Page 203 of Altius
Kelsey shook her head as she finished chewing a bite of veggie omelet. “We’re not.”
Surprise rippled around the table—from Alijah’s wide-eyed shock, the pensive arch of Joaquin’s brow, to Owen’s subtle frown.
Every head at the table turned to look at Morgan.
She didn’t notice, more focused on drizzling hot sauce over her hash browns than on the conversation. Not even Cal clearing his throat managed to draw her attention.
“You picked everything out,” Piper said, topping off her mimosa. She was on hand for the day to help Kelsey sort through her closet, identifying pieces to donate or resell rather than move. “Why wouldn’t you take it all with you? It’s not like Morgan cooks.”
“At least pack your favorite things.” Rory leaned forward, looking at Morgan hopefully. “Right?”
No response.
Piper rolled her eyes. “See. Told you she doesn’t care—at least not about the pans and utensils.”
“That’s enough,” Kelsey said with quiet authority.
“Why?” Piper shot a challenging look over the rim of her champagne flute. “We all know you’re planning to keep stocking her fridge with pre-made meals.”
Rory jammed his elbow into her side. “Shut up.”
“Ouch! Don’t poke me, you little—”
“It’ll be all right,” Alijah said, although his cheer was a touch forced. “We’ll make sure Morgan’s taken care of.”
“Which is very sweet of you.” Piper’s gaze sharpened as it shifted to Morgan. “It’ll make it easier to pretend these two aren’t co-dependent.”
“No, they aren’t,” Rory said in a rush. “And even if they were—”
Kelsey silenced him with a gentle touch on his arm. “It’s our decision, Piper. And yes, there will be an adjustment period. But we’ll get through it.”
“Fine.” Piper leaned back in her chair with an exaggerated sigh. “I just don’t understand why you’re moving out on the spur of the moment, upending the routine you’ve spent a decadeperfecting, because of some horny alpha bullshit. I mean, what if they break up?” She raised her glass at me and Cal. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Cal said, offering one of his affable grins.
Joaquin let out a low chuckle, which diffused some of the tension. “You think we don’t know better than to put ideas in either of your sisters’ heads?”
“If you say so,” Piper said with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Kelsey leaned forward, channeling the calm confidence that made her presence so reassuring. “This was my decision, Piper. Sure, things are moving fast, but I’ll still be in the building if anything happens.”
Ah. So that was the real issue.
Piper was worried Morgan would backslide due to Kelsey’s absence.
“But nothing’s going to happen,” Rory interjected. “Which is why I say we start packing up the kitchen after we finish the dishes.”
Multiple heads turned to look at Morgan again. Still no response.
“Hey, baby,” I said, gently touching Morgan’s shoulder. “Is there anything off-limits in the kitchen?”
Clouded amber eyes raised to meet mine. Was she having a migraine?
Morgan blinked a few times, glanced at Kelsey, and then looked back down at her plate. “Take whatever you want, Kels.”
Sighing into her glass, Piper muttered, “This is such a bad idea.”
“That was delicious. Thanks.” Morgan dabbed at her mouth with her napkin, got to her feet, and carried her plate to the kitchen sink. “I’m going to work on applications.”
