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“It was good. Long and busy. How about yours?”
“Short and relaxing,” she said.
“I think I’d prefer your day over mine,” he said.
“Nah. You got to see your family. How was your aunt? You did go to her house today, right?”
She knew that had been the plan and they were both curious what might happen there.
“I did. It was actually my Uncle Gavin who said the most.”
“Really?” she asked. “And what was that?”
“He alluded to not being sure if he enjoyed watching my aunt spin her wheels and needed to know if he should prepare for it longer.”
She laughed. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him a lot longer. He laughed with me. He understands more than anyone else. I love my aunt. She has a good record, but not everyone wants to have their partner picked out for them.”
“I know,” she said. “I’m good with keeping this quiet for a while. I’ll take your lead and not be upset or offended that not many know. My mother knows though. You’re aware of that.”
She’d told him she didn’t keep secrets from her mother and he’d had no problem with it.
“I’m glad you understand. I don’t want you to think anything negative about it. And we’ve said, we’ve noticed each other before my aunt started to get any ideas in her head. She’s been focused on my cousin Liam for the past year. But with his engagement, she’s turned her full attention on me.”
Kendra knew Liam got engaged a few months ago in October to Margo West. Margo worked for Liam in the pub kitchen. Jolene had been bragging she’d set the two of them up, but she’d recently heard a rumor that wasn’t the case. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” he said.
“Is it true that Liam and Margo knew each other years ago and had a history or something? That your aunt really didn’t set them up or introduce them?”
“It is true. I’m not sure of all the details, but they did know each other. I think they dated briefly, but Liam isn’t one to say much. Guys don’t talk about those things. I know because it was this big joke that they’d kept it from my aunt.”
“So you aren’t the only one that is going to do it?”
“Nope. I think that is where I got the idea from too. They did tell her and the first thing my aunt said was she still got credit because she brought them back together.”
“Well, she isn’t wrong.”
“Don’t take her side,” he said. There was a lot of humor in his voice and it warmed her up on this cold day.
“Did your mother like her trip?”
“She loved it,” he said. “I redeemed myself in my family’s eyes by doing that too.”
“I think they enjoy busting on you without cause,” she said. It reminded her of what her mother had said. That Ivan was like her in that for those you love and care for, money and time mean nothing. It showed Ivan’s character to her.
“You’re probably right. How about your mother? Did she like her gifts?”
She’d told Ivan she got her mother a lot of small things. There was nothing her mother wanted or needed. Kendra either, but her mother still managed to surprise her with some pretty clothing and earrings. Lotions and makeup, some perfume. Things she wouldn’t buy herself and would consider a splurge.
“She did. She likes to be comfortable so I got her a few pairs of leggings and shirts. She’s big into audiobooks so that was an easy gift card too. It was a good day.”
No reason she’d bring up the talk about her father. She had to move past that crap and not dwell on it.
“That is all that matters then. I’m going to be in the office on Wednesday. I thought I’d let you know. I’ll be meeting with Ella after The Five have their weekly meeting. Mason will be there too with Jessica for it. I’m sure Ella will tell you. She commented on having you in on it.”
“Then I get to see you twice this week,” she said.
