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Hunter nods too. “Wynters.” Ah, the strange familiarity of men in business. So withholding for no reason at all.
“I see you’re having some festivities, and I–”
“It’s Easter,” Kira interrupts. “Do you celebrate?”
He frowns and then looks at his smartwatch. “Ah. I suppose it is. Then I’m doubly sorry for interrupting.”
This guy is such a workaholic he doesn’t even know when major holidays are? Yeesh.
“I have some contracts that need signing by end of day. Forgive me for the intrusion,” he explains, then holds the folder out to Kira.
Kira is red in the face. I can’t tell if it’s from shame, anger, or something else entirely. She opens the folder and scans the documents. “You got a–”
Before she can even finish what she’s saying, Orlie whips out a pen from his jacket pocket. I’m sure I’d have to sell my soul for that pen too.
“Thank you,” Kira grumbles.
We all watch as she goes through the documents, Orlie occasionally pointing out where to sign. It’s awkward, especially with the thrilling laugh of children in the background. When we can no longer take the silence, Kent pipes up. “Say, Orlie, why don’t you stick around? I’m sure we can fit another chair at the table. And if I know Dana, she’s made the best Easter dinner you could possibly imagine.”
“I had a lot of help,” she says with a sheepish smile my way.
“I was just the sous chef; she was the brains of the operation.” After all, I can barely make a cookie without setting off the smoke alarm.
Orlie appraises each of us individually before lowering his gaze back to the contract. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid I have a flight to catch.”
“Work or pleasure?” Kent says with a half-smile.
“Work,” Kira answers on behalf of Orlie as if they’re some old married couple. She slaps the folder shut and then realizes what she’s done. “Um, I mean, sorry, I just assumed.”
Orlie takes the folder. Is that the beginning of a smile on his lips? The tight curve right at the corner? Or maybe it’s just a figment of my imagination. A guy like that doesn’t smile unless he’s being held against his will and tickled. “You’d be correct in your assumption, Kira. Thank you.”
“Where you off to?” Kent continues.
Kira whips around toward him, a sneer on her lips.Quit it.
Note to future self: don’t ask too many questions of my child’s friends or acquaintances in order to not receive wrath.
“Business in China. Will be back by Wednesday.”
“Now, that’s quite a turnaround! You don’t even do that, do you, Vic?” Kent says, his brown eyes glowing as they take in Victoria.
“All part of the job,” Orlie says with a tight nod. I wonder what’s behind those dark sunglasses. Black holes of capitalism maybe. He clears his throat. “Anyway, let me offer an apology once more for my intrusion. Have a happy…holiday.”
Everyone says their goodbyes, except for Kira who stares after him as he retreats to the car.
“Poor driver has to work on easter,” Amy mutters.
“Not everyone celebrates Easter, Amy,” Dana says.
The youngest Solace rolls her eyes. “Wow, I had no idea.”
Once the car pulls down the street, we all wait for Kira’s reaction. She remains nonplussed. Or tries to. “Why are you all looking at me?”
“That was…” Dana looks to me. I look back, unsure how to give her the word she’s trying to find. “Odd.”
“Odd. That’s a good way to put it,” Kent says.
Kira waves her hand through the air. “You’re being dramatic. I’m sorry if it interrupted your holiday.”
