AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When I loped down the back stairs to the kitchen, the girls were crowded around the table, asking Liza a million and one questions, just as Brody had predicted. They were happy and bubbly, talking over one another, and Mia had even climbed on her lap to let Liza brush the nighttime tangles out of her hair, which was usually something only Brody was allowed to do.
“Good morning,” I said, ruffling Cleo’s hair.
Liza gave me a long look I couldn’t interpret, but all she said was “I made coffee. Help yourself.”
So we’d be postponing our reckoning until the girls were distracted?Fine.
I went directly to the pot and poured myself a cup. But just as I pulled the mug up to my lips to take the first sip, I noticed a giant pile of luggage and boxes crowding the hallway by the front door.
I set my mug back down on the countertop.
When Liza came to visit, she stayed at a hotel. The one time she hadn’t, shortly after our divorce, things had been strained and awkward, and she’d never suggested it again.
Also, that was a monumental pile of stuff. Not a suitcase and a camera bag, like one might expect for a couple of weeks’ stay, but at least seven suitcases and two large boxes, one of which was labeled “equipment” in large black letters, and the other “house stuff.”
My heart rate accelerated. This was not “visit” luggage; it was “moving back” luggage.
I met Liza’s eyes across the kitchen. “How long are you staying?” I asked carefully. Her answer might change… everything.
She looked away. “I’m not sure. I’m looking for a new project. I’d like to find something here in California.”
“Really?” Jacey said excitedly. “Mom! That would be so cool!”
Brody had just entered the kitchen, his backpack slung over one shoulder. He froze for a beat before continuing to the coffee maker to fill his travel mug.
“Brody, this is the girls’ mother, Liza. Liza, this is Brody Kelly.” I swallowed before adding, “My husband.” Those words seemed almost too precious to share, especially after Liza’s attitude upstairs, but I was proud of my connection to Brody. I was proud that, for a while at least, I got to be his husband. Claiming him was a privilege.
Jacey turned her brilliant smile to Brody and me.
Liza inspected Brody from head to toe. She lifted her chin several inches. “I’ve heard a lot about you from the girls, Brody. But I hadn’t heard about your… relationship.” She glanced at me. “Quite the surprise.”
Brody’s cheeks turned a mottled kind of red, but he didn’t smile… or rise to her bait. “Nice to meet you finally, Liza. The girls have talked about you for years also. They love you very much.” He cleared his throat and hefted his backpack higher on his shoulder. “Well. Enjoy your day, everyone.”
“Stay,” I blurted, not wanting to part with him. “At least for pancakes.”
Liza smiled widely. “Yes, do stay. There’s plenty of room. And Grant makes the best pancakes.”
The red streaked down Brody’s neck, and his fingers tightened on his backpack strap. “I know he does. But, uh… I have work to do, so I’ll leave you to catch up.” His eyes flicked from Liza to me and then to the girls. “You all have fun.”
“We will,” Liza assured him. “Oh! Brody, before you go, could you help with my luggage? The cab driver helped me bring it into the front hall, but it’s going to require someoneyoungand strong to bring it upstairs. It’ll be nothing for a kid like you.” Her smile sharpened. “I’d appreciate it.”
Brody’s face turned beet red in an instant at the “kid” comment and then lost all color just as quickly. He glanced at me. “Upstairs? Where upstairs?”
I shook my head once. “You can’t stay here, Liza. We don’t have room. I can help you find a short-term rental, or I can ask Gwen if she has space—”
“But, Dad.” Cleo frowned. “Can’t Mom stay in Brody’s old room?”
“No,” I said, anger making the word come out more firmly than necessary. There was a tension in the air between Liza and Brody that I didn’t understand. I wasn’t quite sure what had caused it or how to interpret it, but it had blanketed Brody’s sunshine, and that was unacceptable.
“Grant, I’d really prefer to stay with myfamily,” Liza said, cuddling Mia closer, and I nearly bit my tongue against a sharp retort.
Brody gave Cleo a reassuring smile. “You’re right, sweetie. That’s a great idea. Your mom can have my room.” He looked at me. “I can just stay at Fen’s for a while.”
“Perfect,” Liza began.
“It isnotperfect,” I growled. I turned to pin Brody with a glare. “You’re not staying at Fen’s. You’re stayingherein yourhome. With me. Inourroom. Because we’remarried, remember? That’s not up for debate.”
Brody’s eyes widened, but his cheeks turned the rosy, sunset-pink color that meant everything was okay on my personal horizon. “Okay, then. I’ll… see you later.”
