In her perfect kitchen she felt in control. The smooth granite counters and floor, the European-style cabinets with their sleek lines, and the stainless appliances made her feel like a veritable Rachel Ray from TV. If Kaia and Jesse saw her here, they’d know she could handle any problem.
The clock on the mantel chimed eight times. Kaia and Heidi should be here any minute. Curtis would be so proud of her. She knew exactly how to handle this and just what she was going to say. Curtis said to be subtle. She’d show him just how good she was at that.
The doorbell rang and she jumped. She glanced at herself in the hall mirror as she rushed to the door. Her face was flushed, and there was a smudge of flour on her nose. She brushed it away and flung open the door. Her smile faded as she saw only Jesse and Heidi.
“Kaia isn’t with you?” She stepped aside for them to enter.
Jesse guided Heidi inside. Her expression was mutinous. “She twisted her ankle last night, and I made her go home to bed. She said to tell you she’d come for breakfast in a couple of days. She’ll call you.”
Faye’s lips trembled, and she pressed them together. She couldn’t let Jesse see how disappointed she was. He’d wonder why it mattered so much. “I have breakfast ready. Macadamia-nut waffles with strawberry syrup.”
“Sounds great. I need to get back to the base, but I think I can force down a waffle or two.” He smiled and followed her to the kitchen. Heidi trailed behind them.
Faye brought him a plate of food. “We can eat in the dining room.”
“Oh, this is fine,” he said. He took the plate and sat at the bar stool at the counter.
Oh dear, none of this was going the way she’d planned. She bit her lip and gave Heidi her breakfast. “I’d thought to take Heidi snorkeling today, but she looks like she could use a nap.” The little girl propped her head on one hand and picked at her food.
Jesse mouthed, “She misses her mom.” He began to wolf down his food. “Wow, this is good. It’s been forever since I had a breakfast like this.”
Faye smiled and sat beside him. She picked daintily at her own breakfast, her appetite gone as quickly as her plans.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, then Jesse shoved his plate away. “Let me tuck her into bed; then I need to talk to you for a minute.”
He sounded serious. Faye caught her breath and prayed he hadn’t discovered her secret. She showed Jesse to the guest bedroom. He kissed Heidi then slipped her sandals off. Her eyes closed before Jesse and Faye had exited the room.
Faye ushered Jesse to the living room. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. Her gaze swept the room. It was in perfect order, unlike her life.
He perched on the edge of the sofa. Folding his big hands in front of him, he cleared his throat. “I need a favor.”
Relief as sweet as pineapple swept through her. “Is that all? I thought the fate of the world hung in the balance from the way you looked. You know I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”
He nodded. “You’ve been great. I don’t know what Heidi and I would have done without you. I’m not sure why you’re being so good to us, but I appreciate it.”
Faye couldn’t look him in the eye. If he only knew. She resolved to try to get to know Heidi for her own sake. It was wrong to be using the child. And caring for a rambunctious eight-year-old hadn’t been easy.
She pleated her skirt and looked at the carpet. “What can I do to help?”
“I’m going to need to start going out on the boat with Kaia. She was injured last night on duty, and I want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Faye put her hand to her throat. “What happened?”
Jesse told her about Kaia’s sprained ankle. Faye wished she could go check on the younger woman, but they were merely casual acquaintances. It would look odd.
“I see. And how do I come in?”
“Could you let Heidi sleep here? I’ll come get her after work so you can have the evening with your husband. Then I’ll bring her back and put her down to bed.”
For a moment, Faye was taken aback at his temerity in asking such a consuming “favor.” This would disrupt her whole life, not just the day. She was tempted to say no. But Kaia would hear of it and think her selfish. She bit her lip.
Jesse’s coaxing smile faded. “I know it’s a lot to ask. I’ll see if I can find someone to stay at my place with her at night. It’s too much for you.”
“No, no, I was just surprised.” Faye swallowed her irritation. “For how long?”
“Two weeks. Just until the missile tests are over. Less than that if we can nail who’s breaching security.”
She resisted the inclination to sigh. “I’ll do it.”
Jesse’s blue eyes clouded. “On second thought, this isn’t a good idea. If you could do this for a few days, I’ll find someone to stay at the house. Let me see what I can do.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I like Heidi.” She managed a smile. Why on earth was she trying to talk him out of it now? It was going to put a major crimp in her life. She’d basically have the keiki 24-7 with the exception of a few hours in the evening. Curtis might have a fit. On second thought, he probably wouldn’t mind.