“Well, I didn’t mean to put down your kiddos, but at this stage of the game, I think it’s important to look our best. Don’t you gals think so too?” She scrutinized them for a moment, then smiled. “You both look pretty good ... considering.”
Riva wondered what Kitty would say about them if they weren’t listening but kept quiet. It was amazing how much more you could learn about people if you kept your mouth shut and observed.
“Thanks, I guess. But at this age, appearances are way less important to me than they once were.” There was a sharp edge to Windy’s tone. “I try to focus on things that matter more to me. Like living my best life, having good friends, being happy.”
“Oh, yeah, I totally agree with that,” Kitty said quickly. “I just happen to think my chances of getting all that are better when Ilook my best.” She pointed at Riva. “Yesterday you gave me that little pep talk. You told me I was attracting the wrong men. It was hard to hear, but I think you’re right.” She turned back to Windy. “Can you believe our little house mother actually called me a jerk magnet?” She threw back her head and laughed.
Windy looked dumbfounded and Riva felt irritated. Really, did Kitty think of her as the house mother?
“Anyway, I’m taking your advice, Riva. And I must say, unless I’m wrong, your big brother won’t fall into the jerk category, Windy.”
“Marcus is definitely not a jerk,” Windy said.
“That’s exactly what I thought. He seems to be a perfectly marvelous man.” Kitty’s eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “He’s interesting and fun-loving and seems to know a little something about everything. He can even dance.” She grinned at Windy. “He is quite a find.”
Windy nodded with a dubious expression.
Kitty checked her phone. “And if I’m going to meet up with him today, I better get showered and dressed.”
“You have a date with Marcus?” Windy asked.
“Not yet.” Kitty laughed. “But hey, the day is young.”
After she left, Windy and Riva exchanged glances, but Riva felt tongue-tied and torn. Had she made a mistake in letting Kitty rent a room in her house? Or was she just being judgmental now? “I, uh, I don’t know what to say,” she finally muttered.
“You and me both.”
“I, um, sure hope Kitty fits in here.”
Windy released a loud sigh. “Me too.”
“Do you think this thing with her and Marcus will get serious?” Riva felt rising concern for Marcus now. Like they’d put him in an awkward position.
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but you might want to hear what happened after you went to bed last night.”
“Something happened?”
“I suppose I was sort of on hyperalert. Kitty was obviously putting the moves on Marcus. But I know my brother. He’s used to that. After all, he’s good-looking and genuinely nice and a bachelor. A lot of women think he’s a good catch. Not that he ever gets caught. To be honest, I think he kinda enjoys the attention.”
“A confirmed bachelor?”
“I used to think so, but he’s softened up some with age. But I also know he’s got discerning taste.”
“Right.” Riva tried not to look as interested as she felt. “So, what happened last night?”
“Well, as you know, Laurel has already expressed her interest in Marcus. And Marcus has been polite and friendly to her. Just like he is with everyone. Including Kitty. Anyway, Laurel’s not dumb. She could see Kitty moving in on her territory last night. And believe me, there were some awkward moments after you left. Kitty’s social skills are, at best, interesting.”
“You can’t say she lacks confidence.”
“She does seem to love herself.” Windy’s nose wrinkled. “Well, as you just saw, she’s not very careful with her words, and she seems oblivious when she offends someone. After last night, I think we can assume Laurel will be looking for a new hairdresser.”
“Well, that’s not such a big deal.” Riva shrugged. “I thought maybe something really went awry.”
“Depends on your perspective. It bothered me to see Kitty tweaking Laurel. It made me uncomfortable. So I started to clean up, and Fiona stopped playing music to help me. I think she felt uncomfortable too. We were trying to give the gentle hint, as in the party’s over.”
“Uh-huh?”
“After Fiona and I went inside, Marcus picked up the guitar again. His adoring audience of two was watching, and I’m not sure what happened, but the next thing we knew, Laurel stormed into the kitchen, slamming the door so loud behind her, I thought it would shatter. Then she called Kitty a bad name, not that Kittycould hear her, but I won’t repeat what she said. And then she stomped up the stairs.”
