still thinking about that? I thought you gave up on the idea.”
Joel shrugged. “I kick it around now and then.” Not that he’d gotten as far as writing a single word. It was as if that blank screen on his laptop taunted him. Go on. I dare ya. Type. Ideas? He had plenty of ideas. All he lacked was motivation.
Maybe this place is exactly what I need.
“Has Carrie been here yet? Has she been in touch?” Megan’s voice was suddenly gentler.
“We talk most days,” Joel admitted. “And no, she hasn’t visited yet.” That was about to change, however.
“How is she?”
Joel grinned. “You can ask yourself.” When Megan widened her eyes, Joel tapped his watch face. “She’s coming over. She wasn’t specific about the time, she just said it would be the afternoon.”
“Thanks for the warning. I’ll be sure to leave before she gets here.”
Joel’s scalp prickled. “Why? I always thought you two got along.” At least that was the impression he’d gotten.
“Oh, we do. It’s just…”
Joel got up from his rocker, walked over to her, and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a hopefully comforting squeeze. “Don’t worry. There won’t be any awkward silences or tension between us. It wasn’t that kind of a divorce.” He went on into the kitchen to put on the coffee. “You’re going to stay long enough for coffee, right?”
“That depends on what time she gets here.” Megan followed him, leaning against the column that supported the loft. “Did you tell her about David?”
Joel’s stomach clenched. “I told her everything. It was about time.” He had to smile. “Her first comment? ‘I thought you were a virgin when we got together.’”
Megan smirked. “Well… technically, you were. With women at least.” She stiffened at the sound of a car engine. “This must be her.”
Joel peered through the windows. Carrie’s Honda Civic was indeed parked outside. “Stay a while longer? You only just got here.”
“This was always going to be a quick stop on my way.” Megan kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry. I won’t let it go for too long before I come visit my little brother again.”
Joel pulled a face. “Aw, did you have to spoil it? Don’t I get a reprieve or something?” He grimaced when she whacked his arm. “Ouch. I thought you’d grown out of that.”
“You wish.” Megan picked up her purse, and Joel grabbed her coat from its hook. By the time he’d helped her into it, there was a rap at the door. Joel opened it, and Bramble chose that moment to make a mad dash for freedom.
Thankfully, Carrie was more alert than Joel was, and shut the screen door. She peered through the mesh at Bramble. “Where do you think you’re going?” Joel grabbed hold of his collar and held on tight. Carrie caught sight of Megan, and smiled. “Hey, I didn’t know you’d be here. It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, but unfortunately, I have to go. Nice to see you, Carrie.” Megan patted Joel’s arm. “I’ll see you next weekend.”
Joel couldn’t resist. “So soon?” That earned him a final glare. He tugged Bramble out of her way.
Carrie opened the screen door for her, and Megan squeezed past. She walked briskly to her car. Joel got a wave as she pulled out of the driveway.
“Something I said?” Carrie rubbed her arms. “Actually, tell me inside. It’s freezing out here.” She glanced at Bramble. “Unless he needs a W-A-L-K.”
Bramble’s ears pricked up, and Joel groaned. “Christ, now he can spell too. If Bramble had his way, he’d have five or six of those a day.” He stood aside to let her come in, accepting her kiss on the cheek. “There’s coffee if you want some.”
“Sounds great.” Carrie closed the door behind her. “So what was up with Megan? She flew out of here like I was contagious or something.”
Joel sighed. “I think she felt as though she’d be in the way. Plus, I got the impression she was expecting tension between us. Newly divorced couple and all…”
Carrie shook her head. “Put her straight, please?” Her eyes glittered. “Well, as straight as your sister can be.” She stared at the interior. “I think whoever named this place Periwinkle nailed it. A cute name for a cute cottage.” When she saw the fireplace, her eyes shone. “Can I light a fire? It’s cold enough for one.”
“Knock yourself out. There are logs in the basket.” Joel gave her a speculative glance. “You do know how to light a fire, right?”
Carrie narrowed her gaze.