Page 128 of Driven Daddy

Rita came downstairs in a navy dress that reminded me of the one from the signing. It was soft and hugged her hips then flowed around her knees. She wore her favorite brown boots and had pinned her hair up in some twist thing that made me itch to pull it down.

I was at the kitchen island, making up our travel mugs with coffee. “I’ve got Betty all loaded up with the handouts.” Betty being Rita’s pet name for her SUV.

She laughed. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I never want to see a stapler again.”

I flexed my hand and the faint bruise on my palm. “Same, Duchess. Same.” Then I handed her the screaming neon pink one with the grinning flamingo on the side that I’d found for her while in Syracuse.

If someone had told me I’d be hunting down parts for an ancient printing press in my spare time this fall, I’d have laughed right in their face.

And yet, here I was.

The trip had been worth it on several levels. I’d discovered Rita loved random little presents, and I was more than happy to oblige. I had a backup gift in my trunk for the next time she needed a pick-me-up.

“Colette told us to park in the delivery bay at the back of the library.” She blew out a slow breath. “The parking lot is full.”

“According to my brother, quite a few came in last night to make sure they could get there early.”

“Thanks, I needed just a few more nerves to add to the pile.”

I laughed. “More like we boosted the local economy. The Haunt, The Spinning Wheel, and The Mason Jar all did a very brisk business last night. I bet Brewed Awakening is packed.” I picked up my mug. “Which is why you are getting my coffee instead.”

“Since it’s still Macy’s coffee, I’ll make do.” Suddenly, she put her mug down and shot across the room to the small bathroom and slammed the door.

“Duchess?” I followed her and flinched at the obvious sound of her throwing up.

“Sorry,” she said through the door. “I do this when I get really nervous.”

The memory of her telling me the story of her doing the same at the conference eased my sudden anxiety. “You sure you’re okay?”

She flushed and I heard the sound of the sink before she opened the door. “I’m just going to go upstairs and brush my teeth.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah, just give me a minute.” Then she disappeared up the stairs.

Was she really that upset? I didn’t want to make her sick all day.

She returned a few minutes later with a little case. “Just in case.” She skimmed by me before I could say anything.

I grabbed our mugs and caught up with her at the door, and then I followed her out.

She didn’t even bother making noises to drive. She simply got in the passenger side.

I got in on the driver’s side. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine. I get like this. Remember the conference?”

“Yeah, I do. I just want to make sure.”

“Luckily, I didn’t eat anything so I should be good now.” She took a tentative sip of her coffee and gave me a bright smile. “I’m good. I promise.”

I nodded, then I put the car in reverse and backed out of the drive.

She was quiet on the way to the library, her fingers flying over her phone.

I didn’t want to add to her nerves, so I kept my stupid mouth shut. When I parked, she slipped out the door before I could check on her again.

Colette was waiting at the loading dock. “I’m pretty sure everyone showed up.” She did a little shimmy and rushed downto help us. She’d opted for a sweater and jeans since she’d probably been running around the whole morning.

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