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“Oh…”
“So, anyway. I’m just about to finish, and this idiot calls, trying to sell me a timeshare somewhere in Boca. Little did this woman know I was knee-deep in—”
“No,” I groan, remembering when Eric’s voice changed during the call, and I thought it was super odd. “That’s rude and disrespectful to the person on the other end.”
“What’s rude is calling me when I’m about to come!”
“Okay, okay.” I throw my hands up in the air. “I get your point. I forgot to ask, why the visit?”
“Can’t an uncle visit his niece to ensure she’s okay? I’m glad I did, or I’d be the last to find out.”
“That’s nice of you. Though, I know you’re a big fat liar. You only came for the college boys.”
Eric fakes a smile, then stands to glance at the mirror to fix his hair. “Guilty. Now, let’s talk about the guy working the coffee cart. He is delicious. I could eat him up.”
“He’s straight, married, and has a kid on the way.”
“What? My radar has been so off lately.”
“Must be old age,” I tease.
“You wash your mouth out with soap, young lady. I do not look a day over thirty-five.”
“Oh.” I laugh. “Now, you’re thirty-five? What happened to not looking a day over thirty?”
“I’m learning to adjust to reality.”
I burst out laughing again. “Reality is telling people your real age.”
“I’m vain. What can I say?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head with a grin. “You’ll always be my vain Uncle Eric trying to hit on college guys to see if you still have it.”
“And, of course, darling, I still do.”
NINE
ALEXA
“Alexa,” Mom greets with a warm smile.
I lean to hug her but try my best to keep my distance, or else she’ll know. The maneuver proves challenging, but I manage, and she doesn’t seem to notice.
As I pull back, Mom looks extra relaxed and tanned. Maybe, I should have thought this through properly because she’s about to get the shock of her life.
“Hi, Mom. You look nice and tanned from your holiday.”
“It was unusually warm for this time of the year,” she informs me, then reaches her hands out. “Would you like me to hang your coat?”
“Um, I’m actually a bit cold, so I might keep it on until I warm up.”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
I follow her to the dining room, where Dad is already sitting at the table. The moment his gaze falls upon me, his matching emerald eyes light up. Oh, how I wish I could capture his warmth for just this moment, knowing I was about to bust his happy bubble.
“Alexandra,” he calls softly. “Look at you. College suits you.”
“Ah. Thanks, Dad.”
