‘Yeah, you know Linda, couldn’t shut her up.’

‘Boozy?’

‘No,’ I say, trying to smile.

‘That’s funny,’ he says. ‘I bumped into Linda half an hour ago at the grocer. She got a little flustered when I asked her what time she left brunch. She said both ten minutes ago and an hour ago. Then she asked me if I was meeting you.’

I drop my bag on the bench, chew my lips. ‘I’m stressed. All I wanted was some alone time,’ I say. ‘I got reading the newspaper.’

I pull my phone out and see four missed calls from Gabe. ‘I’ve only now seen the calls, sorry.’ My phone was on silent.

‘I’m stressed about the house, too, Margot, but it’s been hours.’

‘I said I’m sorry.’ It comes out sharp, antagonistic.

He looks deep into my eyes now. ‘Can you please communicate in the future?’

‘I will,’ I say, then try to change the subject. ‘How was your day?’

‘It was fine. I met July’s boyfriend.’

‘Where?’

‘He dropped her home. I guess they were studying together today. Nice kid. A little preppy.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘He reeks of private school privilege, but not in a bad way. Too polite, too groomed. You know?’

‘Sure. I think we need to talk to her about being cautious outside of the house right now.’

He stands from his stool and goes in behind the bench. The downlights shadow his eyes. ‘Cautious how?’

I lean over the kitchen bench and reach into the cupboard for a wine glass. ‘Someone tried to burn our house down. She needs to keep us informed about where she is at all times, and who with. She can’t come and go as she pleases.’ Rich coming from me, ignoring calls all day, I think. ‘Can you pass me the wine?’

‘I agree, but she’s seventeen, Margot,’ he says, pulling a bottle of pinot noir from the wine rack. ‘She’s going to have her own life. We already told her once that she needs to keep us in the loop.’

He’s right.

‘Corkscrew please.’

Gabe opens four draws before he finally produces it. I let out a small huff of laughter.

‘So hard to find anything in this house,’ he says.

I open the bottle of wine then look at the clock and see it is only three. Still I pour myself a glass, take a sip, then say, ‘July will understand if we have to enforce a curfew, I’ll talk to her again. I don’t mind her spending time with Hudson, but I’d rather they do it here where she’s safe.’

‘You’re the boss.’

Chapter Ten

TEN