Page 46 of Ice Darling
Brenda: What do you suggest?
Sasha: Nothing too crazy. Just a little nudge in the right direction.
Brenda: I’m all ears.
Chapter Seventeen
Renthrow
Why did it have to be Cordelia Davenport?
Of all the people in town, of the billions of people in the world, why isshethe one Gordie responds to during her episodes?
I dump herbs among the cut potato cubes in the pan, my thoughts whirring faster than a blender.
What is it about that stubborn, sharp-tongued, unfairly beautiful woman that has my daughter wrapped around her little finger?
I shove the potato trays into the oven, set the timer, and turn my attention to the chicken breasts. I’m assaulting the chicken with spices when the front door opens.
I look up expectantly and notice Mom has re-entered the house alone.
My voice erupts gruffly. “Where’s Gordie?”
“She’s helping Cordelia fix the car.”
I glance through the window in the living room and spot Cordelia and Gordie in the driveway.
The mechanic holds out a hand to my daughter. Gordie puts a tool in it, and Cordelia bends over the hood of my truck.
Mom floats toward me, grinning from ear to ear. “This is great, isn’t it?”
“Nothing great about it.”
“You must be joking.”
“I’m not.”
“Gordie’s improving. She’s letting someone in.”
“That woman is a stranger.”
“Thatwoman?”
“We don’t really know her.”
“She’s a sweet young lady.”
“Sweet?” I bark out a laugh. The only thing sweet about Cordelia Davenport is the scent of vanilla that follows her around, masking her thorny personality. “Have youmether?”
Mom leans back, searching my face. “You’re the one who invited her to dinner, Viking. Why are you being so combative?”
Mom’s the one who invited her to dinner, not me.
“I’m just worried about Gordie. She’s vulnerable right now. We should be cautious.”
“Cautious? You think Cordelia’s going to what? Hurt her? Let her loose on a biker gang?”
“She does ride a Harley,” I snarl.
