What did that have to do with an employee review? Still…“That isn’t true! I don’t have to be abrasive to prove I’m not a wimp.”
“I hate to tell you differently, but it’s not working your way, hon. You don’t have enough self-worth not to end up in horrible relationships.” Kendall gave her a sympathetic pat on the hand. “I know it’s difficult seeing yourself in the mirror every morning, but your inner beauty shines through.”
“Seriously, Kendall?” Fee said in disbelief. “I’m fine looking at myself in the mirror. I’ve never had issues with my looks. You’re insulting and offensive. Don’t let me go there with you, to prove I’m not as meek as you believe.”
Kendall grinned. “You’re so easy to rile up. You’re gorgeous. I was joking. Sparking a little fire in your blood. It worked.”
“Knock, knock,” Meggie said as Fee threw Kendall a dirty look.
“Meggie, darling,” Kendall greeted, sailing toward the door to hug the other woman. She indicated Meggie’s pink jeans, pink Uggs, and white top. “So cute. You could be an ad for bubblegum.”
“What would I do without your compliments, Kendall? You’ve just made my day,” Meggie said with biting sarcasm. She headed to Fee and gave her a hug. “How’s your job working out?”
Meggie asked the same question every week. Each time, Kendall answered for Fee with the same response.
“I’m a fabulous boss. How do you think it’s working out?”
“Just as I see it,” Meggie retorted, setting her purse on the counter.
Kendall scowled and snatched the pink and white bag. “A purse is one of the dirtiest items in the world. Crawling with bacteria. Do not put this on my counter.”
Rolling her eyes, Meggie took her purse from Kendall and settled it on her shoulders. Fee’s head spun watching the two of them interact. They both pretended to look forward to these brunches, but they were more frenemies than actual friends.
Side-by-side as they now stood, Fee could see why Kendall commented on looks. Her fair skin and red hair were attention getters, as much as her height and big breasts. An elegant woman, with brown eyes and a straight nose, who loved slacks, pencil skirts, and heels, she was rather self-contained, even as casually dressed as she was today. Meggie, on the other hand, was a small, golden girl, shorter than any of them, younger than any of them, but down-to-earth and all about family.
No wonder the two women repelled one another so much. As much as they were drawn together in friendship. Their personalities were complete opposites.
In their complicated world, two half-brothers were also cousins, making Kendall Meggie’s sister-in-law and cousin-in-law.
“I’m hungry,” Kendall grouched. “Let’s eat.”
“I am, too.” Meggie started behind Kendall, but stopped when Fee didn’t follow. “You’re not hungry?”
She was starving.
“She’s not eating with us,” Kendall informed Meggie in a voice that brooked no argument.
“The past few times you said she was busy. She’s not now. Come in and eat with us or I’ll walk out.”
“My house, Meggie, and my assistant. Stop butting into everyone’s business. She can’t eat with us. She works for me. There’s your reason. Are you happy?”
“Omigod! You can’t be serious?” Meggie asked in outrage.
Folding her arms, Kendall sniffed. “I am. What will the rest of my staff think?”
“Who cares? Your house, your assistant, remember?”
“Fuck, if it gets you to shut up, she can eat with us. You’re giving me a headache.”
“What’s going on in here?”
At the sound of Johnnie’s voice, a panicked look crossed Kendall’s face.
“Johnnie,” Kendall greeted as he and Rory strolled into the kitchen, wearing jeans and his cut.
He walked to his wife and kissed her. “I heard voices in here,” he said, slanting a glance at Megan and nodding to her.
“Hey,” Meggie said softly.
He smiled at Fee. “What’s up with you?”
“I’m fine,” she said.
“I’m glad to hear that.” He looked at Meggie again. “You’re rather pink, sweetheart.”
She laughed. “I am.”
“I said the same thing to Meggie,” Kendall said.
Johnnie cocked his head to the side, looking from one to the other. “You two okay?”
Meggie flushed, while Kendall dropped her gaze.
“All right, what the hell’s going on?” he demanded. “Kendall, what have you done now?”
Anger lit Kendall’s eyes, evaporating at Johnnie’s wordless warning.