“And I still think there needs to be a physical component. Something that would look good in print,” Ezra said. “Maybe we can partner with a local clinic to do free health screenings, or hold seminars on how heart disease affects black women. Scholarships are great, but they don’t create the same visuals as a room full of people getting checked out by doctors and nurses. We need to show people that we’re actually doing stuff. That kind of PR is what brings in donations.”
“Here he goes again,” Reid said, rolling his eyes. “Always on this PR trip.”
Ezra pointed to him. “I told your ass—”
“Hey, when did you all get here?” They all jumped at the sound of their dad’s voice as he entered the kitchen. “I guess this is what I get for letting my grown kids all keep their house keys.” He came around the table and pressed a kiss to the top of Indina’s head. “You don’t have to work?” He looked around at his sons. “Do any of you work?”
“I’m waiting to hear from Alex before I go back to the work site,” Reid said. “The construction job we’ve been working on had a bunch of rain delays so the crew is behind. We're supposed to start on the plumbing today, but who knows.”
“Didn’t one of your foreman leave? Have you all found someone to replace him?” Ezra asked.
Reid shook his head. “I’ve given Alex the names of a few people to interview, but he’s picky as hell when it comes to Holmes Construction. He’s not going to bring in just anybody.”
“And he shouldn’t,” their father said. “If it’s got the Holmes name on it, it needs to be held to a certain standard.” He gave Indina’s shoulder a squeeze. “And what about you? What are you doing here on a Tuesday afternoon instead of at your office?”
“I’m working from home today,” Indina said.
“My home?”
“Hey, it was my home for eighteen years,” she said with a laugh. “And I’m here so that I could help these two gang up on you about flying out to San Diego with your Navy buddies,” Indina said.
“Oh, don’t start that again.”
“It would be good for you, Dad.”
He pointed to a domed cake holder next to the coffee pot. “Have you all had a piece of that cake on the counter? Mrs. Johnson brought it over. It’s good.”
“That’s the lamest dodge I’ve ever heard in my life,” Ezra said as he rose from the table. “But it worked.” He grabbed a plate and sliced himself a piece of cake. He pointed his fork at their dad. “Hey, why didn’t you ask me why I’m here instead of at work?”
“Because he doesn’t think you have a real job,” Reid said.
“Stop that, Reid,” their Dad said.
Ezra’s work situation remained a sticky subject. Although Indina knew Reid’s jab held no malicious intent, their dad wouldn’t allow anyone to needle Ezra over his termination from the newspaper where he once worked.
She, however, still had a bone to pick with her brother.
“Apparently Ezra’s job is harassing Councilmember Arnold,” Indina said. “I thought I asked you to leave Mackenna alone?”
“I’m not harassing her,” Ezra said. “I’m researching a story.”
“You’re being a pain in the ass to one of my dearest friends. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop.”
Her dad walked over to Ezra and clamped a hand on his shoulder. “If your brother thinks there’s something going on, then my bet’s on him. I read that piece you wrote about the new zoning being done in the city. You got under a lot of people’s skin with that one.”
“Yeah, well, it isn’t juicy enough to get me the kind of coverage that’s going to pay the bills,” he said. “These days I spend more of my time teaching journalism than actually practicing it. Speaking of teaching, I need to head home so I can try to make a dent in the papers I have to grade.” He pulled a roll of foil from the cabinet and wrapped up a second piece of cake. “The new department head is a hard ass about things like that. I think he’s just sucking up to the president of the college.”
“Ezra, can I get your word that you’re going to leave Mack alone?” Indina asked.
“No way.” He shook his head. “I know she’s your friend and all, but there’s something shady going on with Mackenna Arnold and her husband.”
“He is her ex-husband,” Indina said pointedly.
“Doesn’t matter. They were married at the time all this stuff I’m digging up happened. She had to have known and was complicit.” He opened the door that led to the back steps, but then stopped. “I forgot to ask if any of you got the family picture we took on the cruise? Monica said she would have copies made for everyone.”
A painful ache pierced Indina’s chest at just the mention of the cruise. She shook her head. “Not yet. I’ll have to ask Monica.”
Although that picture wasn’t high on the list of things she wanted sitting on her mantle. The thought of passing it every day and seeing Griffin’s smiling face filled her with enough sadness to drown her.
It had been over a week since they disembarked the ship, and over a week since she’d talked to Griffin.
By the time she woke the morning following their argument, Griffin had already showered and left the cabin. He joined the family at the farewell breakfast aboard the ship, but other than a brusque hello when she sat next to him at breakfast and an even brusquer goodbye once they arrived at the port, he hadn’t spoken to her.
Indina had known
