Cabin Fever(9)

 

“How’d you get all this in here?” James asks, relieving her of everything but the baby.

 

“Emile downstairs helped me. He’s so nice.”

 

“He likes your tips, I know that,” James says under his breath.

 

“You won’t miss the tip money, but it’ll make a big difference to him,” she says, coming into the room. There’s a note of censure in her voice.

 

“Yes, dear,” James says, not without humor. I get the impression that this is a conversation they’ve had before and they’ve agreed to disagree. Or James has let Leah have her way. It makes me like him even more. Gorgeous, generous, and understanding? Leah’s hit the jackpot.

 

Leah grins at me. “Are you ready for dinner? I got take-out. I’m still a terrible cook.”

 

“You’re not wearing your takeout dress, though,” James says, earning a frown from Leah.

 

“Shush,” she says, quelling whatever inside story it is they’re sharing.

 

I grin, not quite getting the joke but wanting her to know I don’t expect her to cook for me. “I love takeout, especially in Manhattan. What can I do to help?”

 

“Unpack it. Jana will be here any minute.”

 

“She’s eating with us?” James asks, banging away in the front hall closet as he puts things away. “It’s Friday night. I thought she had a life.”

 

“She does, but she wanted to meet Sarah.” Leah winks at me. “No pressure, but you’re going to meet my brother, too.”

 

My jaw drops open. “Brother? Since when do you have a brother?”

 

She grins super big and lifts her shoulders. “Since this year! I’ll tell you all about it at dinner.” She leaves the front hall, expecting me to follow. “Let’s set the table before they get here.”

 

I hold the baby as Leah expertly dresses the table. It goes from boring oak to a carnival of colors in five minutes. She takes Cassie from me and puts her in a highchair near the far corner. A few toys on the tray keep the little girl busy.

 

“You like?” she asks, standing back to admire her work.

 

“I love.” I shake my head in amazement at her talents. “I never realized you were so good with color before.”

 

“I know, right?” She leans in closer and talks in a whisper. “I think James’s bland stuff sent a shock through my system or something. Woke up a part of my personality that was in hibernation.”

 

“Are you talking about me again?” he asks, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. He leans in and kisses her on the neck.

 

She giggles and spins around in his arms, lacing her hands behind his neck. “Always. I talk about you all the time with anyone who will listen. Everyone’s getting sick of hearing your name.”

 

I turn away as they kiss, embarrassed by the passion I see there. No wonder she got pregnant right after they moved in together. Now I really feel the need to cut this visit short. I’m obviously right in the middle of a honeymoon period in their relationship. Talk about a lame houseguest. Just call me Sarah The Wet Blanket.

 

“Okay, enough of that,” he says, smacking her on the butt lightly. “We have a guest we’re making uncomfortable and I’m hungry.”

 

Leah separates herself from her man with a sigh. “Fine. I have appetizers, by the way. Let me just find them…” She picks up the bag of groceries from the floor and places it on the corner of the table. “Somewhere in here…I have some … springrolls…”

 

James retrieves his glass from the bookshelves and walks back over to us. “Can I get you something to drink, ladies? Wine? Scotch? Juice? Water?”

 

I respond as Leah pulls out a few white boxes from inside the grocery bag. “I’ll just have some water, thanks. I can get it if you show me the way.”

 

He points to the kitchen. “Water’s in the fridge. Flat or sparkling, take your pick.”

 

“Glasses are next to the sink,” Leah says as I walk past her. “Pour me an orange juice, would you?”

 

“Sure, no problem.” I’m glad they’re not waiting on me. It already feels weird enough that I’m here after inviting myself. I should probably say something about not staying long so James doesn’t think I’m one of those people who come without a return ticket.

 

I raise my voice to be heard in the other room. “So, I was thinking I’d stay for maybe three or four days with you guys, if that’s okay?” Taking out two glasses, I wait for the reply. It comes as I’m waiting for ice to drop from the automatic dispenser in the fridge door.