The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

49 - Lunch

Baxter felt stressed all morning. He was paying Macintyre overtime to serve as Ivy's bodyguard, but he would feel better when Ivy finished her exams and left campus.

The good news was the damage from the fire was minimal. He only had one report and hoped to hear more from his father. Thoughts of his father moved to his mother. He feared she would never back down. Ivy could be so strong, but also like a wounded bird. If he hadn't come to get her, she would have stayed at Eleanor's house. He tried not to take it personally, because she loved him.

Ivy had two weeks off before she started her job in the new year. During that time, she would be busy settling into the house. Baxter couldn't wait to live with her alone in their beautiful home.

Danielle buzzed through. "Your father has requested a lunch meeting."

"I can do that. I'll be waiting for word from Macintyre."

"I can handle Mac." She laughed.

"Do you find him handsome? Never mind."

"Sure he has a nice face. Why?"

"Ivy said he was."

"Please stop. Ivy only has eyes for you. No jealousy allowed."

"I know. I know. Can you leave word at the house I want to talk to Kasper? I assume he's asleep."

"Actually, he's coming to lunch."

"Seriously? Okay. I'll talk to him then." It was unusual for Kasper to come to work. Baxter had one more thing to worry about.

When Baxter arrived at his father's office. Kasper looked at his watch. Baxter just shrugged. "I know I'm late."

He had confirmed that Ivy had finished her exams and sent her a congratulatory text.

Kasper stood looking out of place in faded jeans. "Couldn't you dress?"

"He won't be here long." Philip didn't look happy with Kasper.

"What happened?" He looked from his father to his brother.

"Dad's mad because I told them it would be okay."

"Who is them?"

Philip cleared his throat. "If I didn't step in, he would have taken responsibility for their business loss. I clarified that the building will be okay."

Baxter pinched the bridge of his nose. "You can't promise to make it all better. Their employee set a fire in our building. We only care about our building. Their belongings are their problem. They have insurance. They are a goddamn insurance company."

"I was being kind. You should try it."

"I am kind, but I don't take responsibility for things just to be nice."

Kasper threw up his arms. "Why did I come?"

"Because I told you to. You needed to hear it from your brother. You can just keep playing your games until you mature some more."

Baxter sighed and patted his brother's back. "Let's eat. I'm hungry."

"I stopped for burritos. The kind dad loves."

Philip smirked. "Your mother won't be happy. No rich or spicy food for me. My bland diet might kill me."

Baxter felt sad for his mother. She loved her husband and his well being while he loved another woman.

They stuck to safe subjects while they ate enormous burritos stuffed with beef, rice, beans, cheese, spicy peppers, and sauces. Baxter couldn't finish his, but the other two managed it.