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Everleigh dropped her gaze, taking a deep breath. “And nobody told me? I’m your sister.”
The hurt in her voice was unmistakable, and Archer flinched. “The guys helped. I was fine. And I didn’t want you to worry unnecessarily.” His voice was gruff, and his hold on my hand tightened.
“Worry me unnecessarily? Are you kidding me? You could have died.” Ever’s voice had taken on a high pitch. “There was once a time when you wouldn’t have hesitated to call me.”
If this continued, they’d start arguing in front of Sofie. I’d known them both long enough to be able to read the signs.
So I put on a cheery smile and towed Archer to the kitchen counter, steering him to one of the bar stools. “Who wants coffee?”
They both nodded, and Archer took a seat, the relieved expression on his face at taking his weight off his leg hard to miss. I found the painkillers I kept above the stove and pushed them his way.
He popped two pills out and washed them down with the water I’d set in front of him. Then I made three coffees while everyone except Sofie sat in silence. She was chattering away while Everleigh finished doing her hair.
I handed out the drinks, then sat down on the bar stool next to Archer. “Sorry I slept in this morning. I meant to finish the painting I was working on with Sofie today.”
Everleigh smiled at me, her first genuine, happy smile this morning. “Don’t worry about it. When you didn’t come over to the house like you usually do I figured you were still sleeping. But I have amazing news and couldn’t wait any longer to tell you. And Sofie wanted to come along.”
Sofie jumped up, half hanging over the back of the couch so she could see me better. “You have a showing at an art gallery in four weeks.”
I set down my coffee cup that had been halfway to my mouth. “Say what?”
Sofie climbed over the back of the couch and, after landing with a loud thump, ran up to me.
Everleigh stood up as well. “Remember my old colleague Joanie?”
I nodded, dimly remembering a red-haired pixie with more energy than Sofie.
“After she left her job, she opened an art gallery in San Diego. We kind of stayed in touch over the years. She always invites me to her openings, and I’m doing her books for her.”
“Okay. But how does that lead to me getting a spot at an art gallery?”
“I mentioned your name and showed her some of your paintings. She loved them. And she wants to meet with you this week to discuss details.” Everleigh handed me a business card. “Call her when you get a chance. She’s excited to see more of your paintings.”
I hadn’t noticed Sofie taking my hand, but now she was waving it up and down excitedly, moving my whole body on the stool. “Can I wear my pink dress? Mama says if you say yes, then I can come as well.”
Hugging her to me, I looked at her braid with unfocused eyes. “Of course you can. But I have to talk to Everleigh’s friend first. She might change her mind.”
“She won’t.” Everleigh sounded firm, like there wasn’t a doubt in her mind. “She can’t wait to see them in person.”
“Hang on. How has she seen them at all?”
Everleigh shrugged, looking at me from beneath lowered lashes. “I might have asked William to send me photos.”
Groaning at the fact that she’d involved William, I buried my head in my hands. “I’m surprised he hasn’t called me yet, asking where he needs to deliver the paintings.”
“I asked him to wait until I talked to you.”
“Great. Just great.” Biting down on my bottom lip, I sighed. “What if this doesn’t work out, though?”
“It will.”
She glanced at the clock and picked up Sofie, who’d climbed up on my lap and was playing with my phone. “Come on, beautiful girl. Let’s give Auntie Thea and Uncle Archer a chance to wake up properly. You can help me make apple pie.”
Grumbling, Sofie slid off my lap. She turned and hugged me, then hesitated a moment before hugging Archer as well. The gesture took him off guard, his arms hanging by his sides, then hovering over Sofie’s back but not quite touching her.
She was skipping out of the house before he could make up his mind.
Everleigh kissed my cheek and waved at Archer. “You want to catch up later?”
