A Family of Their Own(32)

Kelsey had kept an eye on Peyton as they made their way from the New Hellas Café to the Greektown station. Lucy charged ahead, and while Peyton made an effort to keep up with her, she soon lagged behind. When her hand went to her heart, Kelsey panicked. “Are you okay?”

Peyton dragged in a deep breath and nodded.

Ross swung around and rested his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You can’t always keep up with Lucy, Peyton. You know that. It’s better to walk with us. We’ll get there.”

Kelsey gazed at Lucy’s hurried steps, grateful that for the past year she’d led a normal life. When the last brain tumor had been removed, she’d hoped, as she always did, that Lucy would not have to undergo any more surgeries. But in the back of her mind, the nudge of worry always came. Recently, however, her fear had taken a vacation. A much-needed vacation. Grateful that Lucy was doing well, Lucy needed to be thoughtful of Peyton.

Kelsey quickened her steps and caught up with Lucy. She grasped her arm. “Hang on and stay with us.”

Lucy’s head tilted upward, her face screwed into a frown. “Why do I have to slow down, Mom? Everybody’s excited.”

“We have assigned seating. Our seats will be there. We need to stick together.” She bit back what she wanted to say.

Lucy narrowed her eyes. “We have to walk slow for Peyton, don’t we? Otherwise you’d be walking faster, too.”

She would, but Lucy’s complaint disappointed her. “Be kind, Lucy. It’s not like you to not think of others. Remember when you were sick.”

“I know, but that’s the problem. I’ve been sick so much, and I’m finally better now. I don’t want to be restricted anymore.” Her face puckered with tears brimming her lashes.

Kelsey slipped her arm around her and pulled her to her side as they walked. “I understand, but let’s try to be thoughtful, okay?”

Lucy remained silent, and though Kelsey understood, she hoped that Lucy would show kindness when they were with Peyton. The trip could be taxing on her and they still had stairs to face in the arena. She gave Lucy a squeeze and lowered her arm as she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Ross and Peyton were behind them. She slowed even more until they caught up.

“Can I at least have a treat?” Lucy’s tone echoed her earlier complaint.

“You ate at the café. Are you still hungry?” She needed to give on this one or she’d never hear the end of it from Lucy.

“Just an ice cream and a drink.”

Kelsey eyed Ross. “Is it okay if I buy Peyton a treat?” Though she didn’t want Ross to hear Lucy’s complaint, she hoped he would say yes.

“Is Lucy having something?”

She told him, and Peyton agreed that she wanted the same thing.

“This is on me then.” Ross dug into his pocket, pulled out some bills and handed the money to Peyton. “Get in line now. It’s long, and we’ll wait here.”

The girls walked off together, and Ross stood beside her, a curious look growing on his face. “Something wrong?”

Kelsey wanted to avoid the topic. She’d already warned Ross about the possible problem, and it had appeared as she had anticipated it might. “It’s nothing.”

“Lucy’s angry.”

It wasn’t a question, but a statement, and Kelsey flinched. “More like frustrated. It’s what I’ve worried about.” She drew in a breath. “I talked to her about slowing down for Peyton’s sake.”

“Don’t make a big deal out of it, or these two will never be friends.”

She suspected that might be the case anyway. Lucy was too spunky for Peyton. She’d hurt Peyton’s feelings without even realizing it, and she was competitive. Lucy wanted to win games. Peyton was more of a pouter, yet she wanted things her way. If Peyton would speak out and fight for herself, she would do better. Kelsey slammed her thoughts into a box. “We can only hope, Ross. Friendship grows in its time. We can’t force it.”

“I know, but I…”

She placed her hand on his arm. “I do, too. I’d like to see the girls become friends. It would be nice for both of them. Still I don’t want us to be disappointed if that doesn’t happen.”

He lowered his head with a nod. With the discussion of Lucy and Peyton, the fun evening had become a downer once again. She eyed the girls. They had advanced closer to the counter. They looked cute together, Peyton with her long brown hair and Lucy’s blond halo of curls. Although today the halo didn’t fit her attitude.