Page 2 of Housekeeping

“Do you mean another girl’s night? Honestly, I’m not sure I can handle another night like that, Laura.”

I frowned at the secrecy before me and blew out a breath to calm myself. “You know, I’ve been wondering this for a while, but something happened on that night, right? And don’t bother trying to lie. Tell me if you’ve been back to your apartment since that night.”

“I… was at my parents,” she said hesitantly. “I’ll go back to my apartment eventually, I’m just… afraid of what I’ll find there.”

“What could you possibly find in your apartment besides your things?” I asked with a growing suspicion.

There was a short silence. “I guess I’m trying to avoid someone,” she admitted, but then she continued hurriedly. “It’s nothing to worry about, though. I wanted to find Emily, so she and I could have a chat. I haven’t talked to her in a while, but I think she’s still busy with her dad.”

“Would you rather talk to her than me?” I asked, with sadness that wasn’t entirely an affectation.

“I’ve known her longer, and it’s to do with her father. I’m not sure if you heard, but he had a heart attack, or so my mom said.”

“There were rumors,” I said vaguely, figuring she didn’t need to know if she hadn't heard them yet.

Hopefully, Emily hadn't heard them either, though I did want to know the source of that information when the Thompson family was pretty good at keeping their secrets under lock and key.

“It’s because he’s sick that his sons are all back, after all. I wanted to know if he had any plans on getting better, or if the guys will be sticking around permanently.”

“Oh well,” I muttered. “I guess there’s plenty more of cleaning up after Mason in my future, then. Hopefully, the guy tones it down a bit.” I deliberately didn’t mention Trent, even though I knew he was the one son she’d have been glad not to have come back.

“He’s been behaving so far, from what I’ve heard. Maybe he’s changed?” she mused.

I chuckled. “Oh, honey, no. A guy like that wouldn’t just change so much. I bet he’s just biding his time. I’ve had too much good luck lately. Maybe it’ll happen today.”

“You probably just jinxed yourself.”

“Better to get it over with. I’m sick of this suspense of ‘will he, when will he.’ Everybody’s feeling it.” Then I grinned. “Though I can't say I’m not looking forward to it just a little.”

She hummed. “Because there’s a slight chance you get to see him at least half naked? Along with some of the pretty friends he’ll be dragging along with him?”

“There’s definitely that,” I agreed. “It makes me feel a little jealous sometimes.”

Other times, it left me so angry that there were people like that, while there were people like me who struggled with everything living in the same country.

“I know the feeling,” Jessi sighed. “I’m afraid I need to go, I’m even later for work now. You should probably hurry too.”

At her pointed statement, I checked my watch and my eyes widened.

“Shit!” I didn’t realize I’d slowed down so much while we were talking, I’d wasted more time than I’d thought. Immediately, I picked up the pace. “Will I see you today?”

“I’ll be in the kitchen. If you have the time, come by. I’ll have something for you.”

“Thank you, Jessi! I love you!” I chirped, then hung up.

I ran most of the way, stopping when I was within sight of the staff entrance before slowing down to catch my breath. I paused outside for a moment, hoping for a good day at work, then walked in.