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Jane informs me in a firm voice, “I won’t be the one to tell you.”
“Oh, come on. Why not?” I ask in amused disbelief.
“It’s a really sad story and Logan doesn’t deal well with it at all,” Jane says, “It’s better if you don’t bring it up.”
“Okay,” I shrug and decide to drop it.
“And your classes, Joyce?” Jane asks with concern. “Is my brother allowing you to go to school?”
“Why wouldn’t he?” I laugh, “On the other hand, I did end up late to my classes this week…”
“I’ll have a talk with him for you,” she taps my thigh, now turning another left to get onto the road access to Mr. Bardin’s neighborhood.
The Bardins live on a quiet, secluded corner of the Villas. They are neighbors to no one. Even though it seems fitting for Mr. Bardin’s personality, I worry about Anna.
“How can Anna even make a friend living so far away from the other houses?” I say just as we arrive.
“Eh, I lived here too, remember?” Jane locks the car. “You get along fine with get-togethers and play dates at the park and with friends from school. It’s not that bad.”
“You have good memories from your childhood?” I ask her carefully, opening the front door with my own copy of the key.
“Tragedy aside, yes,” she bobs her head around as we enter the foyer. I know she is trying to stay positive, but I catch it when her eyes tear up a little.
She continues, “Logan was stern and was busy with college then work, but he was a good role model and taught me the importance of good grades and hard work. I had a nanny too, but I didn’t love her as much as Anna loves you.”
“Joyce!” Anna cries happily.
“Anna, don’t run!” I hear Mr. Bardin yell.
But she runs anyway, darting downstairs to come jump into my arms.
“How are you doing, sunshine?” I twirl her around, her little feet flying in the air.
“Good! I’ve been brushing my teeth extra good like you said so I don’t get any more cavities,” Anna opens her mouth wide so I can see them in detail.
“Oh! That’s wonderful!” I lift her up and kiss her on the cheek then put her back on the ground.
Mr. Bardin casually walks down the stairs and looks at us with a small smile that he is trying to hide. He informs me, “It’s Saturday and Anna has nothing planned. Just take her to the park to play, then makes sure she gets her lunch and entertain her until I get back.”
“Hi, Logan,” Jane waves to make herself seen.
“Oh hi, Jane,” he says, walking past us, “Came to spend the day?”
“Since you can’t,” she shrugs. “Where are you going anyway?”
“Attending brunch with some high-profile clients.”
He’s almost out the door when Jane forces him to stop, “Do you really have to go? Don’t you have agents who can meet with clients for you?”
Mr. Bardin turns to look at her quizzically, “I do have to go. My presence is requested a lot for these types of deals.”
He then turns his back on us, and he calls out before walking out the door, “Goodbye, baby!”
“Goodbye, daddy!” Anna says, blowing him a kiss.
But the kiss goes unnoticed. He closes the door behind him, and the three of us are left looking at each other, unsure of what to do or say.
My first instinct is to go into wild giggles, but I hold back for the sake of little Anna.
