“I need donuts and coffee.”
“Oliver is stopping by soon. “
“Hailey, too,” I say.
We both blink our eyes and then give one another a knowing smile. Those two.
While we wait, Keats makes me a coffee with his fancy machine, and although it’s downright delicious, it isn’t Foxy Rox coffee. I’ve finished one round when I hear Oliver let himself in.
“I’m here with supplies,” he calls out from the front door and heads straight for the kitchen, balancing a box of donuts and a tray of coffees.
“Thanks.” I don’t look up to acknowledge him because I’m sedated with grief, not trying to be rude.
Oliver places the box on the counter and opens the lid, quick to offer me one. Oh great, a chocolate old-fashioned with glaze, because that will really save my day… Okay, it’s ten seconds of happiness, but still.
“Sorry about your house. Everyone on the street has been talking about it. My run was basically start and stop as everyone wanted to share their concerns, except true to Everhope Road, it was more about who is starting the casserole calendar.”
Keats bubbles a laugh. “Just what we all need. A thousand casseroles and Mrs. Callings’ mint fudge.”
Oliver raises his hand. “Whoa, if you are getting mint fudge then bring it my way.”
They have banter, and it’s refreshing to hear, but even they grow quiet when they realize the circumstances of why we are all sitting in Keats’s kitchen eating donuts at one in the afternoon. Breakfast is late today for reasons out of my control.
“As great as Oliver is for Foxy Rox deliveries, I actually asked him here because insurance policies are more his thing, so he can have a look or figure out what to do,” Keats explains.
I offer them both a weak sign of approval.
“Hi.” A familiar female voice is heard. “Can I just come in?” I guess Hailey has been here before since her brother is Keats’s friend.
“Yeah,” Keats calls out.
Before I know it, my friend’s arms are engulfed around me for a big hug. “I can’t believe this. How crazy. Luckily, you are safe.”
“I know.” I shake out my body, hands included. “Knew that house was cursed, damn it. I guess it’s now a good thing I never got that cat. That would have been a travesty,” I quip.
Hailey’s face is blank. “I appreciate that you haven’t lost your funny bone. But wow… I have some extra clothes in the car, and when you stay with me then we’ll make space for your laptop and stuff.”
I huff out a breath. “The few things that were saved, yippee,” I add dryly. “And that reminds me that I have clients I need to reschedule.”
“She’s staying here.” All of our attentions whip to Keats who has been quietly listening yet just spoke up, his voice unwavering.
Oliver and Hailey both stare oddly at one another as my eyes connect with Keats’s.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re staying here.” Keats crosses his arms, standing firm, and something about this view irks me and also tingles me in all the right places.
I scoff a sound. “Ludicrous.”
He shakes his head side to side once, with his eyes not lingering off track with mine. “No, it’s not.”
I take one step forward and straighten my spine. “Really?” I doubt him.
“Uh, I think Oliver and I will head to the living room,” Hailey states awkwardly, her face soured.
“Why? This could be fun.” Oliver is game to be a bystander to the rage building inside of me, even if it isn’t rage at all, or at least not the negative kind. He even breaks off a piece of a donut for snacks.
Hailey lurches to her side and grabs his arm. “Read the room, Oliver, read the room. We do not stay to witness this.” She yanks his arm.
