Oliver looked between the dogs and the exasperated look on Felipe’s face, but he couldn’t hide his joy at the realization.
“Christ almighty, Oliver.” Felipe shook his head. “I cannot believe you like it.”
“That’s because, unlike you, Oliver has good taste,” Louisa said with a wink. “Come, let’s move to the parlor.”
***
Seeing Oliver on hisfamily’s couch with Kuchen and Pastel on either side of him knotted something in Felipe’s chest that felt remarkably like the tether. For a long moment, Felipe stood in the hall with the carafe of coffee watching them. He had been so worried meeting Louisa and Agatha would make Oliver feel like a fish out of water, but he managed to hold his own. Hell, he did better than Felipe did half the time.
“I like him and so do the dogs.”
Felipe bit back a flinch as Louisa materialized beside him, watching Agatha and Oliver chat with her head cocked. Even without shifting, she moved quiet as a cat.
“They’re good judges of character. And I’m not just saying that. You know I’ve had strong opinions about some of the people you’ve brought over, but I like Oliver. He’s... different.”
“He is.”
“I like the way he looks at you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Watch his face when you come in. You’ll see. I always hoped you would find someone who looks at you the way I look at Agatha.”
“It’s a little early for that, isn’t it?”
“You brought him here, so you tell me.” When his only reply was a sigh, Louisa’s brows furrowed as she stepped closer to place a hand on his cheek. “Are you all right, cariño? You’ve been quiet today. You know my needling is meant in jest.”
“I’m just tired. I spent all morning running around for work, and before you say anything, you were right.”
“Oh god, you must be ill. At least the sopa de pan will help.”
Felipe rolled his eyes, though she wasn’t exactly wrong. “I have been spending too much time at work. I’m going to try to see Teresa this week if I can get away.”
“Good, she’ll be overjoyed to see you. Has yourfriendhelped you realize there’s more to life than work?”
“Partly.” Drawing in a calming breath, Felipe took in Louisa’s face. For the majority of his life, she had been the one constant. They had grown up together, they had eloped together, they had come to Manhattan together, and while he and Louisa might not be lovers, he loved her more than nearly anyone else. She knew him better than anyone, even if he no longer held the same place in her life. Felipe swallowed hard. “Louisa, I hope you know how much I love you. Both of you. All three of you. You, Agatha, and Teresa are more than I ever could have asked for or imagined. I don’t say that enough.”
Her eyes widened, and Felipe knew if she asked, he would answer. As she opened her mouth to speak, the doorbell trilled. Louisa looked between Felipe and the door before holding up a finger for him to stay. Trailing behind her, Felipe arrived in the foyer at the same time Agatha did. Louisa cautiously opened the door to reveal a young police officer, who looked bewilderedly between the assortment of people and dogs littering the hall.
“Umm, is this where the owner of the Pfeiffer Gallery lives?”
“Yes, we own it. Why?” Agatha asked, drifting to Louisa’s side.
“I’m sorry to say this, ma’am, but there’s been a break-in. We were hoping you could come down and take a look to see if anything is missing.”
“Is Mr. McCallister all right? The guard.”
“Oh, yes, little shaken up, but no harm done. Now, if you could please come with us.”
When Agatha hesitated, Felipe called, “Louisa, you and Agatha go with him. Oliver and I will lock up and join you in a few minutes.”
Standing in the foyer still holding the carafe with a shaking hand, Felipe watched them leave. This was supposed to be a nice goodbye. This was supposed to be closure. Oliver stood at his elbow holding Pastel, his brows knit in concern as if he knew his thoughts. Maybe he felt it through the tether, the longing tangled with fear and responsibility. Placing the dog on the floor, Oliver gently tugged the carafe from his grip and wrapped an arm around his waist.
“We can visit them again if you want.”
I don’t know if I can, Felipe wanted to say but instead he nodded. “Let’s get going. I don’t like leaving them alone with the police. Hopefully we can resolve this before it gets too late.”
