A Family of Their Own(59)
Kelsey wandered in and joined the others. She found Audrey and Jeff standing beside Ross. Audrey turned to Kelsey and tilted her head. “We’re going to head for bed if you don’t mind. It’s been a long day for us driving here from Traverse City, and Jeff had that meeting right away.”
“That’s fine. Go right ahead.” Relief eased over her. Maybe, she and Ross could have some time together.
“Kelsey.” Audrey beckoned her to follow as she headed her way. “I want to show you something.” Jeff didn’t move, and Kelsey caught on. She wanted to talk, and if she couldn’t do it here, then the talk was about Ross. She winced, anticipating more negative conversation.
In the bedroom, Audrey closed the door and faced her. “Thanks again for letting us stay here.”
A fleeting moment of relief whisked through her. Maybe she was wrong. “You know you and Jeff are welcome anytime.” She hoped she meant that.
“Listen, I hate to bring this up again.” She motioned for Kelsey to sit on the bed.
She glanced toward the mattress but didn’t move. “What’s the problem?”
“Jeff and I watched you and Ross. We think if you can keep this a friendship it might work, but I doubt if you can. He’s crazy about you. I see it in his face every time he looks at you.”
Kelsey’s heartbeat faltered. Crazy about you. He cared. She knew that, but crazy? A frown tugged at her face. “What are you talking about?”
“We’re not blind. I think you have feelings for him, too, and I’m afraid you’re going to be hurt. Both of you have children who need your total attention. Peyton seems to be sicker than you indicated. What kind of heart problem?”
She couldn’t lie, but she wanted to. “Cardiomyopathy.”
She gasped. “No. How horrible. You know what that means?”
“No, not in her case. It was caught early, and she’s improving. Plus they now have a new medication that can make a huge difference for her. She could be like new.”
Audrey looked doubtful. “But then there’s Lucy. Now you’re facing more tests again, and who knows what will happen.”
She opened her arms, but Kelsey couldn’t move. Audrey stepped toward her and held her in an embrace. “I want you to be happy, sis, but I don’t think this is the way. I think you’re asking for trouble. He’s a nice man, but both of you are carrying burdens, and—”
“Audrey.” Kelsey pulled back. “I know what I’m facing. I told you we haven’t taken any steps toward anything. We don’t even have time to talk privately.” She began to seethe. “So don’t create problems that aren’t there. Lucy will have more tests. We can only hope that it’s nothing. Instead of looking for trouble, please pray with me that it is a false reading. Those things happen.”
Audrey looked stricken. “I’m sorry if I upset you, and you know I pray for Lucy. I wasn’t trying to cause—”
“I know you’re not trying to, but don’t you think I’ve had the same thoughts? You’re my sister, and you want the best for me, but the best isn’t reminding me of my difficult life. I’m tired of doing this alone, and so is Ross. Maybe we can struggle together. Remember, the Bible says two are better than one.”
Audrey’s face went blank. “Enough said, I suppose. I’m very tired.”
“Good night, then.” She forced herself to kiss her sister’s cheek. “I hope you rest well, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
She nodded, and Kelsey made her escape. She nearly ran into Jeff in the hallway.
He grinned. “I was going to see what was keeping you girls.”
“Just chatting.” She gave him a hug. “Night, Jeff. Sleep well.”
He slipped into the bedroom, and Kelsey released a long breath and continued back to the living room. Ross wasn’t there, but she heard a sound in the kitchen. When she stepped through the doorway, he had settled at the kitchen table, a glass of water beside him. She poured a glass, too, and joined him at the table.
“So.” He gazed at her, knowingly. “I’m guessing you had words with your sister.”
She shrugged. “She worries about me.”
“Your face says it all. She has reservations about me.”
She stiffened. “She thought you were very nice.”
“But she thinks you’re biting off more than you can chew.”