Henrik's surprise visit
Henrik is sprawled on the couch in the den, typing away on his phone. He’s wearing black loafers, dark blue skinny jeans, and a black t-shirt. I’m sure his outfit cost almost as much as my salary at the hospital. He has new blonde highlights and aviator sunglasses perched on his head. A leather jacket is crumpled on the couch next to him, like he just tossed it there and laid down.
“Oh my God, Henrik you startled me. I didn’t know you would be here.” I hang up my coat, pluck Alfred out of his stroller and walk into the den, trying not to sound annoyed at the unexpected visit.
Henrik sits up and shakes his head at me.
“So there’s my future sister-in-law and my favorite nephew. I’m really ticked off at you,” Henrik says, with a frown.
I pull back, surprised, and readjust Alfred. “What did I do?” I’m wracking my brain trying to think if I said anything to Evans about Henrik. We don’t really talk about him that much, except to joke about his partying ways. Even though I’m only a few years older than him, it sometimes feels like I’m ancient in comparison is out traveling the world, partying in exotic locations, and wearing fashionable clothes on the cover of magazines. Meanwhile, I consider it a wild night if I’m awake past 9pm. He makes me feel old even though I’m only in my mid-twenties.
Henrik’s face darkens. “You stole the headlines from me. You and your dirty hooking. Do you know how hard I work to maintain my status, and in one quick swoop you’ve pushed me to the D list.”
What? Is this stuff actually important to him?
I’m confused but try to smooth things over. “I’m—”
Henrik bursts out laughing. “Ciara, you have to learn to know when a Leonards’ is kidding you.” I smile—I should have seen that one coming. It’s the second time today that I’ve been tricked.
Henrik’s expression turns serious. “I hope you’re handling the tabloid news like I always do: with a shrug and a fuck you,” he says, illustrating his point by thrusting his middle finger in the air.
I smile, admiring his attitude . “I wish it was so easy. I’ve gotten really upset and my parents are devastated. But I’ll try to take your lead.”
“Don’t worry, before long you’ll be yesterday’s news, and everyone will be talking about my awesome new highlights.” He gestures towards his hair and I laugh again.
“So, why are you really here?” I ask, sitting down next to him on the couch.
“I’m in town for a shoot. I thought I could crash here for a few days? I don’t really want to stay with my mom, she gets a bit too needy,” he says, wrinkling his nose.
My heart swells. I’ll have someone else to talk to during the day besides Alfred and Bellina! And it’s always good to learn more about the family you’re marrying into. “Of course, you’re more than welcome to stay here as long as you need to.”
Henrik beams at me. “Great, thanks sis. I’m going to hop in the shower. I’m assuming I can use the guest bedroom?” I nod and he spins around and heads up the stairs.
I put Alfred in his playpen and hang up Henrik’s jacket, chattering to Alfred all about the fun we’re going to have with his Uncle Henrik. I wonder what he’d like for dinner? Should I ask Bellina to pick things up from the store?
I turn my head at the sound of the front door opening. Evans strolls in and I’m surprised to see that his shirt looks wrinkled and his hair is messy. Evan’s never that disheveled. I open my mouth to say hi, but he glares at me and cuts me off.
“Who did you tell about Murphy’s shooting?”