An odd invite

When you walk in, you’re given the usual cheerful greeting, which is reassuring. The girls encourage you to go shower and relax before worrying about the news, and so you do. When you come back, taking your usual spot on the couch, Mazzy hands you a letter. You groan, knowing that every time someone actually bothers to put things on paper, it’s only ever bad news.

Mazzy shrugs. “This was on the floor in the entryway when we got home, so we don’t know when it was delivered.”

Sirona nods. “I didn’t hear a knock. I was…I mean, I wasn’t listening, but I didn’t hear anything.”

You notice that the letter is open already. “You all read this, I’m assuming?”

Kenna smiles. “Of course! It’s not addressed to anyone, and we’re all family, right?”

You smile back. “Fair enough. Not that we get much mail anyway.”

You pull out the letter, and read. It’s hand written, and you recognize the handwriting as Kelly’s. It’s not long, but Mazzy was right, it’s strange.

Brian,

I’m writing this to apologize for what happened in the cafe. I was out of line. Please understand that I’m trying to protect you. I never stopped caring, I just have found a greater calling. I’d like to need with you to have one more talk. Meet me at the restaurant we always used to go to, in two days. Come alone. I have a lot to explain, and I want it to be just us.

-Kelly

You set the letter down and sigh. “Well this seems like a bad idea.”

Dakota nods. “See, that’s what I said! I mean come on, telling you to come alone? That’s like **** basics!”

Mazzy rolls her eyes. “You’ve been watching too many suspense movies, Dakota. It’s a meeting in a public restaurant.”

Kenna shrugs. “With how she’s acted, it’s hard to say what could happen. No harm in being cautious.”

Ellie speaks up, placing her hand on your arm. “M-maybe it’s a good idea t-to talk to the AWIO about this. J-just to be safe.”

You nod, smiling at her. “That’s a really good idea, Ellie. I’ll talk to them tomorrow at work. I’m sure they’ve dealt with this sort of thing before.”

Mazzy hops off your lap. “Good, now that it’s all settled, I can make dinner!”

Dakota grins, glancing at Sirona. “And afterwards, we have some fun, to forget all this!”

You look between Dakota and Sirona, one giggling and the other blushing furiously.