“Who’s that guy?”Julian asked.
“Zuma!”
Smiling, Isla left them to get the animal crackers.
Mrs.V was in the kitchen with a cup of tea and one of the many catalogs she enjoyed receiving so she could “window-shop” without leaving her home—or Isla’s.She glanced at Isla with a million questions in her expression.
“Theo wants some animal crackers.”
“How’s he feeling?”
“Much better.The fever has broken.”
“That’s a relief.”
“I hope we don’t get it next.”
“Who’s that handsome drink of water you were hugging in the foyer?”
“My ex-divorce attorney.”
“I figured when he said he was a Remington, and he looks like a lawyer.”
Isla filled a small bowl with animal crackers and a sippy cup with apple juice that she diluted with some water.“What do lawyers look like?”
“They look successful like him.What’s up with him?”
“I have no idea, but I like having him around.”
“Is he the one you ran into at the store the other night?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Be careful, Isla.You’re already dealing with a lot.”
“I know, and he’s done nothing but try to help.Having him around makes me feel better.I can’t explain it.It just is.”
“Do you want me to go home?”
“No, not at all.”
“I don’t want to be underfoot.”
“You’re not.We love having you here.Please don’t go.”
“If you change your mind, you need only say so.”
She went to Mrs.V and hugged her from behind.“I’m not going to change my mind.I need all my people right now, especially you.”
Mrs.V patted her hand.“I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”
“Thank you.”
“Be careful with that sinfully handsome man.He’s got ‘dangerous’ written all over him.”
“Is he sinfully handsome?I hadn’t noticed.”
Mrs.V snorted with laughter.“Liar.”
