She followed Fiona down the hallway to the kitchen. She heard two little boys and a TV down the hall. The living space looked like a cyclone struck it. Shoes, toys and clothing were strewn out everywhere. Some unrecognized food was on the floor.
“I’m sorry,” Fiona said. “I haven’t gotten to clean up yet. Go out and see Finn.”
Elise walked through a glassed-in porch to the deck. Finn sat in a chair looking out at the pool.
“Hey, there.”
He turned around and his eyes lit from within. Even sick, he was cute and sexy. Having ditched his pajamas, he wore a grey knit sweatsuit. “Just the woman I want to see.”
She crossed right to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
She sat down next to him. She wanted to take his hand but that wasn’t professional, even now when he was hurt. And he’d asked to see her. “How are you?”
“Much better.”
“Which is more than I can say for your sister.”
“The kids are being brats because Tim hasn’t been home.”
“Yeah. I talked to her. Hold on a second.”
She walked back into the house and found Fiona sitting on a bar stool holding her coffee. “Fiona, go on upstairs and take a bath. I’ll corral the twins into picking up the downstairs and cleaning themselves up.”
“But you’re a movie star. You don’t do those kinds of things.”
“I’ll be doing them today. Right now, you need a friend. Finn and I will take watch over the two of them.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
Fiona hurried out of the room. Elise went down to the playroom, which was also a mess, and turned off the TV set. High-pitched squeals.
“Come on boys, outside. Your uncle wants to talk to you.”
“No.”
“No.”
“If you won’t come with me, I’ll go get my big burly driver to come in and carry you out.” She arched a brow. “Or, the Blue Bomber, who was just at my house.”
“You know the Blue Bomber?”
“Yeah.”
“Who are you?”
“A famous movie star, too. Now get up.”
She steered the boys to the deck. “These guys need a talking to. I sent Fiona up to take a bath.”
The boys stood before him, lips pouted, staring down at their toes. “Hey, guys, I know you’re upset about your dad, and I’m calling him next, but you gotta get your acts together. Mommy is very sad and you’re making things worse.”
As if on cue, tears leaked from both their eyes. He let them cry. Finally, he said, “Go in and clean up your toys, clothes and carry any food out to the kitchen. Elise is going to supervise. Then put on your bathing suits. Come back out here and you can wash up in the pool.”
They scooted away.
