Page 137 of Into These Eyes
As I head home, it vibrates again.
Jamie: Be prepared. She tends to say whatever’s on her mind.
Me: Good for her.
Jamie: I’ll remind you of that when she offends and embarrasses us both.
Before I know it, I’m standing at the front door, suddenly not sure if I should let myself in.
I opt to give Anika some respect by knocking.
A stampede of feet and what I think is a yelp come from inside. Then the door swings open to reveal Jamie in her usual morning attire before she gets ready for work. Except for once, and to my disappointment, her robe is securely tied in front.
“Why are you knocking?” she asks, opening the door wider.
Anika appears at her side and shoves herself between us.
“May I help you?” she enquires, her lips performing a strange little twist, which I can only presume is an attempt to keep from grinning.
“Hi, I’m Gavin Lake. And I’m hoping I still live here,” I play along. Extending my hand, I wait.
Anika gives me the once-over before uncrossing her arms and taking my hand. “Anika Evans.”
We shake, and I apply the same amount of pressure she’s giving me. It’s a challenge I don’t back down from. We stare at each other, our grasps tightening, bordering just a millimetre shy of painful. Smirking, she releases my hand.
“Well, since this house is half mine, you’d better come in so we can see about whether or not you’ll continue to live here.”
I don’t miss the fact that she’s made sure I’m aware she has one up on me. Although Jamie won’t tell her the truth about their father’s wishes, I’m mindful that soon enough itwillbelong to them both.
Thirsty, I head into the kitchen, noting the half empty bottle of wine and the two empty glasses on the breakfast bar. By the time I grab myself a glass, add some ice, and fill it with water, I turn to find the two women seated on the other side of the breakfast bar, staring at me.
Anika bumps Jamie’s elbow. “He sure acts as if he’s at home.”
“That’s because heishome,” Jamie says, her eyes on me. “And that won’t be changing.”
“Don’t be shy,” Anika says. “Come over here so I can get a good look at you, Gavin Lake.” As I lean on the breakfast bar, she sucks in a little gasp. “Gavin Lake,” she muses, tapping a finger to her chin before turning to Jamie. “Didn’t you make up some rhyme about him? Something like—”
“Don’t,” Jamie warns.
“No need for a recital. I’ve already heard it.” I look at Jamie and wait for her eyes to meet mine. “It even saved me from getting into some trouble earlier.”
In my peripheral vision, I see Anika glancing from me to Jamie and back again.
“Well, look at you two,” she croons. “Already having private conversations with your eyes. How sweet.” Leaning to the side, she gags.
“For God’s sake, Ank. Is that what they taught you at the academy?” Jamie chastises.
I wink at her, enjoying this new mama-bear side of her.
“Alright, alright,” Anika says, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Taking in her dirty blonde hair and brown eyes, I can see the similarity between the sisters, but they’re also very different. Even though Anika’s a stranger to me, there’s something familiar about her. Shaking it off, I put it down to recognising her from those home videos Jamie showed me.
I might not know her, but I already understand something. Jamie had her hands full raising her. She’s not some well-behaved, obedient daughter. She’s full of spirit and, from what I know about her relationship with her father, she’s also hurting.
After she offers to refill Jamie’s wine glass, she pours herself another, takes a grimacing gulp, puts it down and nails me with her eyes. Which has a strange, unnerving effect on me.
“So, Gavin Lake,” she begins, “I owe you an apology.”
