Page 18 of Tossing It

Chapter Seven

Leif

Eva and Celia are sitting across from me at the diner, the concerned looks on their faces making my stomach flip. They’re in parenting mode even though they aren’t my parents. Silently, I wonder if this is what every youngest sibling has to go through. This time it’s my fault. I asked them to meet me here in an effort to put it all on the table. Well, most of it anyway.

“She doesn’t seem stable. Are you sure you want to get mixed up in this?” Eva asks, glancing at Celia, then me. She sips her coffee slowly, giving me a chance to pick the correct words.

How do I tell her it’s too late? That I broke my own damn rule without my own consent. Talking to Malena all week, learning things about her, character traits I didn’t know I wanted, culminated in a desire so strong I ended up at her house in the middle of the damn night. I chug down half of my water bottle.

Celia inserts, “We’re good people, Eva. I’ll help Malena regardless of Leif getting mixed up with her problems. It’s the right thing to do.”

Eva sends a pointed look to our sister. “We both know that’s not the question,” Eva barks, looks at me, and continues, “Why are you helping her this much. You told me you’re her friend. This is more than friend, just as I suspected. Her home life is a wreck. A father that abandoned her, a mother who is certifiable.”

“Hey,” I cut in. “Don’t talk like that.”

Celia says, “I agree, Eva. Don’t be a bitch. Just because our family is ideal doesn’t mean that’s the norm.”

“Ideal?” I ask, eyes wide. “This isn’t ideal, or normal. An ideal family would help without question. Without judging.” I shake my head, settling back into the booth. I remind myself to keep my voice down. Caroline, one of Malena’s best friends, works here and she’s glanced over here a few times since this insane conversation began. “Celia,” I say, looking at the more rational sister—the one who has already helped me without asking too many questions about my emotions. “You got Ms. Winterset into Garden Breeze. That’s the best one in the surrounding areas, right? When can she check in?”

Celia nods. “How is she going to afford it, Leif? Eva told me about their phone conversation and it doesn’t sound like she has a lot of…resources to make a switch this permanent.”

Closing my eyes, I swallow down the lie that was on the tip of my tongue. “Don’t worry about that part. It’s taken care of and Malena won’t have to worry about it.” Celia presses her lips together and I thank God, she doesn’t say what she really wants to. She tells me about the facility and the doctors she’s familiar with. The care will be top notch. It’s heavily guarded, but still has access to the beach and a year-round garden that has both flowers and vegetables. A hobby Malena told me Ms. Winterset had a passion for before dementia set it.

Throughout this conversation, I feel Eva’s gaze boring holes into my soul. “You’re in love with the woman. How the fuck is that possible?”

Deny. Deny. “I’m helping a friend, Eva. Stop trying to read more into it.”

Celia clears her throat. “You never helped any of the other women more than to see them out of your bed and out the front door. You have to see why we’re at least a little bit curious. The interest for anything other than your career hasn’t been there before. It’s sort of exciting.”

“Only my sisters would think my interest in a woman is exciting. We’re adults.”

Eva bangs a hand on the table. “He admitted interest.”

Celia scoffs. “Of course, he’s interested. He’s paying for his girlfriend’s mother to enter the best facility in the area. Answer us one question and we’ll leave you alone. We need to get back to work.”

Sighing, I run both of my hands down my face. “What?”

Eva butts in. “Let me pick the question.”

Celia shakes her head, narrowing her eyes at me. “No, if we only get one I want to make it count. You’re too hot-headed.”

Sighing, Eva says, “True.”

I throw my hand up to get the attention of our waitress. It’s Shirley, Malena’s other friend. This place doesn’t leave any room for secrets, that’s for sure. I told my sisters this when we sat down for lunch, I’m hoping they fucking watch their mouths.

Shirley saunters over, a glint of mischief in her eye. “Since I’m not following any of your rules, will you please give me the formal introduction to your lovely sisters?” Shirley coos, setting the check down in the center of the table, gaze locked on mine. Fuck. Why wouldn’t I assume Malena talks to her friends about us? Why wouldn’t she, especially since she knows I am talking to my sisters?

Clearing my throat over my sisters’ sighs, and shifting frames in the seats in front of me, I feel like I’m on trial. “Shirley, this is Eva and Celia. My lovely, benevolent sisters.”

Eva shakes her hand first, giving her a polite smile. Celia follows with a grin a little more believable. They exchange pleasantries for a minute or two, chatting about Bronze Bay, the beaches, and the like.

Then, like a shark scenting blood, Eva turns her fire back on me. “Rules? Do tell us about these rules, dear brother.” She looks at Shirley and she grins widely. My armpits start sweating, and a sheen breaks across my forehead. Reaching into my pocket, I grab cash, throw it on the table and stand to leave.

“None of your damn business,” I deadpan. “I have to get back to work.”

Celia scoots out and follows me to the door. “Does she know? Have you told her?” she asks, her words against my retreating back.

When we get out into the parking lot, I spin. “What are you talking about? I’m exhausted from talking to you guys. It’s never easy. You know that? Does who know what?” I get to my moped and lean against the seat, so we’re eye level.

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