mansion; hugh c. & dietre a.
Dietre was protective over people he was friendly with. It got him into trouble once between Noah and Holly, and maybe he learned his lesson, maybe not. It wasn’t a stretch to assume he’d be the same with siblings, if he had any. The possibility that he might not get along with them hadn’t crossed his mind until now.
“I’m an only child. I always wanted siblings growing up…” He paused, forgetting if he had told Hugh this already. All the wine he drank made his memory fuzzy. “I’m sorry you don’t get along with yours,” he added sincerely. It made him sad that Hugh’s family hadn’t been that good to him, he knew too well what that was like.
“You’re welcome, Hugh. I’d be happy to put up with your nonsense any time.” Not that there was anyone else’s nonsense for Dietre to deal with. Even if there was, he was sure that Hugh’s sort would be his favorite to subject himself with. “Good company can make any film tolerable, I think.”
"The wine and pizza helped, of course." There was that glimmer of dry humor again.