“Did she?” I glance Daisy's way, who nods.
No need to mention Polly also came to see me this afternoon. She’d called under the guise ofbeing in the area. I’d kind of expected it, but she was much nicer than I would be, under the circumstances. She paid a visit to let me know exactly how special her daughter is. Marking my card would be another way to describe it.
Hurt my daughter, and I’ll make you pay.
Gotta respect her for that.
“Yes, she’s very nice. And so is Primrose.”
“Wow. It was a real family affair today.”
“There is no escaping my lot,” Lavender says with a mostly content sigh.
We’re interrupted by a rap at the door. It opens, and I frown as Leo appears around it. He remembers to keep his eyes fixed on me. Lucky for him.
“My apologies for disturbing you, but you have a guest, Mr. Deveraux.”
“We’re eating dinner.” I flick out a casual hand. “Can’t you see?”
“It’s McDonald's, Leo.” Daisy twists in her chair, holding out a packet of what has to be cold french fries. “Would you like one?”
“No,carino,” he replies. “I mean, no, thank you, Miss Daisy.”
“You’re sure?” Daisy persists. “I’ve never had McDonald’s before now. Have you?”
“No…” His eyes dart to mine.
“Eat a fry, Leo,” I command.
“I… okay. Thank you.” Taking one from the red packet Daisy offers, he chews once, then grimaces as he swallows.
“Now, tell whoever is here”—to fuck off—“that I’m unavailable.”
Leo’s eyes flick to Lavender.Like a whole tale.“Antonio said you’d want to see this person.”
“Fine.” Antonio can be relied upon. He’s been with me for a long time. I put down my glass and stand. “If you ladies will excuse me.”
“Of course,” Daisy offers happily.
I round the table and touch her blond head as I pass. “I’ll be right back.” I catch myself before bending to kiss Lavender, though I recognize the temptation all the same.
“It must be my lucky day,” I announce, walking into my home office a few minutes later. “Unless there’s something I’ve missed on my calendar, like Whittington clan visitation day.”
Brin Whittington turns from the window overlooking the darkening garden. “Meaning?” he demands, his tone surly.
“First, your mom.” I make my way over to my walnut desk and lean back against it. “Now you. And, of course, there’s also Lavender, though she doesn’t visit so much as… come.”
“You fucker—” He glances at the floor and shakes his head. “I deserved that,” he says, glancing up again. “But she doesn’t. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”
“And that’s my problem, how?” I fold my arms and cross my feet at the ankle, the picture of apathy. It’s not that I don’t care about what he did. I just don’t care as much about it as much I probably should have. I care that his actions fucked up my plans, which brings us here. To this moment. A moment of recognition for him.
Brin’s restless steps echo to the other side of the room, wheeling around to face me. “Why her?”
“Process of elimination. Heather is already married, and Primrose is a little too young.”
“Does she know that? Does she know why?”
“You’re still breathing. I’m sure you can answer that.”
