Relative Happiness by Lesley Crewe Read Free Book Online Page B

times she crawled under his desk and sat by his feet. When her mom came looking for her, dad would say he hadn’t seen her. Eventually, they did it a few too many times and Lexie remembered being dragged out from under the desk, her mother clearly annoyed with their ruse.
    â€œI’m surprised at you, William.”
    Lexie hoped her dad would say something, but he just sheepishly waved her goodbye. Now that she was grown up she knew why. It was too exhausting to argue with her.
    â€œDad, have you met Gabby’s new guy yet?”
    He linked his fingers together across his chest. “Hundreds of times.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? He’s only been in town about twice.”
    Dad swivelled. She loved that chair. “Lexie, your sister’s brought home the same type of male since she was fourteen years old. I know all about him.”
    â€œWhy do you think she does that?”
    â€œBecause she can.”
    It was true. Gabby wooed men by looking at them. It was a talent Lexie wished she possessed. Gabby seemed bored by it but Lexie found it fascinating.
    She twirled her hair, an unconscious gesture she did to soothe herself. “I wish I was like her.”
    Her father leaned forward. “You know Lexie, some men only see the package. And some women only have the package to give. Don’t change a single hair on that wonderful head of yours. I’d never forgive you.”
    Her dad. The world’s sweetest guy. Adrian was next.
    Lexie heard shouts of hello from the front door. Dad said, “More company.”
    â€œI’ll go.” She left the study and rounded the corner just in time to see Kate unwrap a scarf from her neck and unzip her boots. An attractive woman stood behind her, doing the same thing.
    This must be her. Kate told Lexie she had a new girlfriend.
    â€œLexie.” Kate ran and hugged her.
    â€œHi there, Brat.” Lexie kissed her on both cheeks. “You look wonderful.”
    She did too. She had a pixie cut, her shiny brown hair spiked out every which way. It suited her small face. Kate had huge dimples that made her appear happy all the time. She looked so young. No wonder “Brat” still fit.
    Kate turned. “This my friend and colleague, Daphne St. James.”
    Lexie shook her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you Daphne. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
    Daphne gave her a relieved smile.
    One down, thought Lexie. The whole tribe to go.
    When Kate was eleven, Lexie ran into her room for something and caught Kate kissing her best friend. She almost had a heart attack. So did her sister. Kate stammered something, but Lexie didn’t stick around to hear it. Instead, she went to her room and shut herself in the closet. She sat and thought about what she’d seen. It never occurred to her that girls could like girls. She felt afraid. It was a big unknown. Her little sister knew something she didn’t. She felt stupid and left out and wondered what their mother would say if she found out. From that moment on, she decided to be Kate’s champion. Kate was involved in something that would send their mother through the roof and that satisfied Lexie to no end.
    She was shallow enough to admit she wanted to see her mother react to Daphne. Adrian whispered in her ear. “Does your Mom know about her?”
    Lexie spied her mother coming from the kitchen. “She does now.”
    â€œKatie, darling,” her mother sang. She stretched her arms outward and Kate walked into them.
    â€œHi Mama. You’re looking well.”
    â€œI should, my sweet. I work hard enough at it.” Her eyes fell on Daphne.
    â€œMom, this is my friend Daphne St. James.”
    â€œWelcome Daphne, it’s so nice to meet you. We don’t see enough of Kate’s friends. Please, come in and make yourself at home.”
    She shook Daphne’s hand, and steered her towards the living room.
    So far, so good. Surely to God, her mother knew