Page 88 of Must Love Bees
“Charlie?” There was a knock on the door. It was Halley. “Are you guys awake?”
He was up and out of the bed before the door opened. “Yes.”
“Hey, Astrid.” Halley walked in, all smiles. “I love your nightgown.”
Nova ran in and jumped onto the bed. “It’s got bitty bees on it. You really love bees, don’t you, Astrid?”
He was pleased to find Astrid’s nightgown was no longer twisted around her waist.
“I certainly do.” Astrid hugged Nova to her. “Good morning.”
“Charlie, you snore.” Nova bounced up and down on the bed. “Really loud.”
He’d barely slept. How had he done any snoring?
“That’s why Mom and Charlie had separate bedrooms, Nova.” Halley adjusted her pale pink headband. “We made you breakfast. It’s ready.”
“That was very thoughtful of you.” Astrid pushed back the blankets. “I’m hungry. Let me get dressed and I’ll be right down.”
“Okay, but hurry.” Nova kept bouncing on the bed. “Get dressed, too, Charlie.”
It was disconcerting how normal this felt. All of it. “Will do.” He made a hasty exit and headed for his room.
Astrid and the girls were sitting around the table when he reached the kitchen. The table had been set and there was a sizable stack of pancakes on a platter, waiting.
“You made these?” He eyed the counter and tried not to wince at the mess. An empty pancake box lay on its side next to eggshells and a mostly empty milk container.
“We did.” Nova was so proud. “I tasted one, too, and they’re yummy.”
He sat with the clutter behind him, determined not to let it ruin their gesture. “Let’s eat.”
The food was good and the company was even better. With Astrid around, the girls were more willing to talk. It seemed they both had a lot to say that morning. He was finishing his second helping of pancakes when his phone vibrated.
“Work?” Halley frowned.
“But we’re not done with breakfast.” Nova stopped chewing her pancakes.
He held up his finger and answered the phone, fully intending to tell them he’d call later.
“Charlie?” It wasn’t work. It was Lindsay. “I thought I’d touch base. Theo can’t wait check out the town. You know him, always looking for new opportunities.”
He didn’t really know Lindsay’s husband and he didn’t want to.
“But that’s why we’re one of the top real estate developers in the state.”
He stared at his pancakes, taking slow, deep breaths. “What does this have to do with me?”
“You are my brother, Charlie. Something Dad was keen to remind me. And since he and Mom are coming, too, we should arrange some sort of family thing.” She sighed. “I mean, we should catch up with the girls.”
Absolutely not.Alarm bells were going off now.His parents were coming? His mother and Rebecca hadn’t spoken in years. There was no reason for them to come to the will reading. Or had Rebecca wanted them there? It seemed unlikely.
He glanced up, to find everyone at the table watching him. “That’s not necessary.” It was starting, he could feel it. The tension, burning the back of his throat.You can’t give up on family... Astrid’s gentle reminder flitted through his head. Right or wrong, he couldn’t face them. “Let’s stick to the plan. I’ll see you in the lawyer’s office.”
“Mom and Dad, too.” Lindsay was enjoying this.
He took a deep breath, pulling at the collar of his shirt. His father. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his father. Most memories concerning his father were boxed up, chained closed and buried deep away for his mental health’s sake. “Is Blair coming, too?”
“How the hell would I know what she’s doing?” Lindsay sighed. “Whatever. Don’t be surprised if Mom or Dad call you, though.”
