“What me?”
I roll my eyes, enjoying the easy banter of a strong friendship. I wondered if it would be awkward, but it isn’t. We’ve reverted to B.E. Before Engagement.
Mum comes out of the kitchen.
“Kris,” she says, coming forward.
Kris stoops and kisses her cheek.
“Lovely to see you again, Louise.”
“You too. Thank you for helping, Harper.”
Harper appears in the doorway behind us.
“Yes, thank you,” she says, stepping forward, her hand held out. “I’m Harper Frazer.”
“Pleased to meet you, Harper. This is Tash. She’s here to help transform you.”
Harper smiles at the woman next to Kris.
“Shall we get started?” Tash says.
Harper nods and holds out her arm, leading her upstairs to where she’s been staying.
“Let’s get some tea on,” Mum says, and I watch Kris grimace.
“That will be a coffee, Mum,” I say, smirking at him.
“Of course,” she says, chuckling to herself. “Come on. I’ve also been baking. I have fresh scones just out of the oven.”
“Perfect,” Kris says.
“So, how was your mystery meeting?”
“Interesting,” he says. “That’s all I’m going to say.”
I harrumph. I know his meeting was with Elijah, even if neither man has told me why. To say I’m intrigued is an understatement, but if Elijah has said nothing, he has his reasons. I just need to be patient.
Having Harper stay here has meant he’s stayed away. We’ve spoken on the phone, but his whole family has kept their distance. As our relationship is not public knowledge yet, they have no reason to suspect I’m harbouring the youngest Frazer.
We enter the kitchen. Mum has laid out quite the spread. Finger sandwiches, pastries. The perfect afternoon tea.
“This looks amazing, Louise,” Kris says, taking his usual spot at the island.
It seems strange having him back in my space, even if it has only been a couple of months. So much has changed. My whole world has changed in that time.
Kris helps himself to food, Mum keeps up polite conversation. After a while, she looks at me.
“I’m going to see if Harper and Tash want anything,” she says, making a sharp exit.
Kris chuckles.
“She never was subtle.”
“No, that’s my mum,” I say, my elbows on the side, my chin resting on my hand.
“When are you and Elijah planning on going public?” he asks, taking another bite of scone, the jam and cream oozing over the edge.
