Chapter 43
“If you think you know what’s best for them, you can take care of all their needs this summer.”
Mel just stared at their mother for a long moment. Hadn’t that been what they’d been doing already? Basically since the twins had been born. Their mother didn’t show any signs of acknowledging that. “Okay,” Mel said slowly.
Their mother had come into the coffee shop this afternoon, looking lost. Not a surprise, since Mel didn’t think she’d ever come there before. She’d said she needed to talk to Mel, and they weren’t answering their phone.
Because they were working. Before that, they’d had to make that presentation to the directors. Which they’d said they’d think about. Because that helped ease Mel’s mind.
“I mean it, Melanie. They’re your responsibility. You’ll have to make sure they eat nutritious food, dress appropriately, get some sleep. You’ll see how difficult it is.”
That sounded like the majority of their teen years, so they didn’t see what the big deal was. “You won’t send them to that camp? You know they’d both be miserable there. It’s like extending the school year through the summer.”
“Some people actually like to learn.”
Denny and Sonia did like to learn. Just not in the way their mother thought was correct.
Trying to talk about different learning styles never got them anywhere.
With all their parents’ academic research, Mel would have thought they’d understand that.
Yet they seemed to think there was only one way of doing things.
“I have to get back to work,” Mel’s mother said. “The girls can tell you what they want to take to your house. I will not be there to supervise. That’s your responsibility.”
“Fine, Mom. I’ll take care of that when my shift is over.”
Their mother made a light scoffing sound then turned away.
Mel glanced toward where the twins sat, Sonia with her nose in a book, but she didn’t seem to be turning a page.
Denny leaning over as if to listen to Mel’s conversation.
There was a stony look on their face. Mel didn’t doubt they’d heard everything.
Mel glanced over toward the counter where Frank handled the short line of customers. “I’ll just be a couple more minutes.”
“Take your time. I have things handled,” he assured them.
Mel moved over to the twins’ table and sank into one of the chairs. “Why does she hate us?” Sonia said. “Why did she even have us if she doesn’t like us?”
That wasn’t a question Mel could answer for her.
They weren’t sure any of them would like the one they got.
“Hey, bright side," they added, “no more cardboard lasagna.” Sonia laughed, a watery sound, but at least it was a laugh. Denny stayed stubbornly quiet. “Once I’m done here, we’ll go get your stuff. Whatever you want to bring to my place. Sound good?”
Denny sat back in their chair, arms folded, but they gave a small nod. Sonia smiled. “Yeah, Mel. Thank you. For being here and everything.”
Mel put a hand over Sonia’s. “Always.”
Now, they needed to figure out how to make this all work. First, they needed to get back to making coffee.
Mel
Aren’t you there yet? I didn’t think it was that long of a trip
Is everything okay?
I’m starting to get worried.
Rhys
Sorry. I crashed as soon as we got to the hotel
I really did mean to text. Didn’t realize how tired I was
Haven’t been sleeping well
Mel
Is everything all right?
Rhys
Of course.
Getting dinner with Alfie then back to the hotel.
Mel
I meant about why you aren’t sleeping
Rhys
Happens sometimes. Brain doesn’t shut up
Mel
You have my number. You can call me when that happens
Rhys
And keep you awake too? I’m not that selfish
Mel
I don’t think you’re any more selfish than anyone else
Rhys
Dinner’s here. Got to go
Mel stared at their phone. Something was definitely going on with Rhys. They’d thought that this morning when he’d come into the coffee shop. He’d said he was in a hurry to get to the clubhouse and on the bus. Didn’t want to risk being late. They’d taken him at his word.
Then he hadn’t texted. Mel looked up the distance to New Cresthill, which only made them worry more. Had something happened to the bus? Broken down? Crashed? Been hijacked? Yeah, they knew that last one was ridiculous, but that hadn’t kept it from circling in their head.
He’d fallen asleep. Part of Mel wondered if that was an excuse. A way to brush them off. A voice in their head said he liked to flirt with them, but he didn’t actually want anything else to do with them.
Mel had clearly seen the circles under his eyes this morning. They’d thought he’d just stayed out late last night. They hadn’t liked the way that twisted through them.
They’d made out once. He certainly didn’t owe them anything. Even if they’d had more of a relationship, exclusivity wasn’t something Mel demanded of a partner.
What was up with this bout of jealousy? They weren’t sure, but they’d root it out before it messed up something that could be good if given the chance.
He was out with his teammate, his friend from everything they’d been able to gather, and they would certainly give him that time.
Still they couldn’t deny it left them with a sour feeling.
Mel needed to get their own dinner. And for their siblings. Since they would be here for the rest of the summer.
Their mother called it a compromise, although Mel wasn’t sure what she was giving up. They’d rather have Denny and Sonia with them twenty-four/seven than have either of them miserable for the next six weeks.
“Are you done flirting with Rhys?” Denny flopped down on the couch. “I’m starving.”
“I was not flirting.” They hadn’t been. Not this time. They’d been worried about him. They weren’t any less worried now, knowing he made it there safely. Hours ago.
Mel stood. “What sounds good for dinner? Since you’re starving.”
“Food,” Denny said.
Mel sent them a quelling look, but their sibling grinned at them.
Teenagers. They opened a couple cupboards and the refrigerator, then grimaced.
Yeah, they weren’t having much luck there.
“How about we head over to the diner,” Mel suggested.
“And hit the grocery store. You and Sonia can pick out some things you’d like to have. ”
Mel hoped their wallet would survive grocery shopping with teenagers. At least it would take their mind off Rhys. Whether he actually wanted anything to do with them.
For a little while, anyway.