Riva smiled. “Well, I’m not sure if it’s respect or attraction that she has for the male species, but I suppose you could be right. You might be more persuasive.”
“What about your moratorium on men?” His grin looked sly. “Don’t wanna be accosted at the door.”
“The ban was for social occasions. This is different. If you want to help, I wouldn’t mind.” She got out and headed up to the porch where Laurel was casually sipping iced tea, watching them with a wary expression.
“What have you two been up to?” she asked.
Marcus sat down on the top porch step while Riva explained about her visit with Danny that morning and what they’d seen on his farm. “So I guess we’re striking while the iron is hot,” she finally said.
“Striking how?”
“We’re staging an intervention,” Marcus said. “Wanna join us?”
“An intervention for Kitty’s drinking problem?” Laurel frowned. “As far as I know, she’s been sober since we removed her alcohol, but she’s pretty sneaky.”
“This isn’t really about alcohol, although that’s part of it.” Riva explained how Danny wanted to talk to her. “Except Kitty doesn’t trust him. Or so she claims. It could just be an excuse to hide out here. Because it seems to me that’s what she’s doing. Her world seems to be unraveling, and I don’t think she wants to face it.”
“And you think Danny is the answer?” Laurel sounded skeptical.
“Well, she loved him enough to marry him once.”
“Yeah, well, I loved my ex too, but I wouldn’t touch that man with a ten-foot pole now.”
“Danny seems like a nice guy,” Marcus told her. “He’s making good choices, trying to get on with his life. He’s got a great farm he’s been working hard on.”
Riva showed Laurel some of the pictures on her phone.
“Wow, if Kitty’s not interested, put me on the list.” Laurel studied the shot of Danny all cleaned up. “He’s not half bad either. In a rustic cowboy sort of way.”
“Is my sister around?” Marcus asked.
“I think she’s in the garden,” Laurel told him.
“I’ll go see if she wants to help us with the intervention.” Marcus stood. “The more, the merrier.”
“So, you want to help us?” Riva asked Laurel.
“I guess I could. But you know Kitty’s not a fan of me. I wouldn’t want my presence to sour the deal.”
“I think numbers may help us to convey the urgency of our concerns. Every time I try to get her to consider doing anything, she gets defensive, acting like she’s in pain, and when that doesn’t work, she resorts to anger.”
“Sounds like the little witch.”
“Oh, Laurel. You know she’s just hurting inside. That’s why she lashes out. But her rejections are our opportunities to show unconditional love.”
“Kind of like that book you gave me to read?” Laurel made a face. “I think I’m getting the message, Riva. Kitty is like Angel and we’re all supposed to keep forgiving her.”
Riva blinked. Laurel was getting it.
“But that’s a lot easier said than done, Riva. I have to admit I’ve never hated anyone like I hate Kitty. She gets under my skin and pushes my buttons and just makes me want to scream and pull my hair out. More honestly, I want to pullherhair out—by its dark roots.”
Riva patted Laurel’s hand. “We all know Kitty’s targeted you. I think it’s because you’re a strong woman. She probably envies you.”
Laurel laughed. “She envies me?”
“Kitty’s self-esteem and confidence seem to come from male approval, and you’re the kind of woman who doesn’t need that.”
“Maybe I don’t need it, but I don’t mind ... if it’s the right male.” Laurel looked over her shoulder.
