Rise (Rise & Fall Duet #1) - Grahame Claire Page 0,15

Thursdays, and help Mrs. Brooks with anything she needs.” Eric looked at Lexie. “What did I forget?”

“We work on the van.”

I jerked my gaze to her, and she nodded.

“It took us four years to save the money and figure out how to do stuff,” Eric said proudly.

For some reason, I thought she’d purchased the van in that condition. Knowing she and Eric had restored it . . . was impressive.

“That’s . . .” I searched for an adequate word.

“Amazing,” he said helpfully.

“Absolutely.” These two were so unexpected. Quite the pair.

“Hey! Let me show you my toolbox.” He raced off before I could respond.

“He’s really proud,” Lexie said, pulling down a few bowls from the cabinet.

“As he should be.”

She didn’t need to defend his excitement to me. If I’d restored a car or done half the things Eric rattled off, I’d be proud too.

I had one activity.

Work.

Not exactly an amazing feat.

When I did lend a helping hand to others, it came in the form of writing a check. I didn’t get down and dirty because I simply didn’t have the time.

Lexie, Eric, and I had something else in common. We were so busy we could barely breathe.

I shouldn’t have taken so much time away this afternoon. I definitely shouldn’t be here now. But that wasn’t necessarily about the lost minutes away from work.

“Are you feeling better?”

Lexie dropped the lid off the container of ice cream and flashed a withering look in my direction. She seemed all right, but I was compelled to ask. For a few minutes today, she’d been vulnerable. I didn’t want her to carry the panic attack with her overnight.

“I’m fine.”

“Does that happen often?” I pressed as I strode toward her.

“No.” She scooped ice cream in a bowl. “Does evading arrest happen often to you?”

I wanted to laugh but stuffed it down. The subject wasn’t funny, but her audacity was amusing.

“No.”

“Will you be able to stay out of prison?”

I gripped the bowl she handed me. “If all goes well.”

She pointed. “Don’t eat any until Eric gets back. He’d be disappointed to miss your first bite.”

I set it on the counter next to the others. The bowls were a festive green, yellow, and blue, and so very them.

“Found it!” Eric yelled as he raced back into the room lugging a bright red toolbox.

He set it on the coffee table and cleared off some of the magazines from the sofa.

Lexie carried two bowls and three spoons over and sat beside him. She offered him a bowl and spoon.

“Four scoops?” His eyes widened.

“We worked hard today.” She lifted her spoon and clinked with his. Then she scooted closer to him to make room for me.

I accepted the offered spoon, though I felt a little shafted I didn’t get the clink.

Eric watched as I dipped it into the soft ice cream and brought it to my mouth. The sweetness melted as soon as it hit my tongue. I chewed on a fresh strawberry and swallowed.

I wasn’t much for sweets, but this was . . . “That’s . . .”

“Amazing,” Eric finished for me once more.

My face felt strange as it formed into something unfamiliar. A smile. “Absolutely.” I took another bite. “I’m pretty sure you’ve ruined me for all other ice cream.”

Lexie’s shoulders straightened and her chest puffed as she took her own bite.

“Told you it’s the best in the universe,” Eric said smugly before proceeding to devour half of his bowl.

I savored mine even as it began to melt. Lexie inhaled the contents of her bowl even faster than her brother.

Beau was definitely a healthy eater, but I hadn’t been around many other women at mealtime. I tried to remember my mother at a lunch or dinner and grew frustrated when the memory wouldn’t come.

Another thing I’d lost over time.

“Are you sure you like it?” Lexie asked quietly.

My spoon was stabbed into a scoop and my knuckles were white. “I—yes.” How did I explain I’d lost my appetite for reasons that had nothing to do with her?

I forced another bite in my mouth, not wanting to insult them.

Eric showed me every piece in his toolbox while I struggled to give him my full attention. I was interested, but I’d rocketed to a bad place and wasn’t used to having an audience for that.

Lexie touched his knee. “Go get the painting you finished last week.”

He was off again.

She picked up his empty ice cream bowl. “You can sneak out now.”

I blinked at her. “I beg your pardon.”

“Your eyes are glazed over. He’ll