“Really well, actually. Thanks for asking.”
I glanced at Hazel, who didn’t say a word to Lucia, which seemed off. I knew that Hazel and she had been spending a lot of time together. Hazel was pretty protective of her, constantly trying to make sure that she had everything she needed.
“Is there some coffee left?” Lucia asked softly, rubbing her hands together nervously. She stopped just behind Hazel.
I nodded toward the kitchen. “Oh yeah, I made a full pot. There is still some creamer in the fridge. I’m going to make a run to the grocery store later. Is there anything you need?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Thanks for asking.”
She gave me a smile before heading into the kitchen. I turned to Hazel and dropped my voice into a whisper. “Why are you so quiet?”
Hazel frowned. “I just… something’s off.”
“What?” I looked at her like she was crazy. “What do you mean?”
Lucia walked back into the dining room, clutching a mug of coffee. She gave us both a tight smile. “What are everyone’s plans today?”
“I’ll be here,” I explained. “I have work to get to, and Hazel has a shift at the bar.”
Lucia nodded. “That sounds fun.”
“What are your plans?” Hazel asked, looking at Lucia differently than normal. Her voice came out sharper, and I kicked her underneath the table, glaring at her. I had no idea what was up with Hazel because she wasn’t the type to act like this.
Lucia shrugged, not seeming to notice. “I don’t know. I’m so used to moving around that it just feels weird to stay in a place for too long. I’m grateful for everything. So, I’m thinking I need to figure out what I want.”
“Have you thought about leaving?” Hazel asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
I wanted to elbow my sister, confused why she was asking so off. I, instead, shook my head. “I get that. What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking of staying. At least for a while. For now, at least. I was thinking of looking for a job today. Maybe stop and see if there is a place I can stay. I don’t want to impose too long here.”
“You are more than welcome to be here. You don’t have to rush out if you’re not ready. We understand it can be hard to adjust to everything here, so take your time.”
Lucia smiled sweetly. “I know. But I don’t want to stay too long. You’re married after all, and the last thing you want is a bunch of people in your house.”
“Well, I can see if there are any apartments when I have some free time today. I can check what we have for local listings.”
Her eyes sparkled. “That would be great. I’m sure you guys know the good places and what to avoid,” Lucia chuckled, but Hazel didn’t. Hazel just offered a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“I actually need to shower before I leave. Are you guys using the bathroom?”
“Hazel was about to, but you can use Westley and mine if you want. I have shampoo and conditioner in there if you want to use them.”
“Thanks,” Lucia turned with her mug and headed back toward the bedrooms. I pulled myself up and stepped in front of Hazel, crossing my arms. I waited a minute for the door to shut before I spoke. “Alright, what the hell is your deal?”
“I don’t trust her,” Hazel snapped, looking over my shoulder. “Something isn’t right.”
“What? Since when?”
Hazel shook her head, tapping her fingers on the table. “I’m telling you! She’s lying about something. I can feel it. We can’t trust her.”
I shook my head. “Hazel, since when? You have been advocating for her, and suddenly this morning, you aren’t? What the hell changed? Did you guys have a fight?” It was the only logical thing I could come up with, considering just a few nights ago they were doing each other's hair.
Hazel rolled her eyes. “She’s hiding something. I know it. I ask her questions, and the answers don’t connect with other stuff she’s told us. I asked about her past, and she told me she was an only child, but she told us before she had siblings. She told us that she’d never been married, but she has a ring line on her hand.
I sighed. “Everyone has secrets, Hazel. But none of that makes me question her as a person.”
“There’s more.”
