Page 8

Crew

A cork pops, and the drink fizzes over the sides of the navy bottle. Harvey darts towards the sink, cursing as the bubbles settle, the drink half-empty. Smooth jazz plays from a speaker on the kitchen island, only interrupted by the soft crackle of the bubbly.

“Well, there’s a couple hundred dollars down the drain,” he mutters, and I watch as he splits the remaining Bavarti between three glasses. He must see me standing in the doorway of the kitchen because he grins before reaching into the fridge for another bottle. “Care for a glass? It’s seltzer.”

I step into the light, rolling my neck before I can object as he pours a glass anyways. “Thank you, Sir.”

“I know what you’re thinking: It’s insane to pay so much for water, right? But this stuff is the real deal. From some old springs in Preyva. Or what’s left of it, at least. Olivia loves it. We’ve tried every label around, but nothing beats this.”

He’s rambling , I realize, and if I hadn’t thought he’d gone all-out with the silk tablecloth, candles, and glittering crystal glasses on the table, I’d still say he’s nervous. “Nervous about tonight?”

Harvey’s always struck me as a bit anxious, but never to this extent. The smell of dinner cooking fills the air, and when a timer buzzes, a servant appears from the common room to pull the sizzling dish from the oven.

“Thank you, Meha,” he smiles, and when she moves to cut and serve the dish, he waves her off. “I’ve got it from here. Enjoy your evening.”

She bows her head before scurrying out of the room. His attention shifts back to me as he peels back the layer of foil. Garlic and meat sauce permeate the air, and he takes a long sniff.

“This is Olivia’s favorite too. I guess I am a bit nervous. This time of year is hard. And I barely get her to come and see me enough as it is,” he chuckles, and when I hear the front door alarm chirp, I know it’s because Taylor’s here. “Bishop!” Harvey grins when Taylor comes to a stop by the island. “How’s your wife doing?”

Taylor grins, greeting me with a look. “Lydia’s doing well. Sorry she couldn’t come tonight. A bit under the weather.”

“A shame. I hear pregnancy does that to you,” Harvey says as he strolls to the table and removes a setting. “She’s alright though?”

It’s been two months since Taylor announced the news. It's not unexpected- they've wanted a family for a long time... and I'm happy for them. That kid will grow up loved. That's more than I can say for most children.

“That’s alright. It’ll just be us then. Olivia will be here soon… and then we can eat.”

I count five settings remaining, and just as I’m about to question why, someone raps on the front door.

Harvey grins. “Help yourself to a drink, Bishop. Excuse me, gentleman.”

He disappears, and Taylor shakes his head as we exchange a look. “Place looks nice.”

I crack a smile.

Compared to the last few times we’ve visited? He’s definitely cleaned up. Tonight probably means a lot to him.

“Button!” We hear from the foyer, and Taylor grabs a drink as I lean against the counter. “No date?” he asks next, and when he and Olivia appear, she’s wearing a simple blouse, slacks, and heels.

Her smile is tight as she answers, “It’s just me, Dad.” Her eyes skip past me, and when she spots Taylor, she flashes a pearly smile and extends her hand. “I’m Liv. It’s so good to meet you.”

“Sorry it’s under these circumstances, but likewise. You just get back from work?”

She sighs, hooking a bag onto a chair at the table. “Yes actually. I’m prepping for a small get-together I have for a couple tomorrow night. Lemoncello themed, from what I hear.”

“I doubt many get the chance to see the behind-the-scenes of wedding planning, but I’m excited to work together.”

“Thank you. I am too.” Her answering smile is nothing but genuine. Her eyes briefly flicker toward me before flitting toward Harvey. “This- This looks delicious.”

“Can’t take all the credit. Meha made it, and it was your mom’s recipe.”

“Then let’s eat,” she says, sliding into a seat.

We each take a setting, and Harvey sets the steaming dish in front of us. Taking turns serving ourselves, we all dine in.

Olivia tells her Dad a bit about her plans for the upcoming summer. He tells her a bit about the business, and when conversation veers towards the new living situation, it’s my turn to explain the new schedule. Taylor and I will trade off most nights at seven, but we’ll trade weekends to start off. We’ll have weekly check-ins, and Harvey will have his own personal detail that will trade off. It seems tenuous, but with Harvey’s recent encounter, it’s required.

Olivia listens intently, but I can tell from the look plastered on her face, she doesn’t like the idea. She glances at Harvey as dinner comes to a close, and when he smiles at her hopefully, her returning smile is forced.

She swirls her sparkling water. “Is this the lemon one?” she asks quietly.

“Yeah. I think the raspberry is still my favorite. What do you think?”

She nods. “Raspberry’s hard to beat.” An uncomfortable pause passes before she switches gears and turns towards Taylor. “You mentioned you like coffee, right? Dad has this fancy machine I have to show you.”

When she stands and Taylor follows after, I take it as my cue to carry dishes to the sink. Harvey follows suit, smiling faintly as I start cleaning.

Absently, he asks, “She seems good, doesn’t she?”

I narrow him a look. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t think I’ve seen her smile so much in a long time. She looks happy… Don’t you think?”

When I glance over my shoulder at Olivia and Taylor conversing in the living room, I don’t doubt that the curiosity and interest on her face is genuine. Maybe she does look happy most of the time. But happy and good are two different things. It’s not my job to comment on either.

“I can’t say I have an opinion, Sir.”

He considers her carefully, turning to lean against the counter. His next question catches me off-guard completely: “You single, Warden?”

I clear my throat, looking away from her. “Sir-“

“Relax, Warden. I trust you. I guess I just never considered a young man like you was going to be living with my daughter.”

“Part-time. I still have my own place, and so does Taylor. The arrangement is strictly professional, Sir,” I assure him.

She’s a client.

“I guess I just mean… I realize the situation I’m putting you both in.” He looks at me dead-on. “I just want to be clear: My daughter’s got a lot going for her. She deserves someone who can take care of her.”

I can read between the lines easily enough: She’s off-limits. I know that.

But at the implication... that her and I-

I stop the thought from happening.

I do my best to cool my temper, refusing to look away. “I can assure you: I’m not interested in your daughter, Sir.”

He nods, and when he finally looks away, I find myself rolling my neck as Taylor and Olivia stroll back inside. “Are you ready to head out soon?”

“Yeah.” I cast Harvey another glance. “Thank you for dinner, Sir. Goodnight.”

Olivia glances between us before Harvey pulls her in for a hug. “Love you. Text me when you get home. Don’t forget!”

She nods, hugging him tight. “I’ll add it to my planner.”