Message in the Grave by Dawn Merriman

Author:Dawn Merriman [Merriman, Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Gabby

Lucas’ pleasure at hearing from me makes me think Grandma was right and he’d been waiting for my call as I waited for his. He’s spent all day with his parents and quickly invites me over.

Maverick, the Great Dane’s, excitement when I walk through the door matches Lucas’ expression. “Thanks for coming. Been a long day here,” Lucas says, simultaneously kissing my cheek and pushing Maverick off of me.

“I wasn’t sure what I should do, so I stayed at work then went to Grandma’s.”

“Well, you’re here now, that’s what matters.” Once Maverick stops jumping on me, Lucas pulls me against him. I sink into him eagerly, breathe in his scent, a mixture of his cologne and stress.

“You feel good,” I mumble into his chest.

“So do you,” he answers.

“Are you going to let the girl inside the house or just paw at her all night?” Gregor Hartley interrupts.

I pull away quickly, my face on fire.

“I see you took my advice,” Gregor says slyly. “Smart girl.”

Lucas shoots me a questioning look. “Don’t ask,” I mouth to him.

“Come on in here to the kitchen,” Gregor says, motioning me down the hall. “Are you hungry? Food has already started arriving.”

My stomach rumbles loudly. "I could eat," I say casually.

“Offerings of food are a social convention that I’ve never understood.” Gregor takes a plate out of a cabinet in the spacious kitchen and hands it to me. “Makes people feel included in your grief without being too intrusive, I suppose. The action of making and delivering food to the bereaved gives people the semblance of control in an uncontrollable situation.”

I blink at the unexpected lecture. “Dad, Gabby doesn’t need a lesson right now,” Lucas comes to my rescue.

Gregor pulls open a drawer. “Right. Sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying. Forgive me.” He stares into the open drawer for a long moment. “A fork, right. That’s what you need.” He takes a fork then slams the drawer shut too hard.

I exchange a worried glance with Lucas. "Why don't you sit back down, Dad.”

I fill a plate with food then join Gregor at the table. Lucas leans against the counter, watching his dad with worried eyes. “You have a lovely home.” It’s the only thing I can think of to say. “This kitchen is to die for.”

I instantly regret my choice of words and shove a bite of casserole into my mouth to shut myself up.

“Deidre designed it,” Gregor says vaguely, patting Maverick's huge head. “Not that she’s much of a cook.”

I suddenly realize Deidre isn’t with us and look around. “Where’s your mom?” I ask Lucas.

"She was very upset this morning and went to bed when we got home. She hasn't come down since." Lucas looks at the doorway that leads to the hall. "Maybe we should check on her?" he asks, a flutter of worry crossing his face.

“I’ll go,” Gregor says instantly. “Leave you two love birds to it. Come, Maverick.” His odd change of mood startles, but maybe grief will do that to you.

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