Page 38 of It Started at the Lake

That’s mostly true. I refrain from reminding her of the time she tried to cook Indian food. She mixed up the spices, and let’s just say, nothing but the store-bought naan bread was worth eating that night. “You’re a great cook, Mom.”

“Thank you.” She puts another blueberry on the fruit pizza. “Now, how’s your research project coming along?”

I shrug. “I haven’t started yet.” I’ve been too busy since arriving at the house. Which is a good thing compared to the last few years.

“In that case, would you like to help me do a little research for my next book?”

Immediately, I’m on guard. “What kind of research?” If it has anything to do with romance, I’m out.

“After her divorce, my heroine goes to Spain to research more about her great-grandparents and their families. She’s hoping to find a relative or two. Anyone, really, who she feels connected to. Since her ex-husband left her, she thinks she’s all alone.”

Our family helped me exponentially after Jen. They still do. I can’t imagine what it would be like not having someone to rely on during a difficult time. I rub my chest. How does Mom write about other people’s sorrow and not crumple under the pain? “What do you need from me?”

“Help me figure out what city in Spain she’s from. What the history of that area is so my heroine can discover what her family did for a living and why her grandparents would have left to come to America.”

This is a research project I can get behind. “Deal.”

She snags sliced strawberries off the cutting board, sprinkling them over the dessert. “Thank you, Bennett. You have no idea how much you’d be helping me. Since my assistant went on maternity leave, I’m doing more marketing than normal. It’s eating into my research and writing time.”

“Well,”—I smile—“at least you’re not asking me invasive questions about kissing like you did when I was a teenager.”

She laughs. “I was new to writing romance at the time. You’re free from an interrogation.”

“Thank you.”

“Emerson said you stayed home last night.”

I can’t handle this conversation again. “I should get this plate to Dad.”

She puts a palm on my cheek. “Bennett, my suggestion for you to get back out there was to help you move on. At least, help you figure out if maybe you’re ready, but need a little push. If you find a measure of joy in hanging around women, if you start looking at them differently, then you’re probably just scared and that’s what’s really holding you back.”

Yes, she said as much already. I raise my brows. “And if I do go out, you don’t want to know every little thought and feeling?”

Mom steps away, going back to the fruit pizza. “I’m your mom. Of course I’m interested, but only if you want to tell me.”

I scrub a hand through my hair, hardly believing I’m about to tell her my plans for tomorrow. “I might take your advice. Tomorrow, when everyone goes out dancing, I think I’ll go with them.”

Mom’s eyes well with tears. “I’m sorry you have to do it in the first place. I loved Jen.” She sniffles. “But I’m happy to see you're willing to put yourself back out there. Just promise me one thing?”

My muscles tense. “What?”

“Don’t give up too soon.”

CHAPTER 17

Camille

I drop into a fabric navy chair at the dining room table where the family is gathering for lunch. “Nowhere is hiring,” I complain to Evie who sits to my left. “I might have to go home, Evs. I need a job.” Every business I checked in with is already fully staffed for the summer. My car insurance is due at the end of June. I don’t have enough in my bank account to cover it. I need money.

Evie puts a hand on my forearm. “I don’t want you to leave. Have you checked into remote or online work?”

Becca comes into the dining room, holding a large bowl of garden salad. Even doing a mundane task like that, she’s elegant, friendly, and fashionable. “Who’s looking for online work?”

I sigh. “I am. No one in Stokesley is hiring.”

Becca sets the salad on the table, then takes a seat across from Evie and me. “What kind of job are you looking for?”

I snort. “At this point? Anything. Including scrubbing toilets.”

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