Mallory sets the plate of cookies on the counter while Alex heads over to a cabinet and pulls out mugs.
I’m relieved that they seem to have forgotten their grudge, at least for the moment, but I can’t help wanting to patch this up, whatever it is.
Stay out of it, Finley.
I know I should, but they have no idea how incredibly lucky they are to have each other. I would kill to have a family, let alone one as awesome as theirs. I can’t help thinking they can work this out.
A video phone ring comes from my jeans pocket, and I cringe and pull it out as all three of them glance at me. “I’m sure it’s my… friends. I was supposed to let them know I made it okay and I forgot.”
“You take that,” Valerie says then turns to Alex. “Why don’t you show her to the study so she has some privacy?”
“Yeah, sure.”
I follow him from the kitchen as I decline the call then shoot Barb a quick text.
I’ll call back in a moment
Alex leads me to a short hallway behind the front staircase to a paned-glass door. He steps into the dark room, and I hesitate. Then a lamp clicks on and a warm light spills out, and I take in the room. Rich, warm paneling wraps the walls. Two desks face the walls on opposite sides. A lamp on a small table beside a deep leather sofa throws a soft pool of light on a stack of books. The place smells of wood polish and faint coffee.
“You can make your call in here.” He sees my gaze shifting between both desks. “My parents share this room. There wasn’t room for two offices, and they don’t seem to mind.”
I nod in acknowledgement.
He takes a step as though he’s about to leave, then stops, worry clouding his face. “Are you doing all right? Is my family too much?”
That’s a tricky question, but I offer him a warm smile. “No. I love your family.”
He lets out a short laugh. “Well, it’s early yet. Give it a few days before you come to your final conclusion.” He walks toward the door but stops in the doorway, turning as he holds onto the doorjamb. He pauses, as though he wants to say something, then resignation fills his eyes. “Come find us when you’re done.”
He closes the door softly behind him.
I sit on the sofa, releasing a sigh as I sink into the supple leather, then press the video call button.
Mirna answers on the first ring, a look of desperation in her eyes. “Where have you been? You were supposed to call when you got to Vermont!”
I grimace. “I’m sorry. Things have been so busy this is the first chance I had to talk.”
Mirna’s eyes narrow. “Where are you?” Then horror washes over her face. “Oh my God. You’ve been kidnapped by pirates.”
I shake my head in confusion and laugh. “What are you talking about?”
“I see the paneling on the wall. It looks like a ship captain’s room. They’re already taking you across the ocean!”
“If only she could be so lucky,” I hear Barb say. “Quit hogging the iPad.”
“Blink twice if you’re okay,” Mirna says, the ceiling behind her is moving as though she’s pacing.
I blink twice, then for good measure, I throw in a third blink.
“That was three blinks!” Mirna cries in alarm then looks to the side. “What does three blinks mean?”
“It means you’re paranoid,” Barb snipes off camera.
“I’m fine, Mirna,” I say with a laugh. “I promise. I’m in Alex’s parents’ study so I can have some privacy. Why did you answer and not Barb? You hate video calls.”
“Because I had to see you for myself.”
“She snatched the damn thing out of my hands!” Barb shouts, still out of view.
