“Can I get everyone drinks? Water or soda or juice or—”
“Water. Please.” Andre forced out the words. Almost like they caused pain.
He was okay yesterday. But that was on his territory. Or at least neutral ground.Clearly today he was back to nervous. “Me too as well, thank you.” I tried to convey gratitude to Demetrius as he nodded and headed out of the room. “That’s an interesting painting.” I pointed to the painting of a family of deer above the mantel. A gas fireplace would make this room cozy on a cold winter’s night. “I wonder if it’s a Tessa Carlyle.”
Andre grunted.
“Sorry. Well-known artist in these parts. Not important.”
“But it is to you.” He met my gaze. “Why don’t you check?”
Because I’m afraid if I release your hand that you’ll bolt for the door.He looked like a deer caught in the proverbial headlights.
“Three glasses of water with ice.” Demetrius entered the room carrying a small tray that he put on the coffee table. “I sliced some lemons and limes earlier—just in case.”
“Lovely.” At that point, I released Andre’s hand and faced him. “Do you have a preference?”
He nodded. “Lemon is healthier.”
“Perfect.” I tried to convey calm, all the while struggling with the tension in the room.
Demetrius put a slice on the rim of Andre’s glass and handed it to him. “I’m a lemon person myself, so we have that in common.” He winced. “Wrong thing to say, right?”
Andre didn’t reply.
“I think it’s natural for you to look for commonalities. The difference between nurture and nature is one that’s always fascinated me.”And now I’m rambling.“I love lime.”
“Great.” Demetrius put a lime slice on the rim of my glass and handed it to me. He put a lemon on his and then sat, giving me a glance before settling his gaze on Andre. “Whatever you want to say, just say it, okay? We talked yesterday, and I’m sure you’ve got questions.”
Andre shifted. He sipped his water, then put it on the coffee table on top of a coaster.
I didn’t miss the slight tremor in his hand.
Daphne pawed at his leg.
“Uh—”
“Dogs are allowed on the furniture.” Demetrius smiled. “No keeping our two off.”
“Thanks.” Gently, Andre lifted Daphne onto his lap. He took a deep breath as he settled back. “I suppose I should go first—given I’m the one who showed up unannounced on your doorstep.”
“You’ll always be welcome here. That’s been the truth since I got your text. I wanted to fly to Toronto, but you said you’d be coming here. And here you are.” He gestured to me. “And I’m glad you’ve got a friend.” He hesitated—as if he was going to say more, but then not.
“Friend is exactly the right word.” I sipped my water, put the glass on a coaster on the coffee table, and settled back—close to Andre. But not touching.
He reached for my hand while petting Daphne with his other hand.
I gladly gave it.
Andre swallowed. “I’ve been thinking about our father. About what he did to us.”
“Would you have confronted him?” Demetrius scratched his jaw.
“Honestly?” Andre squeezed my hand. “I thought I might—until I found out he was dead. I don’t want to go see his grave or some shit like that. Sorry.”
Again, Demetrius waved him off. “Teenagers. They’re not allowed to swear, but they’ve been exposed. I want to keep them wrapped in bubble wrap forever, but that won’t work.”
“I don’t know a lot about kids.” Andre hesitated. “But I want to.”
