Misfit(19)
Fee recognized the loneliness in Kendall’s statement. She, too, felt alone amongst her remaining family and their friends.
Kendall nodded to the door. “I need you to check to make sure that Jane has bagels and lox ready.”
“Meggie don’t like lox.”
“Such a simple girl. I guess Christopher don’t like it so she doesn’t.” She giggled. “He probably doesn’t even know how to spell it.”
From vulnerability to bitchiness. Kendall’s changes gave Fee whiplash.
“Whoa, back up. First, you insulted CJ, a child. Now, you’re disparaging my brother. You can’t do that around me.”
Shame crossed Kendall’s face. “You’re right. But I’m just joking. Another thing you’ll find out now that I’m not so stressed with the case. I’m a real cut-up.”
Fee faked a loud laugh, then abruptly stopped and glared at Kendall. “Christopher happens to like lox and caviar.”
“He does? Not even Johnnie likes caviar.”
Fee shrugged, wondering if this was Kendall’s true character, or if she was having an off day, as everyone did at one time or another.
In the kitchen, Fee found Jane serving tea to Ella. She was a plump woman, too severe to be a nanny to young kids. Both her and Jane were older, matronly types, who wore gray and white uniforms that matched their gray and white hair.
Two silver trays, covered in clear plastic wrap, sat on the kitchen counter. The smaller one contained the lox, the bigger held a mountain of bagels. Silver dishes containing sour cream, chives, and something unidentifiable surrounded the trays. A large bowl of fresh mixed fruit was also there.
“May I help you?” Jane’s polite question drew Ella’s attention.
Fee smiled. “Kendall sent me in here to make sure everything is ready for Meggie’s arrival.”
Mouth pinched, Jane nodded to the trays and bowls.
“Erm, okay.” She stood like a doofus, wondering should she have Jane set the trays in the dining room. Should she do it herself? Usually, administrative work kept Fee busy, so Kendall handled her staff.
Considering her next move, she studied the kitchen, wondering why it resembled the one in her brother’s house. Whereas the center island in the other kitchen had stools in a semi-circle at one end, the center island here lacked any evidence that company was welcomed during food preparation. Cabinet styles matched in design, but Kendall had decorated her kitchen with dark wood, dark countertops, and dim lighting, giving a dramatic, sexy effect.
If she had her own house, Fee decided she’d choose colors and lighting somewhere in between.
“Is there anything else you need?” Jane asked, hands on hips.
Fee frowned at the woman’s attitude. “Kendall wants you to put the food out.”
“Did she tell you that?”
“No,” Fee admitted. “But it is time for it to go out, so get it done.”
“Out, missy. I’d never tell you how to do your job. Don’t tell me how to do mine.”
Kendall breezed in, and halted, looking from Fee to Jane. “What’s taking you so long, Fee?”
“Nothing.” Fee swept her hand toward the food. “As you can see, Jane has everything under control.”
Silence met her statement, as Kendall continued to divide her regard. She offered Jane a small smile. “You do understand this woman is my assistant?”
Lifting her chin, Jane cleared her throat. “Yes, ma’am.”
“That means if she’s in this kitchen for me, you’ll give her due accordance. Am I clear?”
Jane nodded.
“Now, set the food out before my sister-in-law arrives. I’ll remember this during our quarterly review.”
Review?
“Kendall?” Fee said once Jane began to move the trays to the side board in the dining room and Ella took her tea to wherever.
Kendall turned from transferring the coffee from the glass decanter to a silver service. “Yes?”
“You give employee reviews?”
“Of course. That’s how it’s done at the law firm. Well, Brooks and his partners do yearly reviews, but these people are in my house, around my husband and children. A year is too long to point out flaws.”
“Does that mean I’ll get a review, too?”
Setting the service on a nearby counter, Kendall paused and frowned. “Are you sure you’re related to Christopher, Johnnie, and Zoann?”
“What? Why?” she asked as the doorbell rang.
“Well, are you?”
“Of course! They’re my brother, cousin, and sister. You know that.”
“Then act like it. You’re scared of your own fucking shadow. It’s so annoying. Even Meggie stands up for herself. You’d let a mouse walk all over you.”