“I’m good. Just working. You?”
“The same. I didn’t speak to you this weekend. Is everything all right?” her sister asked.
Guilt rose up in her throat. “Yes. I was just busy. I had some clients who were away, and I walked a few more dogs than usual. I was tired so I fell asleep early. Nothing major,” she said, glancing at the flowers from Julian and hating the benign lies.
Lexie was obviously calling to check up on her, and while Kendall understood it, she really wanted to have just one conversation where how are you wasn’t code for are you taking your meds and feeling okay?
A part of her knew maybe she hadn’t earned that yet, but another part of her felt that she had—and deserved that right more and more with every day that passed.
“Kendall? Are you there? I asked if you wanted to have lunch today,” her twin said.
“Yes, that sounds good.”
“I could come by the shelter. You know I love to see the dogs.”
Kendall glanced at the flowers again and cringed. “Umm, okay,” she said, not wanting to change their routine because her sister might wonder what Kendall was hiding.
Lexie did love to come by and see the dogs before their weekly lunches. “See you at twelve?” she asked.
“Sounds great!” Lexie disconnected the call.
And Kendall pressed her iPhone against her forehead.
“Problems?” Josie asked.
Kendall drew a deep breath. “Can I ask a favor?”
“Of course!” her boss said. She studied her, concerned. “What is it?”
“Can we put the flowers on your desk and, if my sister comments, just make like they’re yours? I’m really sorry but… Oh God. It’s a long story, but she wouldn’t approve of Julian, and I’m trying to see if he’s changed, and we need time before Lexie finds out about him being back in my life.”
Josie nodded in understanding. “Of course I’ll do it. It’s not like you’re asking me to commit murder or something.” She smiled, rose, and picked up the vase, placing it on her desk. “They’re so pretty. Not your usual flower. Just a sweet gesture,” she said.
“I know.” When Kendall pushed aside the concerns and let herself just be, she really enjoyed and appreciated the sentiment.
She felt a silly grin lift her mouth.
“Someone has it bad.”
She blushed and shook her head. “I need to get back to work.”
Josie laughed. And they dug into another hour’s worth of phone calls and forms before the front door opened and Lexie walked in.
“Kendall!” Her twin walked straight to her and pulled her into a hug.
“Hi, Lex.” She embraced her back.
“You two really are identical,” Josie murmured. “Every time I see you, I can’t get over it.”
They laughed, used to people’s reactions since they were little girls.
“Can I see the puppies?” Lexie asked.
Kendall gestured to the back door. “Of course.”
Together they headed to the pens, pausing by each so Lexie could bend down and talk to the dogs.
They reached the third pen from the end, and Lexie paused. “Where’s Steve?”