Elodie smiled broadly, her expression far too mischievous to be innocent. “I was just standing here, doing nothing in particular,” she said. “And I most assuredly was not listening to your conversation with Mattie.”
Winston shook his head at his sister’s antics as he went in search of his mother.
Mattie dropped down onto the settee, her mind swirling with confusion over what had just transpired between her and Winston. He was starting to be vulnerable around her once more, and that worried her. He was showing her a side that he rarely showed. It was the side that she had once fallen for and kissed.
But no good would come from kissing Winston ever again.
They were attempting to be friends, and she found she needed a friend now more than ever.
Elodie entered the room with a bemused look. “What, pray tell, is going on between you and my brother?”
“Nothing,” Mattie said, attempting to sound nonchalant. “Why do you ask?”
Walking closer to the settee, Elodie replied, “Well, I was standing outside the door listening…”
“That is a fancy way of saying you were eavesdropping.”
“… yes, I was, but I heard the most distressing thing.” Elodie paused dramatically. “Winston complimented you.”
Mattie laughed. “Is that all?”
Elodie’s brow shot up in disbelief. “Is that all?” she repeated. “You two hate one another.”
“Hate is such a strong word.”
“Well, am I wrong?” Elodie pressed.
Mattie straightened in her seat, taking a deep breath. “It is true we disliked one another, but we decided to call a truce,” she explained. “We are attempting to become friends once more.”
“Friends?” Elodie repeated, her tone incredulous. “Surelyyou jest. You two could hardly be in the same room just a few days ago.”
“You make a good argument, but we have found all the fighting to be rather tiresome,” Mattie replied.
Elodie started pacing, her steps quick and agitated. “I do not like this. Not one bit.”
Mattie was afraid she wasn’t going to like the answer, but she decided to ask anyways. “Why is that?”
“You and Winston not liking one another was constant. I could plan on it,” Elodie said, her pacing never ceasing. “But you two being friends, that is not good.”
“Why is it not good? Shouldn’t you be happy that we are trying to get along?” Mattie asked.
Elodie stopped pacing and faced Mattie, her expression serious and full of concern. “Because if you two become friends, or worse, something more, it could complicate everything.”
Mattie shook her head. “We are just trying to be friends. Nothing more.”
“I hope that is true, for both of your sakes,” Elodie stated. “I don’t want either of you two to get hurt.”
“You are overthinking this, Elodie,” Mattie insisted.
Elodie tossed her hands up. “Or you areunderthinking this!”
Mattie rose from her seat and approached her friend. “I appreciate your concern, but it is unfounded,” she said. “Winston and I have a long way to go just to be friends.”
“You certainly appeared friendly only a moment ago,” Elodie muttered.
“Appearances can be deceiving, especially when you are eavesdropping,” Mattie teased. “Winston was only trying to comfort me during this difficult time.”
Elodie didn’t look convinced. “It seemed more than that, but I shall take you at your word.”
