The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

46 - The hill

When Baxter passed Ivy a large bowl of popcorn, he laughed. "Did you see Charles's face when I asked for popcorn after dinner?"

Ivy giggled. "Where do you think he found it?"

"Walnut Street. I asked Mrs. Moran to send some over."

"You did? All that happened, and I didn't know."

"What happens in the kitchen is hidden."

Ivy shook her head. "I want an open kitchen where we can cook, like in Aspen."

"I'd like that too." She smiled. "What?" Her smile was contagious. She shook her head. "What?" He repeated.

"I was thinking of your kitchen. I can't imagine having a highchair in there."

His heart swelled. "A highchair, huh?"

"It was a thought I had."

He put the popcorn down and pulled her closer. "How soon are you envisioning a highchair?"

She giggled nervously. "Not for a while. I'm just finishing school."

"Someday, I want to live in that house." He dreamed of his father's study although it would mean his father would be gone. "Not to ruin your vision, but there's a breakfast room off the kitchen. Do you think we ate in the dining room every meal? We had to prove we were ready to sit still and quiet."

"Did your parents eat with you in the breakfast room?"

Baxter smiled at the memory. "Yes, but it was like they were breaking their own rules. It only happened when one wasn't home. Mother sat with us for plenty of lunches. When she went out in the evening alone, my father would join us for dinner. Those were special times. We laughed." Ivy frowned. "What's wrong? Didn't you laugh?"

"We did. Even when they argued I knew they loved me. I wasn't going to tell you?"

"What's wrong?"

"It's Eleanor. She said her man isn't visiting anymore."

Baxter's jaw dropped. "They were together on Saturday night."

"What does this mean for us?"

Baxter shook his head. "I don't know."

Did his mother stop his father or did Ellie stand up to him? He suspected his relationship with Ivy had affected their affair. Baxter believed in monogamy, but also true love, so he felt torn. His relationship shouldn't hurt others, but it had.

"Are you okay?" Ivy put her hand on his thigh. The warmth comforted him.

"Yeah. The show is about to start."

"Do you think he won?"

Baxter shook his head. "No one will let him win. They know his background."

"Because he's a rich kid?"

The introduction played. Baxter pointed. "They're all playing for a million dollars. Would you give a million to me or a person raised like you?"

She smiled. "I'd give it to me."

He laughed. "I'll share my money with you, but you made my point. He goes for the fun and the competition. I'm sure he didn't expect to take home the prize."

"Look at him cuddled up. I'm surprised he didn't continue to see his friend."

Baxter occasionally worried he liked reality TV, so he reminded himself he only watched for Kasper. And cooking shows.

Half way through the finale, Kasper lost his spot on the island. He had come in third place. No one wanted to take the chance he might have won. Baxter laughed as his cocky brother winked at the camera. He texted him. "Sorry."