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Stone-cold Abigail.
He missed her so much, and this search for his father wasn't nearly as meaningful without having someone to share in the progress. He'd gone to see the old groundskeeper, but the man couldn't remember what sort of art Calliope created, much less who she dated... though he could remember lots of meaningless facts about Simeon and the way the wild violets bloomed about the cabins. Essentially Leif's trip out to the Desadier house had proved a waste of time.
So that left Cal's uncle Everett.
Leif had done research on the senator, trying to decipher from the publicity photos on the internet if he looked anything like the distinguished politician. Other than the fact they had the same height and build, Leif couldn't find any clues as to whether the man could possibly be his father.
"Well, I wondered about you," Hilda drawled, answering the door wearing an expensive-looking pantsuit and small gold ballet flats that bore a designer's logo. She turned without saying another word, leaving the door open. He followed her into the parlor and found her sitting on the pink settee, long arms draped over the back, making her look all-knowing and all-powerful. "Why weren't you at the meeting?"
"None of your business," he said.
"Ha, well, that could mean a great many things. Maybe you had a bad case of flatulence from eating all those vegan things. Or perhaps progress is going smoothly with the art judging. Or you're close to finding your father... or you're avoiding Abigail. Tell me. Which is it?"
Leif smiled. "None of your business."
She laughed and picked up a goblet of red wine from the side table. Then she studied him, her eyes assessing before giving a toothy smile. "I do like you, Mr. Lively."
"So you've said," he replied setting the papers she needed to sign on the coffee table. "I need some signatures on the hotel check."
"Avoiding the question, I see," Hilda said, picking up the folder and leafing through. "By the way, Cal was here.”
"Was he? Smashing,” Leif drawled a la Hilda.
''And Abigail.”
"Of course she was. She likes meetings and colored tabs and making spreadsheets.” Even though he was flippant, jealousy rose in him. He could see Abigail and Cal sitting together, looking like they fit each other, both with dark sleek hair, prominent jaws, and a sense of belonging to the world around them. Oh, and there was whole having a daughter together that united them.
Maybehe should have done as Birdie suggested and step aside earlier. Abigail might have accepted Cal's renewed interest. Without Leif popping her buttons, she may have relented. Leif had trotted into Abigail’s world as if he belonged. She had known he didn't. That's why she hadn't wanted anything more than sex.
And though his heart and body craved a different ending, his mind could sift through the facts and conclude that staying away from Abigail was for the best.
Hilda cleared her throat. "So if I get nothing on dear Abi, why not tell me about the search for you father? Or is that, too, none of my business?”
"Well, I've pared the list down to one name. After that, it will be back to the drawing board. Or maybe I’ll just forget all about figuring out my beginnings.”
''And who is this final possibility?”
Leif hesitated for a second, then decided Hilda's reaction might be telling. ''Everett Orgeron."
"Whoa. Now that's something," she breathed.
"He's the only other guy Carla Stanton mentioned my mother knew or dated."
"Does Abigail know?"
''No, why would she?"
"Because she loves you?"
Leif gave a wry laugh. "I don't think so, Hilda. But nice try. Abigail and I are no longer engaging in the undoing of buttons, zippers, or snaps.”
''Oh, dear. You must tell Auntie Hilda what in the hell is going on."
Leif shook his head. ''Nothing to tell. I'm essentially at the plate with an oh-two count."
"That's a piss-poor attitude from a determined man."
Leif looked at the dog, who ambled in wearing a duck sweater. "Hilda, no offense, because I really think you're the bomb diggity, but you don't know me. As much as I sometimes want to belong here, I don't. I learned long ago that I am not made to stick. I end up hurting people when I even try.”
