Page 10 of Set It Right
“I love it.” Dropping my suitcase, I turned in a slow circle.
The space was small and bright, with picture windows everywhere, framing views of the barn in the distance and open land beyond. Months in a beige, forgettable apartment, this was a breath of fresh air.
“It’s perfect,” I added. “I’ve been living in the blandest place imaginable. This feels like a gift.”
Her gaze softened, just slightly. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Even after the summer ends. There’s no time limit.”
But there was. Already, September loomed, heavy and inevitable. I didn’t like how quickly the thought made my stomach dip.
“I know,” I said carefully. “But this is just a break.”
She huffed a laugh. “If you think Javier is going to make your new job a break, think again, honey. He’s fair, but incredibly tough. I’ve seen his guides dragging their bodies back home after a long day…”
I grinned. “That doesn’t scare me. Sounds like the other guides should toughen up.”
She tilted her head. “Oh dear, I see your father in that evil little smile. Zadie’s sweetness didn’t cancel out Amir’s black soul, did it?”
I burst out laughing. I knew my dad’s past was more than a little checkered, but Elena had been there to witness it up close and personal. “Post-divorce me is trying to get more in touch with that side.”
She slipped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me in. “A little grit is good. It keeps your head above water when things get rough.” Her voice gentled. “Just don’t forget you’re allowed to have a tender heart with the people who would never hurt you.”
I leaned into her, missing my mom acutely in that moment. “That group feels a lot smaller than I used to think.”
She hummed, unconvinced. “You might be surprised.”
Then she straightened, crossing the room to the refrigerator. “Now, back to business. I stocked you with a few groceries, but I will not allow you to cook your own dinner your first night here. Get settled. Unpack. I’ll see you at five.”
My eyebrows shot up, though I wasn’t sure why I was surprised Elena was taking charge. She had always been a force of nature. “Five? Okay. Thank you, Elena.”
She nodded once, decisive. “Of course. You’re always welcome at my table. Don’t wait for an invitation. None of my children do.”
Lock and Elena Kelly’s house hadn’t changed much since I was a kid. A few toys were scattered across the living room floor now, evidence of grandchildren, but the bones were the same. Warm and comfortable, the kitchen was still the heart, anchored by the massive table Cormac had once told me was magic.
I arrived right at five, and was greeted by Lock, who was even bigger than I remembered. His arms were tree trunks, and his chest was as broad as the doorway, but he folded me into the gentlest hug before shuffling me into the kitchen where his wife was preparing dinner. Elena didn’t stand on ceremony and put me right to work chopping vegetables.
She moved around me, seasoning chicken and checking her rising dough, folding me into the scene like I was a regular guest.
“Is anyone else coming?” I asked.
“It’s a crapshoot these days with everyone married with kids. Well, everyone but Maccie. But he’s busy with his new girlfriend, so who knows? Maybe he’ll settle down soon too.” She lifted a shoulder. “I make more than enough, though, just in case. If there are leftovers, Lock takes them for lunch.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “He won’t retire.”
I laughed. “My dad won’t either.”
That made her groan. “Don’t I know it. Those two are bad influences on each other. I swear, they’re waiting each other out.”
Lock wandered over and kissed the side of her head. “Says the woman who still works forty hours a week.”
Elena frowned. “Why in the world wouldIretire beforeyou? You expect me to sit at home all alone every day? I’d get into so much trouble.”
He slipped his arm around her waist, resting his jaw against her temple. “You’d rather us get into trouble together?”
She tipped her head to the side, peering at his scruffy face. “You know very well that’s exactly what I want.”
“Hmmm.” He pressed a kiss to her cheekbone. “I’ll think about it.”
Feeling like I was intruding on an intimate moment, I dropped my gaze to study the carrot I was chopping, my stomach churning.
Jackson and I had never been like this, even as newlyweds. Even before things had gone so far south we had no hope of bringing them back, I’d known our relationship wasn’t right. Not right for me, at least. I had always wanted this type of intimacy—to look at my husband the way my mom did my dad, and Elena did Lock.
