Secret Whispers (Heavenstone 2)

The way Uncle Perry and Ethan glanced at each other told me they had been discussing me.

“Well, you guys enjoy the rest of the day,” Uncle Perry said, rising. “I’m heading back.”

“I’ll be in shortly, too,” Ethan told him.

“I don’t think you’re expected to.”

“That’s the best time to do what you have to do, when it’s unexpected,” Ethan told him.

Uncle Perry laughed. “Looks like you’ve been Heaven-stone brainwashed already. All right. If you need anything, anything at all, Sam, you make sure to call me, okay?”

“Thanks, Uncle Perry.”

“I’ll drop by in a few days nevertheless and invite myself to dinner.”

“I’d like that.”

He kissed me, shook Ethan’s hand, and walked off.

“I really like him,” Ethan said. “He’s quite different from your father, not as tough, perhaps, but he gives you a chance. Too many people in high positions are so arrogant, so condescending.”

“Lucille would say he’s not arrogant enough. She finds something wrong or weak with everyone she meets.”

“I don’t know. My guess is she’ll be quite different now.”

“How?”

“No

t as uptight about everything. She has nothing left to prove. She’s there.”

“Speaking of that, why do you have to go in today? You heard Uncle Perry. No one expects it.”

“I’ll just show my face. I sort of promised Lucille I would keep my eyes on things.”

“Promised Lucille? Did my father ask you to do that?”

Ethan smiled. “I’m not stupid, Semantha. When Lucille asks you to do something for the corporation, it’s pretty much your father asking as well.”

I didn’t hide my displeasure.

“But I’ll be back soon. From the looks of it, you could use some quiet time, anyway. Why don’t we plan to meet at the pool late in the afternoon? We’ll relax, have a simple dinner, and just curl up together and watch a DVD. How’s that sound?”

“Refreshing.”

“Good.” He finished his coffee, glanced at his watch, and rose. “I’m going up to dress for the office. You staying out here?”

“For now,” I said.

He gave me a fatherly peck on the cheek and hurried off.

Doris came out to see if there was anything else I wanted and to clear off some of the dishes. I still had no appetite.

“Where’s Mrs. Dobson this morning?” I asked her, realizing I hadn’t seen her yet.

“Oh, Mrs. Heaven-stone told her to take today off along with her regular day off. She went to visit some friends in Lexington.”

“Mrs. Heaven-stone?” I muttered, more to myself.