Page 28 of Summer Heat
Somehow they fell into a routine. She rearranged his desk again, this time so he could use the mouse and laptop easier with his left hand. She took notes for him in meetings with investors, learned more of what went on in his business, and discovered she also enjoyed his favorite lunch, grilled chicken on whole wheat bread, mayonnaise, and two slices of avocado. He noticed when there was only one slice of the green fruit.
On Friday, she walked into the office after he’d taken what sounded like a heated phone call and caught him shaking a pill from a prescription bottle into his hand. Everything in her wanted to ask … but she didn’t. He knew she’d seen him.
If he wanted her to know, he’d explain. Instead he snapped at her. “Can you fucking knock before you just walk in?”
“The door was open,” she reminded him. “Anyone could have walked in. If you’re looking for privacy, I suggest you be more careful.” She turned and walked out.
He avoided her for the rest of the day, leaving early without explanation. But a deliveryman came by with a lily of the valley plant.
How did she know? A plastic card was stuck between the leaves with the explanation: Lily of the Valley—symbolizes a return to happiness. This plant must be treated with care just like the relationship in which you and the recipient are engaged.
The note from Kade was much more down-to-earth. I’m an ass and I’m sorry. Kade. She’d smiled the whole way home.
After work, she and Kendall took the train to their parents’ house. They were overdue for a visit, and Lexie needed to pick up a dress to wear on Saturday night. Their apartment was small, and she’d had no need to keep anything formal there.
Kendall had offered to come with her, and Lexie gratefully agreed. She’d rather visit home with her twin than alone. For all her issues, she and Kendall had their mother in common, and it was easier to deal with her with someone by her side.
They sat side by side on the train with Waffles in a pet carrier, when Kendall took her by surprise. “I met someone,” her sister said.
Lexie whipped her head around and looked at her sister, whose cheeks were flushed a healthy pink. She stared at Lexie, waiting for a response.
“Where?”
“At the gym. I was getting off the elliptical, and this cute guy walked over and asked if I wanted to grab a shake at the snack area. We talked for an hour and had so much in common.” Kendall turned, one elbow on the top of the seat back behind her. “We’re going out on Saturday night.”
“Oh! What’s his name? What does he do for a living? How do you know he’s … I don’t know, safe?” All the immediate questions floating in her brain spewed out of her mouth before she could censor herself.
“Could you just be happy for me for once instead of hounding me and questioning my judgment?” Kendall snapped.
Lexie blew out a long breath. “You’re right. I just… I worry.”
Was it smart for her sister to be going out on a date with a guy she’d just met? Was she in a place where she could pick out the good from the sleazy? Lexie curled her fingers into a fist but said nothing.
Kendall tucked a leg beneath her. “Fine. His name is Jay, and he’s in the middle of complicated negotiations with his partners in some company. I can’t remember the name. Anyway, until they work things out, he has free time on his hands, so he was at the gym during the day.” Kendall met her gaze. “He said I have pretty eyes,” she whispered, a dorky smile on her face.
No doubt about it, her sister was smitten. “You know I just want what’s best for you, right?”
“I do and I love you for it. Trust me, Jay’s a nice guy.”
Lexie hoped so. Before she could respond, a voice announced their stop. “This is us. Ready?” she asked, pushing herself to a standing position.
“To visit the old homestead? Sure thing.” They shared a knowing gaze, neither one of them wanting to address the sad truth.
Nobody knew what to expect from Addy Parker. Although their father knew they were coming, not even Wade knew what mood his wife would be in at any given time.
* * *
“My girls!” Wade Parker hugged Kendall and Lexie in turn and in no particular order.
“It’s so good to be home,” Kendall said, letting Waffles out of his carrier. The dog immediately ran to Wade, jumping up and down for attention, which their father immediately gave. They’d already walked the dog after getting off the train, so Waffles was good to tag along with Kendall toward the kitchen.
Lexie glanced toward the curved staircase in the center hall colonial leading up to the master bedroom suite. No sounds came from above, and she wondered if her mother was in a darkened room or downstairs somewhere. Her father’s silence on the subject didn’t bode well.
She picked up her pace, joining her sister and dad as they reached the kitchen. The room had been remodeled since she’d grown up here, but more so her father could keep the house current and up to date than because her mother needed a place to cook. Tonight her father had dinner waiting. He’d brought in from a local restaurant that they’d favored growing up. Which meant her mother was definitely incapacitated.
With a sigh, she pasted a smile on her face and talked with her father about his work as an investment banker, which eventually turned to him questioning Lexie about her new job.
“So how’s the working world?” he asked as they sat around the table, eating chicken Marsala.
