Her office door whispered open and Portia’s shoulders tensed.
“You were mean to your assistant,” Dizzie greeted her.
“She’s practically incompetent.” Portia released her tense shoulders with a subtle shrug. “To what do I owe this visit?”
Rather than waiting by Portia’s desk, Dizzie crossed to the small sitting area in the corner of the two walls of windows. Portia gritted her teeth. She’d created that alcove as a sanctuary, where she could take a break. Now Dizzie just waltzed in like she had a right to be there.
If this was what having a sister was like, Portia wanted none of it.
“Please have a seat.” Her voice oozed sarcasm. “Can I get you anything?”
Dizzie met her gaze with a wide grin and took a seat on the loveseat, leaving Portia the wingback chair. Obviously, she intended to get under Portia’s skin. “Coffee would be great, thank you.”
As tempting as it was to send Dizzie away, she obviously wanted something. The last thing Portia needed was another surprise, so she’d wait the other woman out.
Gritting her teeth, Portia accepted her request. “Coffee for two, Melanie. Please.” The last thing she needed was Dizzie to take another dig.
Awkward silence filled the office while they waited for the requested coffee. Portia barely hid her sigh of relief when, a few minutes later, Melanie entered the room with a tray. “Over there.” Portia pointed toward the seating area.
Though her assistant did as directed, the tray and its contents rattled furiously as she crossed the room. The racket only stopped when she set the tray on the low table between the seats.
“Thank you. That will be all.”
Melanie practically raced out the office. Portia shook her head. Shereallyneeded a new assistant.
“You wanted coffee. Help yourself.” She crossed the room and waved at the tray. Dizzie looked at the cups and her with suspicion, then took one.
Sunlight filtered through the windows and warmed Portia’s little corner of sanctuary. Perching on the edge of the chair, she took her time fixing her coffee and let the silence between them grow. Dizzie obviously wanted something. Portia intended to make her work for it.
Once she was satisfied with her concoction, she settled back in her seat. Portia brought her cup close to her nose, closed her eyes, and inhaled the rich nutty scent.
Tommy had tried to teach her to savor the moment, but the lesson hadn’t stuck very well. There was always too much work to be done. But this little moment, this ritual, it had been theirs. Now that he was gone, it made her feel close to him.
A lump formed in her throat. She swallowed hard to clear it, then took another deep breath. She followed that with her first sip, letting the flavors roll over her tongue. Caramel. Sugar. Spice. Hot, with just a hint of bitter. Perfect.
She opened her eyes to find Dizzie staring at her with an expression that was a cross between confused and freaked out.
“What were you doing just now?”
Portia smiled on the inside. Dizzie definitely sounded disconcerted. “Enjoying my coffee.” Another sip while Portia gazed out the window over Dizzie’s head.
The silence between them stretched awkwardly until Dizzie said, “You’re probably wondering why I’m here.”
“Yes, that had crossed my mind. Especially since you raced out of here the other day.”
A flush tinged Dizzie’s cheeks, but she didn’t look away. Portia respected that.
“I was overwhelmed.” Now it was her turn to sip her coffee. “Going from no family to grandparents was a lot.”
Did she even understand how that sounded? Portia raised her cup to her lips to hide her expression. Dizzie had gained family, while Portia had lost hers. “Are you going to meet them?” She forced the question out.
“I... think so.” Dizzie tapped her nails against the cup. “Will you meet them with me?”
“What?” That was the last thing she’d expected. Portia didn’t—couldn’t—get past her shock to answer. “What about Killian?”
There was a long pause. “He’d be there if I asked. Hewantsto be there. I need to do this by myself.”
Portia lowered her cup to the table. “If you want to do this alone, why are you asking me to go with you?”
