Page 20 of Unburied

She offered a small smile. “I understand. It was a surprise for me, too.”

Elijah gestured to the cushion next to her. “Do you mind if I sit?”

“Of course not.” She tugged a throw pillow out of the way and tossed it to the side to make room for him.

“Thanks.” He fell silent for a minute, and his gaze snagged on the plaque she’d set on the coffee table. “Shame.”

“I know.” She watched him as he studied it, a sad expression on his face. “I’m going to get some glue and fix it up.”

He threw a little smile her way. “She would like that.”

Silence descended for a minute before he spoke again. “My mother loves you like her own. After Christine…” He gave his head a little shake. “Having you around breathed life back into her.”

“She means the world to me,” Vivi said, meaning it with her whole heart. “She was the only real parent I’ve ever had.”

“I know.” He turned a sad smile her way. “You deserve to have the house. I’m sure this wasn’t what you had planned for yourself after college, but I’m glad she has you around. I just… I hope you’ll keep it.”

A sharp little pang ricocheted through her heart. She didn’t really have a choice. She couldn’t in good conscience sell it, and neither could she leave Ellen. She was stuck here for the time being. It was incredibly uncharitable of her to even consider it. Ellen was all she had left, aside from Knox. She couldn’t risk moving away and something happening.

She knew Knox went to see Ellen from time to time, but he’d never been as close to her as Vivi had. Though Vivi had lived with Ellen for a little over ten years, Knox had spent that time in the Marines. He’d dedicated his time to serving their country, coming home only once or twice a year to check on Vivi before shipping out again. He’d never really had a chance to get to know her the way Vivi had. It was Vivi’s obligation to take care of Ellen now the way she’d taken her in and cared for her.

He glanced around at the boxes piled around the room. “What do you plan to do with everything?”

“Put it in storage.” She couldn’t get rid of it. She knew Ellen probably wouldn’t mind, but she couldn’t part with everything just yet.

He nodded. “Thank you for doing all of this. You’ve had to take on a lot, and I can’t imagine how hard it is for you.”

She lifted one shoulder. “It’s not so bad.”

Elijah studied her for a moment like he knew full well she was lying but wasn’t willing to dispute her statement. “Well, if you ever need anything, you know where to find me.”

“I appreciate it,” she said, meaning it.

“Anyway.” He placed his palms on his thighs, then pushed to his feet. “I just wanted to stop by and apologize, see how you were doing.”

She followed suit and hopped up, then headed for the front door. “I appreciate it.”

He jerked a thumb toward the boxes. “If you need any help with that, let me know.”

“I will, thanks.”

Elijah wrapped one arm around her shoulders in a quick, friendly hug. “Good to see you, Vivi. I’m glad you’re back.”

“Thanks.” She smiled and sent up a little wave as he headed out to his car, dodging the raindrops that still fell steadily outside.

Once he was gone, she closed and locked the door then turned to the boxes stacked around the room. No time like the present, right?

She pushed off the door, then grabbed her phone and pulled up her favorite playlist, cranking the music as she went to work boxing up reminders of the past.

CHAPTER

TWELVE

Mason led the way into the conference room, then gestured to the table. “Please, have a seat.”

Mrs. Morrison slid into the seat closest to the door, her entire body tight with tension. Taking the seat across from her, Mason set the manila folder on the table between them. Her eyes were drawn to the folder, and he watched as her knuckles turned white where she clutched her purse in her lap.

He slid it her way. “I was able to do what you asked.”