Page 86 of Family Bonds- Kelsey & Van

“You want to take a ferry ride to go to the dog park?” he asked.

“You said you wanted air and a place to bring Frankie. Got a better idea?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Then let’s get cracking so we can catch the ferry.”

“Do you have a backpack for Frankie’s stuff again?” he asked. “I’ve got one here somewhere I’m sure.”

“I don’t have that purse with me,” she said.

“Give me a minute. I’ll grab mine and carry it so he’s taken care of.”

When Van was in his room, she cupped her hands over her mouth. “I’m in the mood for lemon Jell-O. Can we get some of that while we’re out too?”

“Sure,” he said.

She rolled her eyes. She knew he got the joke, but he was just ignoring her.

That was fine. She was happier with the fact that Van opened up more to her today and seemed to be taking some baby steps.

24

GET ALL MACHO

Almost two weeks later, Kelsey walked out of her office to get some more water. She had the munchies too, but there wasn’t much in her office to snack on.

Her mother didn’t have anything either because she’d just snuck in there to check through the desk drawers and came up empty for something tempting.

“Anyone got anything to eat?” she said loudly. Not a shout but just something she’d done before. “Something other than crackers or popcorn?”

“I’ve got granola in my office,” someone called out.

“Nah,” she said. “That falls under the same as what’s in my office. I don’t know what I’m craving but need something.”

She was mumbling to herself as she filled up her water bottle.

“I’ve got chocolate in here.”

Her head popped up. It was a man’s voice. That was odd. There was only one man in her office and it wasn’t his voice.

She moved a few down from where the water was and looked in the conference room. “Hi,” she said, coming in. “Did you just yell that out?”

“Kelsey,” Lexi said. “This is William Swift. He’s a new client. He came over from Plymouth to meet with me.”

“Oh,” she said. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. And nice of you to take the ferry over to come here. We know there are others closer to where you live for sure.”

“Not a problem,” William said. “I’ve got chocolate in my bag.” He pulled out a 100 Grand Bar and handed it over.

“Oh, my favorite,” she said. “But I can’t take that.”

“Please do,” he said. “It’s one of my favorites too. I’ve got all sorts of candy I carry with me in case I get hungry.”

She watched as he opened his bag up and saw a few other candy bars floating around in there. Most of her favorites. She wanted to reach in and switch it out with a Whatchamacallit, as she hadn’t had one of them in years but wouldn’t do it. Not many people liked the same candy as her.

“If you’re sure,” she said, reaching for it. “Thanks.”

“Lexi,” Kara said, moving to the open doorway. “I’m so sorry to bother you, but Ada Brownell is on the line. She says it’s an emergency.”

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