Page 95 of Double Take
James’ stomach rumbled at the word, and she laughed on her way to the door. Kenzie walked in, followed by Kristine. Moments later Lainie stepped into the room, dressed in sweats, damp hair hanging around her shoulders. When she saw her friends, she burst into tears.
KENZIE RUSHED TO HERside to wrap her in an awkward one-armed hug. “Lainie?”
Lainie sniffed and laughed. “Sorry, it’s just been a minute since we’ve all gotten together, not to mention all the crazy that’s been going on in my life, and I’ve missed you all desperately.” But she’d been too afraid of putting them at risk by spending time with them.
And yet, here they were. With pizza. Instead of dwelling on the fact that it might not be safe for them to be with her, she decided to appreciate the moments they were there. And besides, she had a veritable army outside Jesslyn’s home. She was safe and so were they. For now.
Kenzie bypassed the den and carried the food into the kitchen while Kristine lugged a bag of drinks and, no doubt, some kind of chocolate confection she’d baked. Jesslyn rushed past them. “I’m starving.”
Lainie and the others followed more slowly. “What are you guys doing here? And Kris? Thought you were in the air?”
Kris, standing at the refrigerator, looked back over her shoulder,her black hair swinging in a shiny wave against her back. Her dark eyes and white teeth flashed with a smile. “My two flights today were canceled, so I hopped in the car and came here. The airline has a lot of unhappy passengers, but I’m happy for me, so...” She lifted her hands in a “what can you do” gesture.
Kenzie reached for plates in the cabinet next to the sink. “We invited Steph and Allison too, but Steph is still with”—she shot a look at James, who’d stepped up behind Lainie—“mostof her family at the lake and Allison is working.”
“Allison is always working,” Lainie said. She noticed how Kenzie’s eyes fell on Cole, who now stood next to James.
Kenzie cleared her throat. “Oh. Cole. Didn’t realize you’d still be here.”
“I am.”
“So I see.” She tilted her head. “You ever plan on coming back to work?”
“When I’m sure my friends are safe. I have plenty of vacation time built up. How’s it going?”
Kenzie narrowed her eyes while Lainie’s gaze flipped back and forth between the two. “I’m quite sure you know exactly how it’s going, but as far as I can tell, it’s going well.”
“Guys giving you a hard time?”
“Of course.”
A faint smile curved his lips. “You can handle them.”
She stared at him for a brief second. “Yes, I can.”
While she was grateful for the distraction from herself, Lainie wasn’t sure she should let the weird interaction between her two friends continue. “Who wants pizza?”
Kenzie spun toward the open boxes. “Grabbing mine now.” She paused and motioned for them all to stop. “Lord, bless this food and please continue to keep our friends safe. In your name, amen.”
“Amen,” came the echoes around the kitchen, then the pizzas disappeared from their cardboard homes, and everyone found a seat back in Jesslyn’s den.
Lainie caught the look between Cole and James just before Cole waved his phone. “We’ve got some time. Victoria Irwin’s still not answering.”
James nodded. “I’ll be ready to go when you are.”
“And while we hadn’t really planned on this being a co-ed thing,” Lainie said, “you and the guys are welcome to come with us next weekend. We’re going glamping.”
Cole laughed and looked at James. “You in?”
“Works for me.”
“Then I’ll be there as long as I’m not needed at work.”
Cole turned away, and Kenzie’s shoulders slumped like she’d only been holding them straight for Cole’s benefit. Lainie made a mental note to ask her friend about that, but for now, she picked up a few dishes and carried them to the sink.
James followed her. “We have some really amazing friends.”
“We really do.”