Iris cracks the tiniest of smiles, but I can tell she’s still trying hard to remain serious.
“Please don’t worry about me like that. I’m only 24. IfI’m still this way at 44,thenyou can start hounding me about dusting off my cold, black heart. Okay?”
I tap her freckled nose. Though she seems unsatisfied with my compromise, she drops it. And Fia, who’s been silently observing this want-to-be come-to-Jesus moment from the other side of the couch, doesn’t have anything to add.
“Alright, now who’s up for some Bay Watch?”
“You’re ridiculous.” Iris tugs a wad of my hair. That’s always been her little way of getting her frustrations out with me. It’s cute.
KASS
I got a text from B an hour ago saying she was on her way. Now, I don’t know exactly where she lives, but I can’t imagine she’s that far from here. I’m working on a client right now, and it’s taking me way longer than it should. Probably because I keep checking the door.
“Who are you watching for?”
“No one.” I keep my head down and continue working, avoiding Raina’s questions because I’ve never successfully hid anything from her. She can read me like a book.
“Right…”
“Why are you even here? You’re supposed to be at home recovering.”
“Can’t I swing by to say hi to my favorite bosses? I miss you guys.”
"I guess that's within your basic human rights."
"Doc said I have three more weeks of physical therapy, then I should be good to work again.”
“I don’t want you rushing into it.”
“Me? Rush into things? No…I would never.”
“The sarcasm in your voice tells me that you do havesomeself-awareness.”
“I promise I won’t rush into it.”
“Good. We don’t want you to need another surgery in a couple of years.”
“Who knows, maybe I’ll be retired by the time I need surgery again.”
That has me turning off my machine and sitting up in my chair. I look over at her, sitting on my countertop like she owns the place. “Retired?”
“It’s a pipe dream, but wouldn’t that be nice?”
“You’d get too bored. Just like you are now.”
“Good point.”
Before I duck my head back down to continue working, I spot a streak of purple flying by my window. I watch to see if she comes through the front door. But then I see a kid with a purple backpack running by the window on the other side of the door.
Focusing back on my work, I shoo Raina away so I can concentrate.
Of course, right when I get in a groove, that’s the momentshechooses to walk through the door.
“Raina! Ohmygod, I didn’t think you’d be here.”
“I’m not supposed to be. But I had to come check on Kassinova over here. Make sure he didn’t burn the place down without me.”
I fight the urge to look up, not wanting to seem like I’ve been anxiously awaiting her arrival. Which I have been.
