“It’s been fun having dinner parties, but I get what you’re saying. I think that’s a good idea, Riva.”
“It’s just not worth the stress. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to have guys around. It’s like some women think they’re not enough without a man in the picture. But I don’t feel like that. And I don’t want to.”
“I don’t either.”
“We’re enough, right?” Riva looked into Windy’s eyes. “Comfortable in our single-woman skin?”
“I am.” Windy nodded firmly. “And I think Laurel and Fiona aretoo. At least, Fiona is. I don’t need a guy upsetting my applecart. Especially since I’ve been really enjoying my new home here with you ... and with the others. Well, most of the others.”
“I’ll try to get Kitty to understand what’s up tomorrow. In the meantime, if you see Laurel, please, assure her that I’m on it. I don’t want to lose her as a housemate or as a friend.”
“What if she still gets jealous over you and Marcus?”
Riva blinked. “I don’t see why that should make her jealous. Your brother and I are only friends. We were just talking about some of the grief stages we’re still working our way through. That was all. Friends.Just friends.”
Windy held up her hands in a defensive gesture. “I know, I know. Trust me, I’m not the one who was worried.” She smiled. “Not about you, anyway.”
“Sorry. I suppose I was talking to myself too. Being friends with the opposite sex is still new for me.”
“It sounds like a healthy step.” Windy stood, placing a hand on Riva’s shoulder. “And it’s the best way to start any kind of relationship. As friends.” She stifled a yawn. “I’m exhausted, but thanks for listening.”
“Thanks for putting me on the same page. I promise to talk to Kitty first chance I get. Hopefully by tomorrow.”
But Riva didn’t get the opportunity to talk to Kitty the next day, or the next. In fact, no one in the house seemed to have spoken to her for several days. They’d heard her coming and going, but no words were exchanged.
“I texted her to let her know I wanted to talk,” Riva said, “but she hasn’t responded.”
“I think she’s embarrassed,” Windy said. “She’s deliberately keeping a low profile.”
“Works for me.” Laurel opened the door to the patio. “The less I see of that woman, the happier I’ll be.”
The three of them had adopted the habit of sitting outside with their coffee. After Fiona and Kitty went to work, they’d regroup to catch up and get their daily vitamin D out in the morning sunshine.
“I feel sorry for Kitty,” Riva confessed. “She’s like her own worst enemy.”
“Then she’s well matched.” Laurel adjusted her sun hat. “And just for the record, if Kitty pulls any more of her drunken stunts, I will be giving my notice, Riva.”
“So you’ve mentioned.” Riva wanted to add “at least a dozen times,” but she held her tongue. “And in case you choose to go, I’ve already offered the ensuite to Fiona.”
Laurel scowled. “Not even going to wait until the body gets cold, eh?”
“Oh, it’s not like you’re dying, silly. You know I don’t want you to go, but just in case things unravel, I want to ensure that Kitty doesn’t sneak in there.”
“Then you might want a better lock on that door.” Laurel sniffed.
“Speaking of locks, did you notice Kitty has a new lock on her door?” Windy asked Riva. “I knocked this morning to remind her to get her dirty laundry out of the bathroom, but I was surprised to see she’s got a deadbolt.”
“Seriously?” Riva blinked.
“Did she get permission from you?” Laurel pointed at Riva.
Riva grimaced. “No.”
“That should be grounds for eviction.” Laurel’s tone sharpened.
“Possibly...” Riva sipped her coffee, wishing Paul were here to give a legal opinion. Of course, if he was here, she wouldn’t be in this situation. “I wonder how she put the lock on.”
“She doesn’t seem like a real DIY gal to me.” Laurel chuckled. “Not with those long nails of hers. Did you see that lime-green nail polish she had on?”
