Celia nods. “How is she going to afford it, Leif? Eva told me about their phone conversation, and it doesn’t sound like she has a lot of…resources to make a switch this permanent.”
Closing my eyes, I swallow down the lie that was on the tip of my tongue. “Don’t worry about that part. It’s taken care of, and Malena won’t have to worry about it.”
Celia presses her lips together, and I thank God she doesn’t say what she really wants to. She tells me about the facility and the doctors she’s familiar with. The care will be top-notch. It’s heavily guarded but still has access to the beach and a year-round garden that has both flowers and vegetables. A hobby Malena told me Ms. Winterset had a passion for before the dementia set in.
Throughout this conversation, I feel Eva’s gaze boring holes into my soul. “You’re in love with the woman. How the fuck is that possible?”
Deny. Deny. “I’m helping a friend, Eva. Stop trying to read more into it.”
Celia clears her throat. “You never helped any of the other women more than to see them out of your bed and out the front door. You have to see why we’re at least a little bit curious. The interest for anything other than your career hasn’t been there before. It’s sort of exciting.”
“Only my sisters would think my interest in a woman is exciting. We’re adults.”
Eva bangs a hand on the table. “He admitted interest.”
Celia scoffs. “Of course, he’s interested. He’s paying for his girlfriend’s mother to enter the best facility in the area. Answer us one question and we’ll leave you alone. We need to get back to work.”
Sighing, I run both of my hands down my face. “What?”
Eva butts in. “Let me pick the question.”
Celia shakes her head, narrowing her eyes at me. “No, if we only get one, I want to make it count. You’re too hotheaded.”
Sighing, Eva says, “True.”
I throw my hand up to get the attention of our waitress. It’s Shirley, Malena’s other friend. This place doesn’t leave any room for secrets, that’s for sure. I told my sisters this when we sat down for lunch, so I’m hoping they fucking watch their mouths.
Shirley saunters over, a glint of mischief in her eye. “Since I’m not following any of your rules, will you please give me the formal introduction to your lovely sisters?” Shirley coos, setting the check down in the center of the table, gaze locked on mine.
Fuck. Why wouldn’t I assume Malena talks to her friends about us? Why wouldn’t she, especially since she knows I am talking to my sisters?
Clearing my throat over my sister’s sighs and shifting frames in the seats in front of me, I feel like I’m on trial. “Shirley, this is Eva and Celia. My lovely, benevolent sisters.”
Eva shakes her hand first, giving her a polite smile. Celia follows with a grin a little more believable. They exchange pleasantries for a minute or two, chatting about Bronze Bay, the beaches, and the like.
Then, like a shark scenting blood, Eva turns her fire back on me. “Rules? Do tell us about these rules, dear brother.” She looks at Shirley, and she grins widely.
My armpits start sweating, and a sheen breaks across my forehead. Reaching into my pocket, I grab cash, throw it on the table, and stand to leave.
“None of your damn business,” I deadpan. “I have to get back to work.”
Celia scoots out and follows me to the door. “Does she know? Have you told her?” she asks, her words against my retreating back.
When we get out into the parking lot, I spin. “What are you talking about? I’m exhausted from talking to you guys. It’s never easy. You know that? Does who know what?” I get to my moped and lean against the seat so we’re eye level.
Celia looks crestfallen, and I feel a touch of guilt for being so rash, but I can only take so much from them. “Listen, I got her into Garden Breeze when they were pulling from the insanely long waitlist. You owe me. Remember that.”
Hanging my head, I sigh. “I’m sorry. Eva just pisses me off with her questions. Why does it matter? Can’t I want to do something for someone of the opposite sex without her jumping the gun?”
“Does Malena know that you…care about her?”
Oh. “I’m helping her. That has to be some indication.”
Celia shakes her head. “You are so bad at this. She probably thinks you feel bad for her or something. You’re not a bad guy, Leif.” Celia lays a hand on my arm. “You are worthy of someone’s love. The first step is admitting to yourself that you care for Malena. That’s what all of this is. You realize that, right?” She waves her arm between us. “You wanting the best for a personshecares about. Paying for it. Giving a damn about things other than yourself is a prime indicator. You don’t have to admit it to us, but you need to admit it to yourself. Life is too short.”
I nod. Mostly to halt the conversation, but I hear truth in her words, and while it does scare me, I’m already there. The time to flip a bitch passed, and now I’m stuck with feelings and unsure what the fuck to do with them.
Eva and Shirley are visible through the diner windows, and through Shirley’s exaggerated gestures I can only assume my evil sister is getting a rundown on my dating rules. Fuck. Closing my eyes, I mount my moped. “Thank you, Celia. For everything. It means a lot to me.”
