“I’m well. Thank you. I’ve just spoken with your brother and I’m sharing the same reminder with you.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Have you forgotten? Easter with your aunt and uncle and cousins, at their shore house. Make sure you’ve booked both days.”
He suppressed a groan, sinking into the black vinyl armchair, its fluffed surface sighing under his weight.
He stared at the pinup calendar on the wall. “Okay, I’ll be there, Mom.”
“Good.” She paused a moment. “I’m a little worried about Phoenix.”
“Oh yeah? What’s the matter?”
“He doesn’t tell me how he’s really doing. Have you seen him recently?”
“Yup. We had lunch at his office.”
“Well, that’s nice. How is he?”
“He’s the same stubborn person he’s always been.”
“He sounds a little down to me.”
“Of anyone I know, he’s got a right to be down.” Caleb shook his head, imagining how he’d feel in Phoenix’s situation.
“But it’s more than his injuries. He told me he broke up with his girlfriend.”
“When I saw him, we had an argument over a girl,” Caleb said, thinking of Orchid even though Mom’s comment referred to Rina.
“Uh oh, you’re not—”
“Oh, c’mon Mom, of course not. You guys are never going to let me live down a couple of stolen girlfriends,” he complained. “It’s just he’s got some crazy notion, like he needs to be perfect, and he’s not good enough for any woman. That accident messed with his head.”
“He’s always held himself to such high standards. I don’t know where he gets it from.”
“Really?”
She ignored the sarcasm. “Are you bringing anyone, dear? You know Harry’s invited Lucy.”
He thought for a moment, an idea striking him. “Yeah, maybe I’ll bring a girl, too.”
“Is it Sascha? She was good for you.”
“Yeah, she’s good for me. But she’s not coming.”
“Why not?”
“It’s a long story, but you know we broke up a while ago.”
“So, should I ask your Aunt Betsy to put you and your friend in the same room or separate rooms?”
“Separate rooms. Definitely.”
“Oh, is she not pretty enough for you?”
“She’s a pretty one alright.”
“If she’s not your type, maybe your brother would be interested.”
