Tulli retreated to the bedroom she’d shared with her sisters for the last two evenings, relieved to find that harmony reigned.
Lara sat in the big overstuffed armchair, reading a book, and Mischa was curled up comfortably on the bed, and it sounded as though she was humming to herself.
Lara glanced up and smiled.
“Joel was singing songs to her this morning, and it seems one or two of them have struck a chord with Mischa. She just keeps humming them over and over. It’s a bit like a broken record.”
Tulli sat on the edge of the bed and took one of Mischa’s hands in hers.
“What’s that you’re humming, Mischa? Hmm? Do you know the words, or are we gonna sing ‘La-la-la’, like we used to in church when we were little?” She asked, rubbing her finger over the back of Mischa’s hand. “Remember when we used to sing louder than the choir, and mama used to be mortified?”
Lara snorted a laugh, and Tulli could have sworn that Mischa’s eyes crinkled with laughter.
“We’ll be going to stay with Candy and Ryan Tucker tomorrow.” Tulli glanced around at Lara. “Probably best if we pack everything ready tonight, just in case we have to leave with any urgency.”
“Is that likely?” Lara’s eyes darkened. “Is there any imminent threat?”
“Nope.” Tulli kept her voice light, so as not to alarm Mischa. “But it never hurts to be prepared, right?”
Mischa carried on humming, although the tune had changed.
“Hey, I recognise these. They’re showtunes, right?” She laughed. “Who would have thought Joel would be singing her showtunes?”
“He’s rehearsing at a drama club for some sort of show they’re putting on for the family.” Lara smiled. “He’s got a lovely voice, with such a mellow tone. I think that’s why Mischa has taken to him.”
“Well, if we’re at the Tucker’s house for more than a few days, we’ll have to ask if it would be Ok if he visited us there.” Tulli smiled at her baby sister. “You really like your new friend, don’t you Mischa?”
It would have been too much to hope that her sister would answer her, but she wouldn’t stop hoping.
“Is it my imagination, or is Mischa not the only one who likes their new friend?”
Tulli glanced around at Lara, shocked by her sister’s forthright question.
“Sorry?” She mumbled. “I’m not sure…”
“Oh, come off it!” Lara smiled. “I’ve seen the way you and Gregor have been glancing at each other. I’m just trying to decide whether to call it an instant attraction, or lust at first sight.”
Tulli could feel her cheeks heating up.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She protested. “Gregor has been an absolute gentleman. He’s such a kind, sweet man.”
“He is a kind man, that’s true.” Lara nodded. “But if I’m not mistaken, you had a very high colour in your cheeks when you came up here, and your lips look… well-used, I’d say, if I had to describe them.”
Tulli’s hand shot to her lips automatically, and she realised too late that Lara had been fishing for information.
“Hah!” Lara announced triumphantly. “The two of you have been kissing! I knew it!”
Tulli glanced at her sister, unsure of how to explain herself.
“Do you think it’s wrong of me to like him?” She whispered. “After everything those men did to us, and what they continued to do to the other women, do you think there’s something wrong with me?”
Lara frowned at her.
“Why should I think there’s something wrong with you?” She asked. “Gregor is a nice man who treats you with respect, and he obviously likes you a lot. You’d be mad not to find him attractive.”
“But… he’s a man.” Tulli repeated. “We’ve seen what men are capable of. Shouldn’t I hate him? Shouldn’t I be repelled by him?”
Lara stood and walked to her, holding out her hands to pull Tulli away from the bed, and presumably away from where Mischa could hear them.
“Tulli, those monsters in Colombia weren’t men, not in any sense of the word. They were animals, running with the pack.” Lara spat out. “Real men are like the ones who saved us. Like Alex and his Marine friends, and like the guys who came down from Alex’s family. Real men are like Gregor, willing to do anything in his power to make his daughter safe. Real men are like our father and brother, who treated our mom and us with respect, encouraging us to do the best we could in school, and make something of ourselves.”
Tulli nodded, knowing what Lara said was right. She couldn’t remember hearing her father ever raise his voice with their mom, let alone show her any aggression.
“Tulli, if you find Gregor attractive, and you feel something for him, don’t be afraid to show him.” Lara squeezed her hand. “You deserve to be happy after everything we’ve been through, and everything you did for mom. Mischa and I owe you big time for the extra years of carefree youth you gave us. It’s your time now. You need to embrace that.”
Tulli glanced at Mischa. Hadn’t she just traded caring for one relative for another.
“Don’t you worry about Mischa.” Lara insisted. “She and I are doing just fine.”
“But what about you?” Tulli asked. “Charlie seems to have a soft spot for you. He never takes his eyes off you when he’s here with Joel.”
Lara glanced down at her hands.
“Charlie’s a good man, too.” She nodded. “And if I’d met him before we travelled to Colombia, I’d have been thrilled if he showed me any attention. He’s the sort of guy who ticks every box… tall, handsome, sexy, intelligent, kind, and thoughtful. Then you add how much he cares for his family, and he’s just the perfect package.”
“But…?” Tulli prompted.
“But, I’m not as brave as you, Tulli.” Lara whispered. “I’m not as strong, and not as ready to trust again. As much as I want to… I just can’t.”
“You’re going to have to tell him that.” Tulli sighed. “If he is sweet on you, you can’t keep him on the line if you’re not going to reel him in.”
Lara snorted a laugh.
“You have such a lovely way with words, sis.” She grinned. “That’s something that mom would have come out with.”
“Nevertheless, it’s true.” Tulli insisted. “If Charlie continues to show an interest, then you have to have that conversation with him. Right?”
“I will, I promise.” Lara nodded. “And if Gregor wants to carry on kissing you, you have to let him. Right?”
Tulli smiled.
“Oh, if I must!” She sighed dramatically, before giggling.
“Well, make the most of it.” Lara suggested. “Especially if we’re going to Mr Tucker’s place tomorrow. I guess Gregor isn’t coming with us?”
“No, he’s staying here.” Tulli’s smile faded.
“Then I think you’d better make the most of today then.” Lara insisted. “At least spend some time with him and get to know him better. Make sure you haven’t got a case of hero-worship, just because he’s the guy that sent the team down to Colombia that rescued us.”
“Do you think that’s what this is?” Tulli hadn’t even considered the possibility.
“Nope, not for one second.” Lara shook her head. “But it’s a good reason for you to spend some more time with Gregor today. Make sure you’re seeing him for who he is, not what he represents.”
Tulli nodded, as she stared at Lara with newfound respect.
“When the heck did you get so smart?”