Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(50)

April had headed back to Pennsylvania first thing this morning and Allison would be leaving later today. I really needed this time alone with my sisters. I had actually spent more time talking about them lately than I had to them; it was time to remedy that. I looked at their faces as they entered what would now be their rooms.

“So, what do you think?” I asked, as we entered Bianca’s closet.

“I’m totally floored. I had no idea that you were doing all of this,” Lia exclaimed, looking excitedly from Bianca to me.

“I can’t take the credit for it. This is all Aiden. I had no idea until I stepped in just now that he had done all of this.”

“He’s been amazing! I can’t believe that you were considering letting him go,” Lia said, looking at me as if I had two heads.

“You guys obviously spent a great deal of time talking to him over the last few days,” I replied.

“We have. And Aria he is totally in love with you,” Lia stated.

“He almost seems too good to be true,” Bianca said, cynically. Lia and I both looked at her. Where did that come from?

“Sometimes when something or someone appears too good to be true, there’s usually a reason,” Bianca stated, and somberly walked out of the room. I couldn’t help but agree but I was puzzled as to why such a dismal view from someone so young; but then again, I had been the same way at her age. We were all grieving and attempting to make the best of this new arrangement but Bianca was obviously going through more than she’d let on because she was different; it was as if she and Lia had switched personalities.

“Let me show you around. I want you both to feel at home so if there’s something you need or don’t necessarily like, let me know and we can find an alternative. That’s if it’s not too drastic; I can’t very well let teenagers redecorate for me. I don’t think I want posters of boy-bands hanging everywhere,” I added, smiling at them.

The intercom buzzed. “Lia, can you get that please?” I asked, walking toward the kitchen. It felt strange knowing that I would no longer be living here alone. Did I make the right decision moving them here? Should I have moved there instead? I shouldn’t second guess myself but who was I kidding? I had a huge responsibility now.

Aiden had also stocked the house with food. I guess he remembered that I didn’t cook and my pantry was typically bare. Lia entered the kitchen with someone trailing behind her. It was Dianna and she had two large bags in her hands.

“Hello Miss Cason,” she said.

“Hi Dianna. Did we forget something at Aiden’s?” I asked.

“No ma’am,” she replied, placing the bags on the counter. She reached inside one of them. “Mr. Raine asked that I give you this. He said it should explain everything.”

It was one of his signature white envelopes. I quickly opened it as Lia watched me. Bianca walked in just as I was about to read it.



Princess,

Since you insisted upon going back to your place, I’ve endeavored to make the transition as fluid as possible. I know Lia and Bianca will appreciate this and I hope you will also. I spent a great deal of time talking to your sisters. They enjoyed cooking with your mother; especially your grandmother’s Italian recipes. When I visited with your mother in Dayton, I joined them for lunch; it was homemade pizza. I’ve asked Dianna to deliver fresh ingredients and provide any other assistance that you may need for a pizza lunch with your sisters. I thought this would be a great way to start you all off on the right foot.

I’ve decided to take you at your word regarding my getting back to work. Something has come up in the Chicago office that I need to handle and I’ll be heading to the airport within the hour.

Although you’ve been gone for only a short while, I already feel the absence. I’ll be in touch before you have the chance to miss me.

-A.



“Well, it looks like we’re making pizza for lunch,” I said, looking at the girls.

“Thank you for bringing this over Dianna,” I said.

“You’re welcome. Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.

“No. I think we’ve got it. I’ll walk you out,” I replied.

“Mr. Raine is very concerned and wanted to make sure I was available should you need anything. This is my contact information,” she said, passing me a card. “Call anytime. Day or night.”

“Thank you for everything Dianna. I hope we weren’t too much trouble.”

“You’re welcome. It was a pleasure. Your sisters are lovely girls and you; well you put a joy in Mr. Raine that I’ve never seen in all the time I’ve known him.”

“And how long is that?” I asked.

“Since he was a child. I’ve worked for his family for years. I’ve been in Boston for a little over a year to care for my sister; her health was failing.”

“I’m sorry. I hope she’ll be okay.”

“She’s doing much better and it looks like I’ll be going back to Chicago soon. Well, I’d better be going,” she said.

“Thanks again, Dianna,” I said, as I showed her out.

I walked into the kitchen to see my sisters removing the items from the bags and realized that I never really asked if they wanted pizza. “Are you guys in the mood for pizza?” I asked.