Page 112 of Perfect Harmony

“I do,” Grace said.

“I’ve cried a lot today, but there’s stillbeen some good moments. Connor’s helped me see the good moments. And,” shesmiled faintly, “he went to Urban Cuisine and picked up my favourite food fordinner, and he bought me daisies because he remembered that those were my mom’sfavourite flowers. I love him and I’m so glad I have him to help me throughtoday.”

She blew her nose with a tissue and dranksome water. “I just wish that Gideon had someone too. Someone who he lovedwho could help him through today. I worry about him. He’s so closed off abouttheir deaths, and I know he misses Dad especially, but he won’t talk about itor… Gracie, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Grace said.

Kira made a face. “Shit, I’m stupid. I didn’tmean – that is, I know you’re still staying with Gideon and I know you’re beingamazing and supporting him today, and I’m, like, incredibly glad that he hasyou at his house right now. I know you love him just as much as I do, I just wishhe had someone who he’s in love with and who is in love with him, you know? It’sa different kind of support and love than what we as his sisters can give him.Am I making any sense?”

“You are,” Grace said.

“How was he this morning before work?” Kirasaid.

“Quiet. He left the house before I was outof the shower.”

Kira rubbed at her forehead as Connor returnedto the kitchen. “He’s texted me a few times today, but it’s all been ‘how am Idoing’ messages and ‘do you need me to stop by’ sort of thing. He said he wouldcome by after work so I’m going to – oh, that must be him now.”

The front door slammed, and Grace’s stomachdid gymnastic worthy flips. Gideon walked into the kitchen and Kira hurried overto him. They hugged and Grace stared down at the table, trying to blink back thetears. A tissue was shoved into her hand and she nodded gratefully to Connorbefore dabbing at her eyes.

“How are you, kiddo?” Gideon’s voice washoarse.

“I’m okay, actually.” Kira smiled up athim. “How are you?”

“Did you manage to eat today? Because youneed to eat. Why don’t I take you to the Urban? Do you feel up to it?”

“Connor made me lunch and I ate a littlebit, and he just got back with some takeout from Urban,” Kira said.

Gideon stared at the bags of food. “Oh,right. Okay.”

“There’s enough for all of us.” Connor wasstanding at the counter and Kira joined him wrapping her arms around his waistand resting her head on his chest. “Why don’t you and Grace have dinner withus?”

“Um… I should probably get home and let Tankout.”

“I stopped after work and let him out and fedhim before coming over here,” Grace said.

“Perfect,” Kira said. “You can both stayfor dinner.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Gideonsaid. “Maybe -”

“It’s what I want,” Kira said. “In fact, whatI really want is to try and not be sad. I want us to eat dinner and drink wineand talk about all the good memories about Mom and Dad. I know I usually wallowin self-pity every year on this day, but this year…” she smiled at Connor and kissedhis cheek, “I want it to be different. I want to celebrate their memory andtheir lives and our love for them. Okay?”

Connor kissed her forehead. “I think it’sa wonderful idea.”

“Me too,” Grace said. She studied Gideon,her heart aching at the confusion on his face. He looked like a lost littleboy and every fibre of her being wanted to go to him and wrap her arms aroundhim. Instead she clenched her hands into fists beneath the table and blinkedback the hot tears.

“Sure, Kira. Whatever you want,” Gideon said.

* * *

“Gideon, do you want to talk?”

Grace joined Gideon at the back door. He whistledfor Tank who bounded in from the back yard. The dog smacked his head against Grace’ship in greeting before continuing to the kitchen. She heard him drinking noisilyfrom his water dish as Gideon closed the door and locked it.

“Gideon?” She touched his back. “Why don’tI pour us a couple of drinks and -”

“Actually, I’m pretty tired. I’m gonna goto bed. I need some space tonight, so I’ll sleep in the spare room. Goodnight, Grace.” He pushed past her and walked up the stairs.

“Oh, fuck that bullshit,” Grace said.

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