Part 15 (1/2)
”Okay, then I'd appreciate if you would change into something I consider appropriate.”
”And what would that be, pray tell?” His head lolled to the side.
”For heaven's sake, Alex! I have a closet full of nice slacks, better jeans or even a dress. Anything besides what you're wearing.”
Alex crossed his eyes and made a face.
”And stop doing that with my eyes. I don't want them to stay like that.”
”That's an old wife's tale.”
”Well stop it anyhow...and go change,” she barked, pointing toward the bedroom.
He raised his hands in surrender. ”Okay, okay you win. I'll be right back.”
Cynthia's temples throbbed. If something didn't change soon, she believed a nervous breakdown loomed in her immediate future.
Chapter Sixteen.
Nerves churned Cynthia's stomach as she and Alex stood at the bottom of the airport escalator and waited for Kevin. Because of increased security, people were no longer allowed to wait at the actual gate. Cynthia scanned the sea of descending faces. Her emotions soared with excitement and dipped with fear.
She turned to Alex. ”By the way, you look very nice. Those slacks have always been favorites of mine.”
”Mine, too,” he said without conviction.
Compared to how her insides felt, he acted far too relaxed. ”Aren't you the least bit apprehensive about this? I feel like chewing on a fingernail, but yours are already gnawed down to the cuticle.”
”Of course I'm nervous, but I'm not going to make myself sick over it.” He stuck one of her long fingernails in her face. ”Here! Chew on this if it will make you feel better.”
His puns grew tiresome. ”Honestly....” She caught sight of her brother and elbowed Alex in the side. ”Oh, there he is. There he is!”
Alex craned his neck. ”Where?”
”Brown s.h.i.+rt...just getting on the escalator.” Her heart warmed at the sight of her brother. She reminded herself not to leap out and hug him even though that's what she wanted to do.
When Kevin got to the bottom level, Cynthia gave Alex a gentle shove. ”Say something,” she whispered.
He cast an annoyed glance in her direction, stepped forward and waved. ”Kevin, here I am.”
Kevin crossed the distance between them in two strides and swept Alex up into his arms. ”Cyn! You look great!”
The look on Alex's...uh, her face, was priceless. Cynthia held back a giggle as he dangled helplessly in the air subjected to, and suffering from, Kevin's bear hug. She hoped Alex would remember to introduce her.
Kevin finally let go.
Alex stepped back and straightened his clothing. ”I'm glad you're here. How was your trip?”
His words sounded forced and unnatural. Maybe Kevin wouldn't notice.
”The flight was fine. Not too many b.u.mps in the road. You really do look great, Sis. It's been too long.”
”Sure has.” Alex took a step backward, beyond Kevin's reach. ”Time flies when you're having fun.” He glanced at his watch. ”We should probably head for the luggage carousel.”
Cynthia discreetly elbowed him.
”Oh! I guess you just spun my manners right out of me. I forgot. This is my friend Alex, the one I told you about.”
Kevin pumped Cynthia's hand vigorously. ”Nice to meet you. Any friend of Cyn's is a friend of mine.”
Cynthia wanted to be the one to jump into his arms and welcome him, instead she nodded. ”Nice to meet you, too, Kevin. Your sister has told me a lot about you.”
She geared herself for a snide remark from Alex...something like ”more than I ever wanted to know,” but breathed a sigh when for once, he held his tongue.
Too much time had pa.s.sed since she'd seen her brother. He looked wonderful, and happy as he focused on Alex. She couldn't help a brief flare of jealousy. For now she'd have to be content in her brother's presence.
Kevin took Alex's hand and smiled at Cynthia as they walked toward the luggage pickup area. ”Well, I can just imagine the stories you've heard. My sister is quite the talker.”
Cynthia hoped her brother didn't sense Alex's discomfort at holding hands with another man...the way he'd stiffened then wriggled his hand free and faked fluffing his hair. If she hadn't been so worried, perhaps she wouldn't have detected anything amiss.
”So, Kevin ... how's the weather...in... at home.” Alex clasped his own hands together as they stood before the circling luggage.
She lowered her head to hide her grin. This was one grain of salt that evidently was harder to swallow than the rest.
In front of Cynthia's apartment, Alex fumbled with the keys. Kevin's shocked reaction when the taxi stopped in front of The Cairns would have been apparent to a blind man. How did one explain the exterior deterioration and neglect?
He cleared his throat. ”Please excuse the appearance of the building. It's very old, and I believe soon to become a historical landmark.” A little lie wouldn't hurt. ”I'm only here because rent elsewhere is so very expensive.”
”It's not bad once you get used to the smells,” Cynthia added, recalling her first visit.
Kevin took a deep breath. ”Then it's not just me?”
”No, it's the building. Musty and old,” Alex a.s.sured.
”Whew, I planned on heading for the shower right away,” Kevin quipped.
Alex opened the door and motioned for Kevin to enter. ”It smells a little better in here. You remember what a neat nick I am?” He flashed an impish smile at Cynthia.
Kevin chuckled. ”That's why I was so surprised when we pulled up out front. The Cyn I know wouldn't consider a place like this...no offense.”