Charlotte takes the lead

"Ok, so. Imogene, no more trying to break up Brent and Kaila," Charlotte spoke directly.

"I'm not trying to..." Imogene immediately objected.

"Yes, you are, and don't try to bullshit me, I've done it a couple of times too. " Charlotte sighed. "Look, you want me to convince your brother? Don't lie to me."

"She's not good for Brent. Anybody with half a brain can see that something's up," Imogene continued to protest. "It's nothing they say, but I know she's up to something! Brent doesn't need to be sitting around waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"So, you don't trust Kay," Charlotte laughed. "How did I turn into an unofficial therapist today? Other shoe has been dropped. Kaila likes girls." She took a long drink from a straw.

My mind flashed to the other things I had to work out already, and the last vestiges of my bad thoughts slipped blissfully away, replaced by much sexier, but equally improper thoughts.

"So, you were trying..." I asked, looking at Imogene angrily.

"Were Brent. Were. Past tense. She's not doing it any more, or else I won't fucking help her. Got it, Imogene?" Charlotte directed the comment to my sister, who nodded, and pushed her hair back self consciously.

"You know you're going to have to fess up to Kaila." I glowered.

"Fine," Imogene replied. "But she doesn't get to lie either. "

"How did you know she was?" I asked quietly.

"Oh, well, Imogene, correct me if I get any details wrong, but you tried to separate them as much as possible. Calling on the day when you know they've set aside special time for each other is even better for effect. You know Brent can't resist a damsel in distress, so you gave him that."

"My car really was towed!" Imogene argued. "I didn't plan that!"

"I actually believe her on that one, Brent," Charlotte laughed. "That would have been just stupid."

The ocean once again appeared on our right as we rolled onward. In the fog I could occasionally see the soft white of a wave, but for the most part the ocean was placid. The occasional looming pinnacle of granite adorned with sea foam was a welcome reminder of that first drive. I found myself trying to remember where we had picked up Helen And Charlotte. Not too far from here, actually.

"Becky's date was emergency dick, as she calls it." Imogene grumbled. "Total fucking loser. But he was willing to pay, so we said sure. We were planning on ditching him as soon as we got there."

"And then he figured it out and parked your car in a handicapped spot when you two ditched him," Charlotte chortled.

"Well, yeah, but that whole part was her idea," Imogene sighed. "I said she shouldn't lead him on like that, but she said that guys like that shit. Makes them want you even more."

"You really want to do that one right, don't let him hold onto anything of yours when you do it. Especially not your car keys." Charlotte groaned.

"So what was the damsel in distress going to be? Come on, might as well get out what you had planned." I spoke rapidly, wishing the drive was over. All I wanted to do was take Charlotte to bed right now, and work out the issues that were now rapidly coalescing into my head. The thought that my little sister was actively trying to break up me and my wife because... wait, was she trying to break us up because she wanted to...

"I was planning on getting really, really drunk." Imogene announced.

"So, you never expected to drive home last night." I nodded. "I thought you agreed you'd stop getting so wasted, Imogene."

"Yeah, well, you also agreed that you'd help get me out of dad's house. I see that worked out great," Imogene retorted.

"So, I pick you up, and what, drive you back to Marin County? Or did you really expect me to bring you along on my vacation?" I tried to see what she had been planning.

"Moot point, Brent. She is now on your vacation. Her plan worked." Charlotte laughed. "Well played, sis."

"Ok that just feels weird when you call me that," Imogene commented.

"So, since she's coming anyway, where's she sleeping?" Charlotte shrugged. "Might as well deal with the easy questions now."

"Is there a couch?" Imogene asked.

"Yes, but Charlotte and Helen are on that." I pointed out.

"You know what Brent... I think she might be able to have the couch with us tonight. I'll run it past Helen, or maybe you should, but I'd be just fine with her sleeping out in the main room. We've got the fire, and I'll take care of her."

The thought ran through my head that Charlotte was about to try to openly seduce my sister right in front of me.