Page 42 of Healing Eleanor

Lily cracks her knuckles dramatically. “To be fair, you’re the one who asked me to ask Nik and Mama Rina if they wanted to come over tonight. You said to let you know ASAP, and… well, I was doing just that.”

Evelyn pinches the bridge of her nose. “Lily, do you not remember what happened last time? Or should I remind you that you knocked over a seven-year-old boy and gave him a goose egg?”

“Mom—”

“I’m not finished. His mother came to me, demanding to know why a grown woman flattened her son. I had to offer her free counseling for a week just to keep the peace.”

Grace and Austin are doubled over in their seats laughing.

“Let’s not forget the time when Lily was sprinting through the school hall and tripped my English teacher,” Grace spouts between giggles. “Or when—”

“That’s enough, Grace,” Lily interjects, giving her a death glare that promises vengeance.

“Okay, children,” Richard announces firmly. “Lily, please, no more running, unless you want a lawsuit. And Grace, let’s not air out every embarrassing story.” He shifts to me. “As you were saying, Nik. Tell us about Eleanor.”

I pause, chewing the inside of my cheek. “There’s not much to tell, except she auditioned today and she’s good.”

Evelyn arches her brow. “I wasn’t born yesterday, Nik. I know that look on your face,” she gestures to me with her fork. “Come on, tell us what you’re thinking.”

I shift my weight, debating if I want to say more. Evelyn is perceptive, which she has to be, given it’s a part of her job. I just don’t like those tactics being used on me. “She reminds me of Daria. I can’t explain it, but when I was watching her reels with Kasper, I just felt something… like she was different.”

Mama gives me a subtle side-eye. “She reminded you of Daria? How so?”

“The way she carried herself, and she had that same look in her eye,” I say slowly. “I don’t know how to explain it, but when I was watching her, it just felt like she belonged there.”

Everyone looks at me with different expressions. Austin seems thoughtful. Grace’s eyes brighten. A faint smile tugs at Evelyn’s mouth behind her napkin. Richard grins, dragging a hand through his beard. Lily pinches her lips together to hide her smile, and I can’t read Mama. I’m officially confused by all of them.

I never speak about Daria, so their reactions throw me off.

“What’s she like?” Evelyn asks, genuinely interested.

Before I can answer, Lily jumps in. “She’s pretty. Blonde hair, brown eyes, and legs for days. Totally Nik’s type.” She winks at me.

Lord, please take me now.

Evelyn’s brows lift toward Lily. “Lillian. I asked Nik what he thought. Not you.” Her gaze shifts back to me. “So tell us, what’s she like, dear?”

Lily rolls her eyes, ignoring her mother. “Oh come on, Nik. Don’t deny that she’s your type.”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “I—I guess?” I choke out.

What is happening right now? I don’t know whether to be irritated or uncomfortable. Maybe both.

Evelyn fixes Lily with a sharp look. “My darling, Lily, if you don’t shut your—”

Before Evelyn can finish, Richard speaks. “Enough of that. Lily, given Nik’s role, it’s inappropriate for him to answer such a question.” His eyes shift to mine. “You can just ignore Lily, Nik.”

“I usually do,” I mumble under my breath.

Reaching behind Mama, Lily smacks my arm. “Rude.”

I rub my arm dramatically. “Ow.” I smirk at her.

“Children,” Mama says between us. “Let Nik tell us about the audition.”

My gaze moves around the table, everyone’s eyes fixed on me. “I mean… I just said she reminded me of my dead sister…” I stop short, not knowing if I should continue, the heat of their stares making my palms sweat.

Grace rests her chin in her hand, grinning at me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so troubled over a girl, Nik.”