“I’m going to make coffee.” Holly teased with a smile, and got out of bed.

Gail groaned and sat up. “Ok, you win.”

Pulling on an old hoodie and shorts, she followed Holly into the kitchen.

They were just settling into a comfortable silence at the kitchen table, hands wrapped around steaming mugs, when they heard the car approaching.

“Oh no.” Gail sighed and feared the worst. This, she knew, could only mean one thing. “Crap!” She buried her face in her hands and braced herself.

The front door opened. “Gail?” Steve’s voice called

“In the kitchen.” She called back

Soon, he appeared in the doorway, wool sox making no noise on the hardwood floors.

“Would you like some coffee?” Holly offered

“No, I can’t stay. Traci won’t get out of the car. “ He grinned

“Why are you here?” Gail asked brusquely

“Mother is on the warpath. I just thought you should know.” He shrugged

“What is it this time? Is it that I blew off yet another stupid date with one of her friends sons?”

“Gail, she knows.” He replied

“Knows what?” She said her heart stopping in her chest, the room growing suddenly cold.

“She knows about you and Holly.” He said quietly.
They sat in chilly silence for a moment, Gail staring at him in icy disbelief.

“She would probably be here herself if..”

“If it weren’t for some stupid law enforcement conference or something. “ Gail interrupted “So, what. Are you here to do her dirty work, again?” she sniped

“No,” Steve replied carefully “Your phone was off, so I came here to warn you.”

“And just how did she happen to find out about Holly?” Her eyes were like lasers “Not that I’m ashamed of her or anything, I’m just not ready to deal with Elaine yet.”

“Nick.” He shrugged “He was on the desk when she called the station looking for you.”

“Traitor.” Gail growled “And Dad?” she asked

“I don’t know” He shrugged

“Four days.” Gail said bitterly, “Just four days of peace, is that too much to ask…”

“Traci said we shouldn’t have come, that you needed some time to get away,” Steve shrugged again “But I wanted to warn you, just incase..”

Gail looked at him sharply “She wouldn’t.”

“I doubt it, but you never know.” He replied

“Hey listen, “ Holly said, stepping up to wrap a protective arm around Gail’s waist, “We were just about to get dressed and go get something to eat at the diner. Why don’t you and Traci join us.” She felt Gail stiffen.

“Um, sure, ok.” Steve stammered

“Great!” Holly continued “Why don’t you go ahead and we will meet you there.”

“Yeah, ok.” Steve replied, turning to go. “See you there.”

Gail turned to Holly as Steve closed the door on his way out, “What did you do that for?” she asked

“Ancient Jedi mind trick.” Holly replied with a grin

“Ok Nerd, explain.”

“It’s called etiquette. If we spend a few pleasant hours out with your brother, then they go home happy, and we get the rest of the time here to ourselves” Holly smiled

“Ok.” Gail said, clearly not convinced.

“And then, if you’re good, maybe, just maybe I will let you play with my toys when we get back.” Holly winked, slapped Gail on the butt, and sashayed off into the bathroom to get dressed.