“At least a month. He moved in before I got here.”
“He just moved in? He’s mooching off Aunt Lillian?”
Robyn looked at her. “Lillian invited him. He’s part of Leo’s family, and this is going to be his house. She’s been after him for years to come live here. He finally said yes.”
Which sounded reasonable, but Harlow didn’t like it. Still, she’d learned something about jumping to conclusions over the past couple of weeks.
They walked into Lillian’s sitting room, then out onto the balcony. She turned from the view of the ocean to Lillian.
Her great-great-aunt sat on a chaise, a blanket pulled up to her waist. She seemed smaller than the last time Harlow had seen her. Her white hair was more wispy. But her blue eyes were just as focused, and she beamed with delight when she saw Harlow.
“You made it! My darling Harlow. You’re more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”
Harlow sank down next to the chaise, where she carefully wrapped her arms around Lillian.
“I’ve missed you,” Harlow whispered. “Thank you for always being here to welcome me.”
“Of course, my love. Where else would I go?”
Holding her, Harlow became aware of Lillian’s fragility. Her bones felt delicate, and the older woman had obviously lost weight. She shot her mom a frantic look, but Robyn didn’t seem worried.
Before Harlow could figure out how to ask if Lillian was all right, Austin and Mason walked out onto the balcony. Her brother jogged to Lillian’s other side and pulled her into a gentle bear hug.
“Finally, we’re together again. I’ve missed you.”
Lillian laughed and patted his cheek. “Look at you, Austin. More handsome by the day.”
“It’s a curse,” he said solemnly. “But my heart will always belong to you.”
Harlow sat close and reached for her aunt’s hand. “We’re happy to be here. And to see you.”
“I won’t ask how long you’re staying,” Lillian told her with a smile. “Whatever you tell me won’t be enough.” She lowered her voice. “I’ll warn you. I’m trying to convince your mom to move in with me.”
Harlow and Austin exchanged a look. She knew he’d be fine with the idea. He was hoping to establish California residency. But Harlow didn’t like thinking of both her mother and her brother being so far away. She would be all alone in Florida.
But instead of blurting out something she would regret, she patted Lillian’s hand and said, “You can be persuasive. I doubt she’ll be able to resist you.”
Lillian’s gaze sharpened. “Are you all right, dear?”
“I’m great.”
Harlow looked toward her mother, then nearly fell off her chair when she saw Mason lightly brush her mom’s arm in a gesture that was both caring and slightly possessive. Instead of swatting him away, her mother smiled up at him affectionately.
WTF?
Anger and disappointment boiled up inside of her. Not her mother, too. Couldn’t anyone be a decent person for five minutes?
She sprang to her feet and walked toward the door. “I’m going to get my suitcase.”
“It’s in your room,” Austin told her. “You okay?”
“Fine.” Harlow knew her voice had an edge, but she was about out of control. “Mom, could you help me?”
“Sure. Lillian, I’ll leave you in these gentlemen’s capable hands.”
“A wonderful idea. Mason, it’s after two. Let’s have cocktails.”
Robyn joined Harlow in the hall. “I think your aunt is having a few too many cocktails these days, but the woman is ninety-four. I probably shouldn’t say anything.”
Harlow waited until they’d stepped into the room she always used here. For once she ignored the big bed, the French doors that opened onto a small balcony and the overstuffed chair where she’d spent hours reading. Instead she spun toward her mother.
“How could you?” she asked, letting out her anger. “My God, it’s disgusting. I don’t get it. Am I the only person on the planet who hasn’t cheated? Is it because of Dad? Is that it? I know that he wasn’t faithful in your marriage. That was awful, but now you’re acting the same? Why? He did it, so you want to try it? Or have you been doing this all along?” She paused, then shook her head. “Never mind. Don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.”
Her mother stared at her. “What are you talking about? Harlow, are you sure you feel all right? You’re acting very strange.”
“Strange? How about disappointed, because that covers it.” Her eyes burned. “Mom, I never thought you’d cheat on Jase. You and Mason were all over each other. You’ve been here two weeks and you’re sleeping with him? It’s gross and wrong.”
Her mother’s expression tightened. “Ask a few questions before jumping to conclusions. Not that it’s your business, but Jase and I broke up before I left Florida, and I’m not sleeping with Mason.”
Harlow’s anger deflated, and embarrassment took its place. “You broke up with Jase? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“When was I supposed to do that? After you told me not to come to your wedding? After you stopped talking to me or texting me? You seem to enjoy assuming the worst about me, Harlow, and I have no idea why. Maybe instead of getting mad because you think I’m cheating on my boyfriend, you should consider that not everything is about you.”
Harlow saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Austin had stepped into the bedroom. His was next to hers, and they shared a Jack and Jill bathroom. He was watching them both, but didn’t speak.
“I don’t know what to say,” Harlow admitted.
“An apology might be a good start, but I know better than to expect that.”
Her mother walked out. Austin waited until she was gone to look at Harlow.
“We haven’t even been here an hour. Why are you always all over her? She didn’t do anything wrong. This one’s on you.”
With that, he left as well, closing the bathroom door behind him, leaving her alone and feeling very, very small.
* * *
Robyn decided to work on her hurt and frustration with a little physical labor. A couple of rooms on every floor were, for lack of better description, filled with junk. Broken chairs, boxes of old paperwork, abandoned craft projects, cracked bowls and stained carpets. Two days ago she’d ordered a big bin from the trash company. It was due to be delivered by the end of the week. Until then, she could spend some time sorting the junk into save and toss piles.