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“Not sure it’s much of a ‘home’ at the moment,” I said, glancing around at all the blank walls and stacks of boxes.
I wasn’t sure anywhere felt like home anymore.
“It will be,” she said with confidence. And somehow, I believed her.
“Speaking of…why are you here? What are you doing inmyhouse?”
“In all fairness, I didn’t know it wasyourhouse. I had no idea you’d moved. Besides, everything was addressed to an LLC.”
I nodded. “That was my lawyer’s idea. Asset protection.”
She was quiet a moment, and I waited for her to answer my question. But she didn’t.
“So…?” I prodded.
“The Hartwell Agency placed me,” she said.
I narrowed my eyes at her. We both knew she was dodging the question. I wanted to know why.
The last thing I remembered Jude telling me was that Kendall was moving across the country. As my mind raced through possible scenarios for why she hadn’t, my expression softened as concern took precedence.
“Are you okay? I know you and Jude aren’t together anymore, but I always liked you, Kendall.”
“Thank you.” She dipped her head. “And, yes. I’m okay.”
“I—Jude—thought you were moving.”
“I was.” She lifted her shoulder, her expression both wistful and somehow pained.
My memories of Kendall couldn’t compete with reality. They dulled in comparison to how beautiful and vibrant she was in person. Her light brown hair flowing down her back and over her shoulders. Those soulful hazel eyes that both saw too much and said too little.
“Does he know you stayed?”
“No.” She shook her head, clutching the blanket to her. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell him. Just…for now,” she tacked on, though the words were said with some reluctance.
I considered it a moment, not sure what to make of her request. I didn’t think things had ended badly between the two of them. But the fact that she hadn’t told Jude she’d stayed, well, I didn’t know how to interpret that.
I wondered how Jude would react to the news. He was dating someone new—Christine or Chrishell or something. He hadn’t introduced us yet, so I didn’t get the impression it was that serious. But it had been with Kendall; Kendall had been important to him.
“I shouldn’t—” she started. Stopped. Then swallowed hard. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you for that. Besides, I’m sure he’ll come over at some point.”
I shook my head. “He knows I have a house sitter, so he doesn’t have any reason to stop by.” Even so, I didn’t like lying to my son, especially without good reason. “Can I ask why it’s so important to you? Not telling him.”
“I just—” She blew out a breath, her lips forming a perfect “o.” “My life is complicated at the moment.”
I briefly wondered if the move to New York had been a ruse or an excuse. I didn’t realize I’d said as much until she barked out a laugh and said, “I wish.”
“What, then?” I asked, concern churning my gut.
I told myself I was being protective because she was younger than me. Because she’d once been attached to Jude. And as a father—as his father—I felt somehow responsible for her. But I knew my feelings toward Kendall had nothing to do with Jude.
When she said nothing, I added, “Come on. If I’m going to keep your secret, at least give me something.” I was teasing, sort of.
Selfishly, I wanted to know what was going on. Ineededto know she was okay.
“My mom has cancer,” she blurted.
I stilled but quickly recovered. “I’m sorry, Kendall.”
