Page 51 of My Favorite Secret
“Hey,” Killian says. From the sarcasm in his voice, I can tell he’s trying to lighten the mood. “We’ve got Dad’s money too.”
I laugh at the depressing comment and how Killian’s joke is actually the truth.
“Blackwood brothers hug,” Tyler announces.
The four of us huddle. We’re never affectionate like this, but I don’t shy away from the moment. It reinstates that mybrothers are the most important people in this world to me, along with Harper, and it’s my job to take care of them all.
Killian’s sarcastic tone comes out again. “Loving that Dan’s not wearing a shirt right now.”
The four of us laugh. I know we’re going to be okay.
As for Harper… It’s time for me and Tyler to get back to our girl.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
HARPER
“Honey, you have a visitor waiting for you in the living room.” Dad stands at my bedroom door, sounding surprisingly positive as he turns my light on.
I cringe at the sudden brightness and pull the blanket over my head. “No more visitors. Please.”
It’s been two weeks without Mom. The first week was filled with tears. The second has been an influx of family and Mom’s friends visiting us to offer their condolences. The funeral is tomorrow and I just want this all over with so the constant socializing and forced pleasantries can stop.
“Your visitor has a beautiful bouquet of roses for you,” Dad continues.
If my visitor is Paul Ferguson, so help me. I don’t mind being his friend, but the roses make it sound like his whole reason for visiting is to swoon me.
“I’m too sad to speak with anyone,” I call from beneath my blanket.
“Honey, Paul has made a special effort to visit you. I know you’re going through a lot, but I’d appreciate if youcould say hello to him for five minutes. Do it for me, please. He’s my boss’s son. He won’t overstay his welcome.”
“Fine,” I groan, kicking my blanket off. “Five minutes. Give me a moment to freshen up.”
I crawl out of bed and head to my bathroom, splashing water on my face and combing my hair. I’ve been in pajamas all day and throw on the first dress I find, lilac and mid-thigh length. Tyler bought it for me last year on my birthday. It’s one of my favorites, not because it’s pretty but because Tyler picked it out for me.
I check the time on my phone, impatiently waiting for Tyler and Felix to return home from school. They said it would be a quick visit to speak with teachers and collect work to complete at home. I’m surprised Felix went in at all.
It’s four o’clock, which puts me at ease, knowing I won’t have long to wait before they’re back. Tyler and Felix are all that’s keeping me together right now. The three of us are rarely apart.
Considering our grief, I wouldn’t classify our time together as fun. But their constant company is healing. We hold hands while I sit between them, watching movies. They help me care for the plants on Mom’s rooftop garden. We’ve even been cooking together.
I haven’t been back to Felix’s room again. I spend a lot of time thinking about that night we shared. From the way I catch him looking at me, I know he thinks about it too. But he’s giving me the space I need to deal with Mom’s death.
Some nights when I can’t sleep, I visit my father in his room and the two of us talk about Mom until I fall asleep next to him. Other nights, Tyler will hold me in his arms to help me sleep.
Last night was the best. I fell asleep in my bed withFelix and Tyler on either side of me. When I woke up, the three of us were hugging. My hair was wrapped around Felix’s fist again. Tyler had my leg hiked around his waist.
Bracing myself for this interaction with Paul, I take a deep breath and head to the living room, finding my dad, Paul, and his parents—Holly and Samuel—sitting on the couches. I give them all a polite smile. They offer their condolences which is kind, but I’d rather be left alone. I don’t know these people. I’ve met Holly and Samuel a couple of times over the last few months at Dad’s work functions. As for Paul, I could count the number of times I’ve met him on one hand.
I’m creeped out at the way Paul is looking at me right now, like I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. It’s inappropriate, given the somber reason for his visit.
The few times I’ve met Samuel, we’ve probably spoken ten words to each other. He’s a powerful man on Wall Street and doesn’t pay much attention to me. He’s the kind of man who holds a room just by being present.
Holly is a homemaker and invests a lot of time volunteering in charity events. She’s always been lovely to me but she’s still only an acquaintance.
Paul stands from the couch and hugs me. “Hey, beautiful. How are you holding up?” He hugs me for a little too long and with his hand too low on my spine.
His brown eyes are tender and his voice is soft, filled with concern. He’s average in the looks department but is not the kind of guy I’m attracted to.
