She steps inside, heels silent on the floor, and gestures over her shoulder.
Two men appear, carrying boxes. Then another. Then bags.
I blink as if trying to make what I am seeing make sense in my head.
But... nope.
They start setting them down in the dining area, like this is the most normal thing in the world.
“Those can go...” I start, then stop as they walk past me... Into the kitchen.
“Wait,” I say, following. “What are...”
Emily appears in the doorway, hair wild, eyes half-lidded, squinting at the scene. “What the fuck is happening? Am I hallucinating?”
Claire turns smoothly. “Good morning, Emily.”
Emily blinks, a look of pure confusion on her face. “Morning?”
My mom emerges slowly behind her, wrapped in a robe, one hand braced against the wall. Her face looks hollow, eyes tired.
Everything in me becomes hyper aware.
“Mom,” I say immediately. “Why don't you go get comfortable on the couch, and I’ll bring you tea.”
Her gaze moves to the boxes. The bags. The strangers in our kitchen.
“Who is this?” she asks quietly.
Emily answers before I can. “I think our LuLu caught herself a suitor.”
“I did not...” I start. My eyes flash to Claire, unsure if she knows about what Julian had approached me with.
Claire steps in calmly. “Good morning, Ms. Bennett. Mr. North was concerned when he heard that you were under the weather and that Lucy was staying home today. He wanted to make sure Lucy was taking care of herself while caring for you.”
Emily doesn’t question it; she is apparently already on board with this plan. She moves straight into the kitchen, peering into the bags.
“Oh my god,” she breathes. “Lu... Look at this.”
I stay frozen by the counter.
Emily pulls out produce. Containers. Specialty items.
“Organic berries,” she murmurs. “Wild-caught salmon. Bone broth. Turmeric. Ginger...”
She stops, and then she spins, looks at Claire.
“This is all anti-inflammatory,” she says slowly. “This is…” Her eyes drift to Mom before snapping back to Claire. "This is a specialty diet."
Claire nods once. “Yes.”
My throat closes. I turn away before anyone can see my face, because I don't know if I can control the tears that try to fall or the guilt that is bubbling up within me.
“This is too much,” I say, forcing steadiness. “Please tell Mr. North I appreciate the thought, but I can’t accept this. Just... tell me how much it costs. I’ll reimburse him.”
Claire meets my eyes.
“He won’t accept that,” she says simply.
