“I do, but a couple hours won’t hurt. Besides, he already told me he’s got paperwork to do and that he doesn’t want to be the reason I neglect you.”
She smiled. “You’re not neglecting me, but that’s sweet of him. You want something to eat? I was just about to make some lunch.”
“Just now? Lunch was hours ago.” He frowned. “Do I need to come over here more often? Make sure you’re taking care of yourself?”
“Oh, stop it. I’m fine. Trust me, skipping a meal wouldn’t be the worst thing for me.” She chuckled.
“I’ve already eaten but I’ll hang out with you, if you want.”
“I want.”
He came with her upstairs. “So, for tonight, I’ll pick you up around six, if that works?”
“Yep, sounds good.” She went back to getting out leftovers, which was salad and some lemon pepper chicken breasts.
He looked around. “Why does it seem so quiet here today?”
“Oh.” She made a little grimace. “Harper’s not here. Her mom passed away, so she flew to Nevada to take care of things. Mitch went with her.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. That was nice of him. How’s she doing?”
“She’s doing pretty well.” Frankie added salad to a bowl. “It’s also quiet because Willa’s at the guest house with Jack. He’s teaching her to knit.”
Lucas grinned. “Jackson Marsh knits?”
“He does. He’s making me a throw for the couch in there.” She tipped her head. “Did I tell you I’m moving into the guest house? Eventually, that is.”
“You’ll have your own place, then. That’s nice.”
She got out a knife and a cutting board and sliced up a piece of chicken. “Not sure when it’ll happen, since Jack’s there, but it’s not a big deal.”
Lucas glanced toward the water. “I heard the paparazzi have had the place staked out.”
She glared at the boats. “Yes. They’re awful. They won’t leave the man alone.”
He went over to the windows and stood there, hands on his hips. “I’m not sure that’s legal.”
“What isn’t?”
“Them being out there, clogging up that waterway.” He walked back over to the counter where she was working. “I might call Kai at the marina. See what he knows. If anyone would know, it’s him.”
“That would be great if he could actually do something. I feel like Jack’s whole purpose for being here has been thwarted by those idiots. Not to mention, it’s like living in a fishbowl. I know they don’t care about me, Harper, and Willa, but still.”
He told her stories about him and Angelo while she ate and laughed. He refilled her glass of water when she’d nearly emptied it.
“You’re good company,” she said. “Not that I didn’t know that already.”
Grinning, his eyes narrowed. “Seems like the right time to ask for a favor.”
“You need me to do something for you? Anything. Just name it.”
“Can I see the portrait you’re working on?”
She laughed. “That’s what you want? Sure, come on. I’ll show you.” She put her dish in the sink and took him downstairs. “There’s not a lot to see. It’s a work in progress. Days away from being done.”
“I’m still curious.”
She gestured to the canvas. “There it is.”
