“Ah,” Kendall said, understanding dawning on her. “He called her a pathetic old woman.”
“Yeah, Mom.”
“He isn’t known for compassion, love.”
Rory hugged her again. “I love him, though.”
“I know, sweetheart. As you should. He’s your father. He’s going through a lot right now.”
Rory stepped back. “You still love him though, right, Mom?”
Kendall would always love Johnnie. She nodded. “I know it’s hard not to worry about your father and I and our marriage because what happens between us affects you, your brothers, and your sister. Everything will work out just as it should.”
“Okay.
Ruffling his reddish blond hair, Kendall smiled at her son. “How about I call Derby Monday morning and ask if I can bring you to view Gypsy’s body? You can tell her goodbye without everyone looking.”
She hated that her son’s first crush—unknown until then—had ended so tragically.
“You’d do that for me?”
“Of course, Rory,” she told him. “I have to go into the office in the morning, but I’ll check you out of school early, so you can change into a black suit, and we’ll even buy her a bouquet of flowers.”
“Aren’t you and Aunt Meggie doing something special for Gypsy, too?”
“Yes, she was Meggie and Bunny’s good friend and well known among the women and the brothers.”
“Thank you, Mom. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Kendall hugged her son again. “I think I’m going to order food for us.”
“I’m not all that hungry,” Rory admitted. “Mattie probably isn’t either.”
“Neither am I, but JJ, Blade, and your father will still want to eat.”
“You’re right.”
“I’ll go to the library and ask Johnnie—”
“Dad went upstairs not long after you went to check on Harley.”
If she texted Johnnie, he might not respond. He was even unhappier with her now that she’d been named the club’s lead attorney. “I’ll go up and talk to him.”
Backing away, Rory shoved his hands in his pockets. “Uh, h-how was Harley?”
An unrecognizable note underscored that question and sent discomfort into Kendall.
“Uh—”
A text message alert interrupted her.
“Never mind, Mom,” Rory said, flushing. “Forget I asked.”
Before she could question him, he rushed out of the kitchen.
Too distracted to decipher Rory’s reaction, Kendall picked up her phone from where she’d left it on the counter. Seeing the message from her real estate agent surprised her.
Evan Marks: I have the perfect place for you, Ms. Miller. Unfortunately, it is a private showing. I have reserved a slot for you for tomorrow at 2PM. Please confirm.
