“I’ll be in the kitchen if you two need me, okay?” Ayla called after them.
“Okay!” they both squealed in unison.
“So, what’s for dinner tonight, and how can I help?” Inari asked when they entered the massive kitchen together.
Surprisingly, Audiemar was seated at the counter, laptop open, paperwork beside him, and a pair of thin framed glasses covering his face.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were here.” Ayla paused with her sister at her side.
“Who’s your guest?” He turned to them both, peering at them over the top of his glasses.
“This is my sister, Inari. Nari, this is Mr. Audiemar Blackmoor,” Ayla introduced them.
“Hi.” She waved to him.
“I was just finishing up some work.” Audiemar used his mouse to close out of everything before folding his laptop closed and removing his glasses. “Coast and Mozzi came in here arguing, making all kinds of noise.”
Ayla tittered. “Yeah, those two are something else. I was just going to prep some dinner. Inari wanted to join me for a glass of wine. Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you. I ate some of your leftover pastries from yesterday and had egg whites and coffee. I am capable of fending for myself.”
“I have no doubt about that.”
“You two should enjoy the poolside today. It’s nice out. Maybe we can even order in for dinner tonight? I know it’s been a rough few days for everyone.”
“I don’t mind,” Ayla replied. “It keeps me busy and my mind off other things.” She marched right over to the fridge and yanked one of the glass doors open.
She’d been marinating two whole chickens that she planned to roast with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans plus homemade dinner rolls.
“Very well.” Audiemar slid off his stool. “I’m going to head over to the hospital. Phoebe called. Nay is being moved to a more comfortable room, but she really wants to bring her back here to recover instead of staying in the hospital. I’ve had Yasmine make up a room for her, so be prepared to add another plate at the table for the foreseeable future.”
“Okay,” Ayla whispered, feeling like she’d been sucker punched.
Audiemar grabbed his things and piled them all together before tucking them under his arm and fleeing the room. Ayla lifted her gaze to her sister when she joined her on the opposite side of the counter.
“They’re bringing her back to stay here?”
“Girl, you need to abort! Uh uh.” Inari objected, shaking her head. “Do not do this to yourself, Lala.”
“What else am I supposed to do? Come home, go to school, and sit around with no money? I told you I wasn’t going to do that with you, Nari. I need to be an adult and handle my own shit.”
“Not by torturing yourself around here!” she hissed in response.
“I’m fine,” Ayla insisted, a sharp glare meeting her sister’s across the counter.
She didn’t need her overreacting on her behalf.
“You a bald-headed ass lie!” Inari called her out and threw her hands up. “But… if you say you can handle it, who am I to push? Say the word, and I will help you move out of here and find another job, though.”
Ayla turned the oven on to preheat and went to grab wine from the rack on the counter along with two clean goblet glasses.
“How about we go enjoy ourselves poolside?”
“Absolutely,” her sister agreed.
“Oh, Kong! Thank God you’re here!” Nayelli sat up while the doctor examined her.
He’d passed her mother in the hall, pacing on the phone while conversing with her insurance company. Nay’s bright brown eyes sparkled.
