“That should be interesting.” Windy looked at her phone. “Maybe we should have Marcus here when you talk to Kitty. Kinda like a safety net. He can be the backup so that if you ask for a key and she refuses, then Marcus can just remove the lock.”
“Maybe.” Riva did like the idea of Marcus helping and yet... “That brings up another topic I’ve been noodling on lately. Well, since our last dinner party”—she glanced at Laurel—“Windy and I already kicked this around a little that night, but I’ve decided that we need a moratorium on male guests here at the house. I think it’s just too stressful.”
“Because of Kitty?” Laurel’s brow creased. “That seems unfair.”
“It’s just a temporary moratorium,” Windy explained. “And I agree with Riva. It gets too messy with a mixed group when, you know, some feelings get hurt. It’s just not worth it. I’m supportive of boycotting the boys, for the time being anyway.”
“I suppose you think I’m part of the problem,” Laurel snapped.
“I never said that.” Windy held up her hands defensively.
“But that’s what you meant, wasn’t it?” Laurel stood and dumped the last of her coffee in a potted fern. “You think I’m jealous of anyone who shows interest in your brother.”
“Or anyone he shows interest in,” Windy countered in a strong voice. “Okay, maybe I do think you’re jealous, Laurel, but you have to admit you’ve been a little unreasonable.”
Laurel planted her hands on her hips. “It’s only because I thought Marcus liked me.”
“Hedoeslike you,” Windy argued. Now she stood and Riva suddenly wondered if this was going to turn into another kind of fight. Instead of staring, Riva decided to step aside and check on the raised veggie bed near the fence. Her friends’ raised voices only seemed to prove that it really was time to close the door on male visitors of any kind. Even brothers.
“I mean, I thought hereallyliked me,” Laurel said. “I’ve been alone all these years, Windy. I survived a trainwreck of a marriage and a miserable divorce. And I just never had a nice guy like Marcus pay attention to me. Not once in all these years. In fact, I’ve been told that I scare men off. So can you blame me for getting my nose out of joint when Riva stole his attention from me?”
“She didn’t steal his attention.” Windy came over to stand protectively by Riva. “The fact you just said that proves our point. You’re not being yourself, Laurel. Not when it comes to men, anyway.”
“Okay, stealing was a strong word,” Laurel admitted. “But Riva knew I was hoping for something to develop with Marcus yet she kept stepping in and interfering.”
Riva bent down to pull a weed, determined to calm her tone before answering her aggravating friend. Then she stood up straight and looked directly at her. “My only interest in Marcus is plain ordinary friendship. And Marcus is well aware of it. In fact, we agreed that’s what we both want. To be friends. That’s all. So if you and Marcus fall in love and get married, I’ll be pleasedas punch, Laurel. Good grief, I’ll even dance at your wedding.” She attempted a lighthearted laugh.
Laurel’s brows arched. “Fine. I’ll hold you to it. Just as long as you’re not dancing with the groom.” Her smile looked a little fake. “Excuse me, girls. Fred is waiting for his breakfast.” She went inside.
“Speaking of the groom.” Windy nudged Riva with her elbow, pointing over the side fence. “Look who’s pulling into the driveway. And guess who’s with him?”
Riva peered over the fence and her jaw dropped. “It’s Kitty,” she whispered, moving away from the fence. “Let’s not get caught spying on them.”
“Why isshewith Marcus?” Windy stayed put, blatantly staring over the fence. “Or maybe I should ask why ishewith her?”
“Come away from there. You remind me of Gladys Kravitz.” Riva tugged Windy by the hand. “I’m going inside.”
Windy followed. “So maybe this is good timing.” She paused in the kitchen. “You can confront Kitty and then we’ll ask Marcus to help you get that lock off.”
Riva held up her hands, palms forward. “Okay, let’s put the brakes on that. I want it handled carefully. I need to speak to Kitty first. Privately.”
“I know, I know,” Windy said quickly. “You talk to Kitty, and I’ll keep Marcus occupied until you need him to get that lock off.”
“I don’t know if you should talk to Marcus about—”
“No, it’s a good plan,” Windy interrupted. “Come now, dear sweet landlady, time to put on your big-girl pants and just get ’er done.” She slapped Riva on the back. “You’ll be glad you did. I’ll go catch Marcus before he has a chance to leave.”
Riva went out to the foyer, bracing herself to meet Kitty as she entered the house. She had never been good at confrontations, but she felt this one was necessary. And Windy was probably right. It did seem an opportune moment to resolve this lock mess. So as Windy went out to talk to her brother, Riva waited by the stairway and silently prayed for wisdom ... and for God’s divine direction.
Chapter23
Riva stared in confusion and shock as Marcus carried Kitty in his arms like a baby. Or maybe it was like they were newlyweds coming home for the first time. Whatever it was, it was weird. Riva felt somewhat voyeuristic simply witnessing the spectacle.
“She sprained her ankle,” Marcus quickly explained, rushing past Riva and Windy and heading toward the stairs. “She needs an ice pack and to keep it elevated.”
“I’m on it,” Windy called out.
“And I’ll take her to her room,” he told Riva. “Can you get the door for me?”
