“Well, I wouldn’t mind...”
“Let’s just be thankful she has the salon to keep her busy during the day.”
Laurel winked. “Believe me, I am.”
“Having Fiona and Kitty working does make the house quieter during the day ... I do appreciate that.” Riva finished her juice and rinsed her glass. “I can’t imagine how it would be if all five of us were all in the house day in and day out. That’s probably the only reason I’m not having serious second thoughts about this.”
“I’m curious. If you needed to kick someone out, would you be tough enough to do that?”
“Kick someone out?”
“You know, for breaking rules, not abiding by the contract.”
Riva considered this. “Well, it would be tricky. I mean, it’s a legal contract, but I know that landlord-tenant disputes can get messy.”
“So, what would you do?”
Riva thought about it for a moment. “I suppose I’d try to reason with the tenant. If necessary, I’d consult an attorney.” She grimaced. “But I sure hope it never comes to that.” She put her glass in the dishwasher, then turned to Laurel. “Are you thinking about Kitty?”
“Well, she does seem like a misfit here.” Laurel frowned. “I really blame myself for recommending her. I realize now that Kitty the salon owner is a whole different person than Kitty the roommate. Not only that, but I’m also sure she’s scared off Marcus.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Have you seen him since our last dinner party?”
“No ... but it’s only been a couple days. I’m sure he’s got better things to do with his time than hang out here.”
Laurel crossed her arms over her chest. “Windy told me he’s laying low on purpose. Doesn’t want to rock our boat.”
“I can appreciate that. Our boat’s already rocky enough.” Riva studied Laurel. “So how are you doing? I know you and Kitty are at odds. But are you okay?”
Laurel leaned against the counter. “I guess so. I’ve been thinking a lot about how Kitty and I have had similar luck with men and how we are both attracted to the same guy. To be honest, it’s hard to admit I have anything in common with that woman. But we’re not the same.”
“No, of course not.”
“After my divorce, I learned to push men aside, decided I didn’t need one. Kitty’s not like that. She needs male attention and seems willing to get it at any cost. I just don’t like her setting her sights on Marcus. He’s too good for her.” Laurel pounded a fist into her palm. “But he’s too nice to tell her to take a hike.”
“But you’re not,” Riva teased.
“That’s true. But I am determined not to engage with that woman. It’ll take some real self-control, but I plan to keep my mouth shut.”
“Good for you.” Riva patted her on the back. “I don’t like to judge anyone, but it’s my observation that, whether it’s intentional or just habit, Kitty is very good at pushing buttons.”
“Narcissists usually are.”
“Narcissists?”
Laurel nodded. “I noticed some books in your library about narcissism.”
“Oh, yes, I remember Paul researched that for a client a few years before he passed. I read some on the subject too.”
“Well, I started to read one book and you know what I think?”
“What?” Riva asked nervously.
“Kitty sounds like a classic narcissist.”
Riva considered this. “That’s a pretty difficult personality type ... hard to live with.”
