Page 70 of After We Fall

Her face softens just a fraction, but she keeps her voice strong. “Yes, sir.”

What does he mean he’s not going anywhere?

“Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, it’s so generous of you to want to help Penelope,” Meredith says in a soothing tone I’ve heard her use in many a tough situation. “Would you like to join us for dinner this evening? We’re getting takeout from Penelope’s favorite restaurant and would love to have you as our guests.”

“Thank you, that would be nice. But we can’t stay long.” Phillip gives a sharp tug to straighten his custom dress-shirt sleeve and adjusts the shiny cuff link. “I’ve got a meeting in Los Angeles tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves in a few hours.”

Either they thought I’d easily agree to return to California or they never believed I’d go, putting on this show. Whatever the case, their effort reminds me that my relationship with my adoptive family is best left to be experienced at a distance.

“Then we’ll get things moving,” Meredith says. “Tanya, will you please call the restaurant, double the order, and tell them we want the meal delivered now?” She opens her arms to direct the guests to the door. “Let’s all go sit down in the living room while we wait for the food. That will give Penelope some time to rest before the meal.”

Phillip offers me a terse nod before he exits the room.

Cynthia purses her lips, sighs, and takes my hand. “If you stay here and don’t make the kind of progress you need, please reconsider our offer.”

“I will.” I don’t even know if it’s a lie when I say those words. What care plan is Luke talking about?

Jason takes me in his arms and gives me a gentle hug. “I have so many questions,” he says in my ear.

“I know. I’m sorry, Jason. But now’s not the time.”

“I know. I just . . .” He pulls back, perusing my bruised face. “Penelope. Are you all right?”

I swallow. “I’m going to be.”

“You always are. But I’m just a phone call away.” He shakes his head and leans in to brush a light kiss on my cheek. Our thick history may not have granted him my first call, but it will force him to forgive me for not making him my first call.

Bianca stalks over and stands squarely in front of me, shaking her head. “No wonder you needed us.” On the tails of her short but very effective verbal assault, she exits the room.

As Meredith walks past, I whisper, “You’re a miracle worker.”

She flashes a smile. “We’ll debrief about this interesting meeting, as well as your fabulous choice of personal decor, later.”

I close my eyes. Of course. In the middle of the peace negotiations regarding my future, I completely forgot that a few minutes ago I was outed as a closet hippie.

“Penelope?” Luke’s deep voice calls.

I open my eyes, tighten my resolve into my fist, and aim every piece of indignation at him. “Why did you tell Bianca you weren’t leaving? You can’t play with her emotions like that.”

His gaze rakes over my face, studying every inch with a healthy dose of concern. “You’re pale. That scene just took it out of you.”

“I’m serious, Luke. You can’t tell her that you’re staying. These girls don’t need additional abandonment issues.”

“I’m not going to add to their abandonment issues. Come on.” He lightly runs his hand down my arm and takes my hand. “You need to get some rest.”

The adrenaline rush of my unexpected visitors has deserted me, and my muscles are weak, my bones tired. With a sigh, I allow him to lead me to my bed.

“So, Jason thought you should live with him in Denver,” he says casually, but we both know he’s anything but casual about that topic.

“Don’t start with me about Jason. I’ve had a day.”

He pauses in front of my bed and looks at me. “You have had a day. I’m just wondering if you see it yet.”

I don’t see it. Or maybe I see a little bit. I don’t know. I saw a man who I consider a brother act in a weird way that didn’t make sense. And I currently see a different man in front of me who is nothing like a brother to me and might be a little bit jealous. That also makes no sense.

I look at him and say in a small voice, “I’m so tired, Luke.”

He nods and gently, oh so gently, runs the back of his knuckles across my jaw.