A Minor Technicality [Completed] *Slowly Editing*

Chapter 8 - Reluctant Explanations

Luca's POV

I watched Blythe follow Bekah deeper into the house, thankful that Bekah was such a sweet kid.  I knew that Blythe must be a little disconcerted to be in a strange home with not one familiar face in residence, but it already seemed that Bekah was going to take Blythe under her wing. I smiled as I thought of the two girls giggling and sharing secrets in Bekah's room. Sudden memories of Rachel and Alessandra doing just that played across my mind, and I felt a sudden pang of longing for my younger sister. I knew if anyone could understand my pain, Rachel would be that person. She and Ally had loved each other deeply. I began to mention my favorite memory of Ally and Rachel, only to turn and face the blazing eyes of my fiancée.

"Who the hell was that?" Rachel growled, her nostrils flaring unattractively.

"I told you, Rachel. She was put on the wrong bus and was all alone in a big city. I couldn't just abandon her." My tone grew more irritated as I explained myself. How could she judge me for helping an innocent child?

"You were supposed to be coming so we could work on our relationship, Luc," she grumbled. "How are we supposed to do that if you are looking after some kid?"

I stared at her, shocked at how cold her voice was. Could she not understand the need to protect someone young and alone in an unfamiliar place? Would she rather that I let the girl wander the streets hungry and alone? My anger began to grow, and I stared at her in disbelief.

"Do you really want to do this out here, Rach?" I narrowed my eyes at her, but she only huffed before scanning the street for onlookers. Her parents' estate was housed behind a large fence and an iron gate, but employees were always working in the yard, and Rachel hated to make a scene in public. Noticing a nearby gardener, she rolled her eyes and nodded at me.

"Fine," she muttered and stomped into the house. I followed closely behind, knowing the coming conversation would be anything but pleasant. As unhappy as Rachel was at that moment, she would be even angrier when she learned that I was only staying a couple of days. Sighing at that thought, I followed her as she led the way up the stairs and to her bedroom.

As usual, when I entered her bedroom, I felt like I'd just stepped into a high-end department store. Louis Vuitton and Coach would have been proud to set up shop in Rachel's personal corner of the world. I don't think she'd ever worn something that wasn't top dollar. She'd probably never seen the inside of a Walmart.

She tapped her foot impatiently as I entered the room. I trudged across the room and sat on a wing-backed chair near her balcony doors. Closing the door quite loudly, Rachel turned to face me. After moments of interminable silence, I raised an eyebrow in question.

"Well?" I asked, prompting her to start her inquisition.

"Why would you do this, Luc?" she murmured.

"What am I doing, Rachel?"

I locked eyes with her, trying to understand why Blythe's presence caused her such displeasure. It wasn't like I was totally bailing on the week together. We still had plenty of time to talk. While I didn't think talking would fix anything, I was open to the possibility. I hadn't completely given up hope, but I was pretty certain even a week together wouldn't save our floundering relationship.

"You aren't even trying, Luc." She pouted, making puppy dog eyes at me.

"How am I not trying, Rachel? I came, didn't I?"

I stood and stalked across the room, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"How are we supposed to work on us this week if you are watching some little kid?" Her anger was evident, but her voice was even as she spoke the sentence.